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Learn about the DEXA!
In this article I want to explain what the DEXA scan does and does NOT look at when it comes to BONE STRENGTH.
Two components make up BONE STRENGTH:
- Bone DENSITY
- Bone QUALITY
The DEXA scan is used to diagnose osteoporosis by measuring bone DENSITY. Bone DENSITY refers to the amount of bone mineral in your skeletal structure.
However, the DEXA scan does NOT measure bone QUALITY so you are not getting the full picture of BONE STRENGTH.
The DEXA score used to diagnose osteoporosis is the T-SCORE.
The T-SCORE compares an individual’s bones with the bones of a healthy 30 year-old.
The breakdown of the T-SCORE is as follows:
- A T-score of -1.0 or higher is normal bone density.
- A T-score of -1.1 to -2.4 indicates osteopenia, or low bone density.
- A T-score of -2.5 or lower indicates osteoporosis.
Because the DEXA scan ONLY measures bone DENSITY and NOT bone QUALITY, it is not providing the whole picture when it comes to fracture risk.
I have had patients with “bad” DEXA numbers who are doing well and have never fractured. I have patients with “better” DEXA numbers who have come to me after healing from a fracture.
This is why I tell my patients NOT to get worked up over the actual numbers from the DEXA scan.
FURTHERMORE . . .
To better explain why the DEXA scan is not giving you the full picture, I must discuss bone QUALITY.
Bone QUALITY refers to the structure of the bone.
Research is finding that a denser bone doesn’t necessarily mean a stronger bone.
Also, research is showing that bone QUALITY, the structure of the bone, is actually MORE important in determining fracture risk!!
ECHOLIGHT
This is where the ECHOLIGHT TECHNOLOGY has become so important!!
The ECHOLIGHT technology has recently made its way to the USA and measures bone DENSITY and bone QUALITY.
The ECHOLIGHT technology is becoming more available and widely used as a more accurate representation of BONE STRENGTH.
REMEMBER!!!!
Don’t let your numbers on the DEXA scare you or give you anxiety! Take it as a motivator to get active and begin exercising to build bone!
If you need somewhere to start, signup for my FREE starter exercise course below!!
FREE STARTER COURSE HERE!
