Osteoporosis screenings
What is osteoporosis screening?
Osteoporosis screening is a diagnostic process aimed at evaluating your susceptibility to osteoporosis, a condition that renders bones more fragile and prone to fractures, typically occurring in adulthood.
For individuals already diagnosed with osteoporosis, this screening also serves to assess the risk of fractures associated with the condition, often manifesting in the hip, wrist, or spine. Our Osteoporosis Monitoring and Treatment services are available for those seeking comprehensive care.
How frequently should I undergo osteoporosis screening?
While osteoporosis can affect individuals of any age, screening guidelines advise that women aged 65 and older, with normal or slightly below-normal bone density, undergo screening every 15 years. For those with significant bone mass loss or recent osteoporosis-related fractures, more frequent screenings (every 1 to 2 years) are recommended.
Who is at risk for osteoporosis?
Several factors may elevate the risk of developing osteoporosis:
Age: The likelihood of osteoporosis increases with age.
Gender: While men can develop osteoporosis, it is more common in women.
Race: Individuals of European or Asian descent are more prone to osteoporosis.
Family history: A family history of osteoporosis suggests a genetic predisposition.
Lifestyle: Smoking, poor dietary choices, sedentary lifestyle, alcohol abuse, and prolonged use of certain medications (such as corticosteroids) contribute to osteoporosis.
Alcohol/tobacco consumption: Excessive and long-term use of alcohol or tobacco increases osteoporosis risk.
Low physical activity: Regular exercise helps maintain calcium in bones and prevents falls, reducing the risk of osteoporosis fractures.
Hormones: Abnormal estrogen or testosterone levels can lead to osteoporosis.
Medical conditions: Conditions like celiac disease, kidney or liver disease, cancer, and rheumatoid arthritis may heighten osteoporosis risk.
What are the symptoms of osteoporosis?
Osteoporosis symptoms may go unnoticed until a fracture occurs, but subtle signs of increased bone fragility include:
Back pain
Unexplained weight or height loss
Bone fractures from minimal force or falling
What happens during an osteoporosis screening?
In an osteoporosis screening, a healthcare provider typically assesses bone density by measuring bone mass in areas like fingers, wrists, or heels. Results guide the determination of osteoporosis risk, and recommendations for preventive measures, such as supplements or lifestyle changes, are provided based on the assessment.
When should I visit Cohen Care for an osteoporosis screening?
If you are at a heightened risk of osteoporosis, scheduling an in-person visit at your local Cohen Care is advisable. Notably, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends osteoporosis screenings for women aged 65 and older.