Shabbir Ahmad
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“Discover Your Bone Health with Dexa Scan in Alamogordo”
Dexa Scan Alamgordo, As people age, their bones become more fragile and prone to fractures. Maintaining good bone health is essential for an active and healthy life. One of the most effective ways to assess bone density and detect osteoporosis is through a DEXA scan. Alamogordo, a city in New Mexico, offers access to this advanced medical imaging technology, which has revolutionized bone health diagnosis and management.
What is DEXA Scan?
Dexa Scan Alamgordo (Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry) scan is a non-invasive, low-radiation medical imaging technology that measures bone mineral density. The test is painless and takes only a few minutes to complete. The patient lies on a table while a scanner arm passes over their body, emitting low-dose X-rays. The device measures the amount of radiation absorbed by the bones, which provides a picture of the bone density and mineral content. DEXA scan is most commonly used to diagnose osteoporosis, a disease that causes bones to become weak and brittle.
Who Should Get a DEXA Scan?
A DEXA scan is recommended for women aged 65 years and above and men aged 70 years and above. Younger people who have risk factors for osteoporosis, such as low body weight, smoking, and family history, may also need to get a DEXA scan. In some cases, a DEXA scan may be recommended for people who have experienced a fracture due to minimal trauma or for those who are receiving long-term steroid therapy.
What to Expect During a DEXA Scan in Alamogordo?
If your doctor recommends a DEXA scan, you can schedule an appointment with a healthcare provider in Alamogordo who offers this service. The procedure is quick, painless, and requires no special preparation. However, you may be asked to avoid taking calcium supplements or any medications that contain calcium on the day of the exam.
During the exam, you will lie on a padded table while the scanner arm passes over your body. The technician will instruct you to remain still and may ask you to hold your breath for a few seconds. The entire exam usually takes between 10 to 30 minutes, depending on the number of sites being scanned.
After the exam, you can resume your daily activities immediately. The technician will send the results to your healthcare provider, who will discuss the findings with you during a follow-up appointment.
Why DEXA Scan is Important for Bone Health?
DEXA scan is a crucial tool in assessing bone health, detecting osteoporosis, and preventing fractures. Osteoporosis is a common condition that affects millions of people worldwide, and it often goes undiagnosed until a fracture occurs. A DEXA scan can detect osteoporosis in its early stages, allowing for timely intervention to prevent further bone loss and fractures.
The results of a DEXA scan are reported as a T-score, which compares the patient’s bone density to that of a healthy young adult of the same gender. A T-score of -1 or above is considered normal, while a T-score between -1 and -2.5 indicates low bone mass or osteopenia. A T-score of -2.5 or below is classified as osteoporosis.
Based on the DEXA scan results, your healthcare provider may recommend lifestyle changes, such as increasing calcium and vitamin D intake, weight-bearing exercises, and fall prevention strategies. In some cases, medication may also be prescribed to slow down bone loss or increase bone density.
Where to Get a DEXA Scan in Alamogordo?
Several healthcare providers in Alamogordo offer DEXA scan services, including hospitals, clinics, and imaging centers. Your primary care physician can refer you to a provider who offers this service or you can directly search
During a DEXA scan, the patient lies on a padded table, and the scanner arm passes over their body, emitting low-dose X-rays. The scanner arm contains two X-ray sources that emit two different energy levels of X-ray beams. These beams pass through the bone, and the amount of radiation absorbed by the bone is measured by a detector located beneath the patient’s body.
Dexa Scan Alamgordo How Its Work?
A DEXA (Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry) scan is a non-invasive medical imaging technology that uses low-dose X-rays to measure bone density. The scan works by passing two different energy levels of X-ray beams through the bone, allowing for the measurement of the amount of radiation absorbed by the bone. This measurement provides an accurate picture of the bone density and mineral content.
The DEXA scan measures bone density at the hip and spine, which are the most common sites of fractures due to osteoporosis. The scan can also be used to measure bone density in the forearm and the whole body. The entire procedure takes only a few minutes, and the patient experiences no discomfort.
After the DEXA scan, the results are reported as a T-score, which compares the patient’s bone density to that of a healthy young adult of the same gender. The T-score is a standard deviation from the average bone density of a young adult. A T-score of -1 or above is considered normal bone density, while a T-score between -1 and -2.5 indicates low bone mass or osteopenia. A T-score of -2.5 or below is classified as osteoporosis.
A DEXA scan is an important tool in the diagnosis and management of osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is a common condition that affects millions of people worldwide, and it often goes undiagnosed until a fracture occurs. A DEXA scan can detect osteoporosis in its early stages, allowing for timely intervention to prevent further bone loss and fractures.
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Conclusion:
In conclusion, a DEXA scan is a safe, quick, and painless way to assess bone density and detect osteoporosis. People who are at risk of osteoporosis, such as postmenopausal women, older adults, and those with risk factors, should consider getting a DEXA scan. Several healthcare providers in Alamogordo offer DEXA scan services, and your primary care physician can refer you to a provider who offers this service.
