4. How can I find out if I have weak bones?

Osteoporosis is often called a "silent disease" because bone loss occurs without symptoms. People may not know that they have osteoporosis until their bones become so weak that a sudden strain, bump or fall causes a fracture or a vertebra to collapse. Collapsed vertebrae may initially be felt or seen in the form of severe back pain, loss of height, or spinal deformities such as kyphosis or stooped posture. A bone mineral density test (BMD) is the only way to tell if you have osteoporosis. A bone density test can:

• Detect osteoporosis before a fracture occurs


• Predict your chances of fracturing in the future


• Determine your rate of bone loss and/or monitor the effects of treatment if the test is conducted at intervals of a year or more.

Your bone density is compared to two standards, or norms, known as "age matched" and "young normal." The age-matched reading compares your bone density to what is expected in someone of your age, sex and size. The young normal reading compares your density to the optimal peak bone density of a healthy young adult of the same sex.
The information from a bone density test enables your doctor to identify where you stand within ranges of normal and to determine whether you are at risk for fracture. In general, the lower your bone density, the higher your risk for fracture. Test results will help you and your doctor decide the best course of action for your bone health.
BMD tests cannot stand alone; they should always be a part of a complete medical workup supervised by a knowledgeable doctor.

Reference images by: Atlas of Postmenopausal Osteoporosis, Second Edition. Rene Rizzoli. France. Kapp Lahure Jombart. 2004.

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