Today, many people get alarmed when their healthcare facilitators ask them to go for the DEXA scan. It is one of the famous methods of detecting damage to your bone.

If your doctor suspects that you have osteoporosis, you have to go for a DEXA bone scan. It does have its limitations, but due to the several benefits it offers, the doctors still recommend this treatment. This is why it is still one of the common methods of treatment.

Always remember to follow the recommendations of your doctors. But, if you are not sure about the accuracy of the DEXA body scan, then dive in!

What is DEXA Scan?

DEXA scan is also known as the bone density test, which examines the amount of calcium and fats present in your bones, i.e. your bone density, whether your bones are weak or not.

There are several reasons that your doctor recommends you to go for it. Hence, a DEXA body scan is the best way to measure DEXA scan body fat. However, no special preparation is needed, and it usually lasts for twenty-five to thirty minutes. Don’t worry, it is safer than X-rays.

You will be asked to lie down on the X-ray table, and you have to stay still until you are asked. Then, the arm of the machine moves over your body to scan the bones of your hips, wrist, and back.

With the help of the scanner, the data is translated into graphs or pictures. Only an expert can read the data and understand the presence of masses inside your bone.

Another reason that the DEXA bone density test is safe is that you don’t have to lie down in an enclosed space. So, claustrophobic patients do not feel uncomfortable during the process.

After the results are obtained, your doctor might prescribe some drugs or change your diet. However, it is only after the tests that your doctor might ask you to increase the intake of calcium or vitamin D.

The reason doctors recommend it is because it measures the density into three separate components, which reduces the chances of error. The doctor cannot make any assumptions. The treatment is only recommended after the analysis of the images.

But, if you are still stressed about it, read DEXA scan guidelines for your assurance.

Why is DEXA Scan Recommended?

This test gives several details about the health of your bones. There are various reasons that your doctor might recommend the DEXA exam or DEXA body scan to you.

• After your bones are damaged because of an accident
• If you have arthritis that can lead to lower bone density
• If you are taking drugs such as glucocorticoids for more than three months
• Missed your periods for a year
• Heavy drinker or chain smoker
• If you are a postmenopausal woman
• You are over fifty
• You have a broken hip
• The doctor might suspect the symptoms of osteoporosis
• Your BMI is not normal
• Some diseases such as diabetes, lupus, etc., can make your bones weak, and thus, it is essential that you check the health of your bones.

Uses of DEXA SCAN

The several uses of DEXA body scan are as follows:

• When your doctor wants you to switch your diet, your bone health improves.
• After a DEXA scan, your doctor might ask you to increase your exposure to the Sun to check whether you have vitamin D deficiency or not.
• If you are already on medications, it might be necessary to check your bone health.
• If you are over fifty, then your doctor might want to examine your bone health. Measures will be taken to prevent it from breaking.
• When your doctor wants to track the health of your bone.
• If you are an osteoporosis patient, your doctor might want to understand your response to the specific treatments.
• After the results, your doctor might increase your calcium intake so you are not in a calcium

Limitations of Diagnostic Imaging Network: DEXA Scan

Despite the ongoing debate over the reliability of the DEXA scan, the doctors still recommend it. Let your doctor decide whether this treatment is good for you or not. The major disadvantage is that it can be expensive, so not everyone can afford it.

The major limitation of the DEXA body scan is that it does not produce accurate results if you have osteoarthritis. Other than that, if you have suffered from some spinal fractures, then false results might be produced. In addition, this scan does not show the low bone mineral density because of a lack of vitamin D or osteoporosis.

Moreover, there are times when your doctor might not recommend this treatment because your condition might be obvious. But, this doesn’t make this bone density scan inaccurate.

Is DEXA body Scan Safe?

Yes, a DEXA body scan is safe because these rays’ radiations are less strong than the other X-rays. In addition, the machine uses rays that are much safer than the rays of any other machine. Thus, if your doctor has recommended you a DEXA body scan you should go for it without hesitation.

If you are over fifty years of age, you should go for a DEXA scan NJ after every two years. In this way, you can take precautions and improve your bone health.

But, be honest about your medical history and let your doctor decide whether it is good for you or not. Hence, your health care facilitator will consider factors such as your age, level of risk, the course of your current medications, etc.

If your healthcare facilitator has recommended a bone density test to you or a DEXA body scan you should discuss the treatment goals. Moreover, you can ask questions regarding your safety if you are confused about it.

Conclusion

Ensure you prioritize your well-being and go for the DEXA bone scan as soon as your healthcare facilitator asks you to.

Look for affordable imaging or diagnostic services centers by searching for DEXA scan centers near me, and don’t panic. Because out of all the available treatment options, this is still the most accurate one.