Low bone density is one of the important risk factors for osteoporosis. It alone does not predict whether you'll have a future fracture, but it is one of the 4 or 5 high ranking risk factors. Currently osteoporosis and osteopenia are diagnosed according to bone density. There are several different ways to assess bone density to see if it is adequate for your gender and age. Results are generally given in numbers as a "T score" and "Z score," most often in grams per cubic centimeter.

Your T score compares your bone density to that of an ideal young standard of the same gender. The Z score compares density to that of other people your same age and sex. The DEXA, SPA, Ultrasound, and QCT are the most common bone density tests used today.

Bone Density Screening Tests
The DEXA measures the bone density in your spine and hip; it is one of the most precise tests--the gold standard for most physicians. The SPA (single-photon absorptiometry) is a radiation scanning technique that measures bones such as the wrist or heel. It doesn't tell us about the density of bones that are most likely to fracture from osteoporosis such as the hip and spine. Measurements of the heel, however, are good sight screening tests for osteoporosis of the spine and hip. Ultrasound uses sound waves to estimate the strength of certain bones such as the heel, wrist, or finger. Finally, the QCT is another radiation-based technology which measures the central bones such as spinal vertebrae.

If you have low bone density and are concerned about your health, contact Dr. Brown. She can help you estimate your real risk of fracture, understand your bone density tests, and develop a life-supporting Better Bones, Better Body Alkaline Diet®. She can also discuss your concerns about drug therapy and develop a program to enhance immunity and reduce overall inflammation.