After your scan

After the results of your scan have been explained to you, you will be advised on the best course of action to take. this is dependent upon the results.

Normal bone density

Advice on dietary and lifestyle measures including supplementation to prevent the onset of osteoporosis. If you are a woman entering the menopause, it may be appropriate to discuss other medical options. You will be referred back to your GP if necessary.

Some loss of bone density

Depending on the degree of bone loss, it may again be necessary to refer you back to your GP for further testing to rule out specific causes of bone weakening and for females, to discuss hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Supplementation, dietary and lifestyle changes are also important to consider here.

Osteoporosis

If the scan indicates this diagnosis you will be advised of the appropriate dietary supplementation and lifestyle adaptations. There are several drugs available which have demonstrated reductions in likelihood of hip, wrist and spinal fractures. Your GP will be able to advise you.

Scans cost £39. Please phone 07739 580757 for appointments or any further advice.

Osteoporosis

 World Health Organisation definition 1994:

“a skeletal disease characterised by low bone mass and deterioration of the micro architecture of bone tissue with a consequent increase in bone fragility and susceptibility to low trauma fractures.”

Incidence

The National Osteoporosis Society (UK) state that at least 1 in 3 women and 1 in 12 men will develop osteoporosis.

Causes of osteoporosis

The precise causes of osteoporosis and why some people are affected to a greater degree than others are not well understood. There is an imbalance between the cells which make bone (osteoblasts) and the cells, which absorb bone (osteoclasts) leading to thinning of the bone structure. The problem is one of bone quantity, not bone quality.

Normally, bone mass in both males and females increases to a peak at around age 30. After this, bone is slowly lost for men. Women have a sudden increase in bone loss at the menopause. This is related to loss of oestrogen. After 60 years of age the rate of bone loss is the same for men and women.

Risk factors

Some things are known to increase the likelihood of osteoporosis.

1) Genetic

• A family history of osteoporosis or fracture

• Caucasian or Asian ethnicity

• Low body mass index (<19) (body mass index is your weight in kilograms divided by your height in metres squared)

2) Lifestyle

• Smoking

• Excess alcohol

• Sedentary or prolonged immobilisation

3) Medical conditions

• Anorexia nervosa

• Rheumatoid arthritis

• Early menopause (<45 years of age)

• Lack of periods for more than 1 year

• Hyperthyroidism

• Primary hyperparathyroidism

• Cushings disease/syndrome

• Chronic kidney, lung or bowel disease (e.g. celiac, Crohn's, ulcerative colitis)

4) Drugs

• Chronic corticosteroid therapy (>1year)

• Thyroid therapy

• Anticoagulants

• Anticonvulsants

• Chemotherapy

Symptoms

There are no symptoms associated with osteoporosis until a fracture occurs. Common sites for fractures include the spine, hip and wrist.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of osteoporosis is commonly made after a fracture has occurred. An x-ray may show reduced bone density, although for this to be visible, >30% of bone loss must have occurred.

Diagnosis of osteoporosis before a fracture can only be made accurately by measuring the density of the bones with a specialised piece of equipment, known as a dexa scanner.

This can allow proper management of the condition to be initiated before there is dangerous loss of bone mass and the risk of fracture becomes significant.

A bone mineral density scan should be considered:

• When there are risk factors present

• For women nearing or going through the menopause

• For both men and women over the age of 65

Dexa scanning with Cleve Chiropractic at the Old School Surgery

The dexa scan is a safe, quick and accurate method of measuring bone density.The scanner uses a very low dose of x-rays to measure the bone density at the end of the forearm which provides a picture of your overall bone density.

The scan is painless and completed in approximately 5 minutes.

There is no waiting for results as the scanner provides the bone density readings immediately.

Your results will be explained to you and you will be advised of the best course of action to be followed.

A copy of your scan results will also be sent to your GP to keep your medical records up to date.

Should your results indicate a diagnosis of osteoporosis, you will be referred back to your GP for appropriate medical treatment.