DEXA Scan Risks to Keep in Mind

A DEXA scan is a noninvasive diagnostic procedure used to measure bone mineral density. In simple terms, it is a bone density test that measures the strength of your bones. This bone density test uses DEXA or dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry scans. From the name itself, you know that this test makes use of X-ray to measure the density of your bones. Read more about oec 9800.

Not all people are required to get DEXA scans. You have to know if you are the right candidate for this type of procedure or not. You have to see your doctor get checked and see if you need this kind of diagnostic test. For some people, their doctors recommend them to get DEXA scans every couple of years. The primary purpose of doing this is to treat severe bone loss among patients. Some doctors advise their patients to get a DEXA scan to find the possibility of bone loss. Patients 65 years and over are often required by their doctors to get these scans. However, men and women below this age may or may not get these scans. To learn more about c arms, follow the link.

There are many instances where getting DEXA scans is not necessary for some patients, such as yourself. You have to know that the majority of people do not suffer from severe bone loss. If some people don’t have bone loss, some have only mild bone loss. You know these people because they are the ones whose risk of breaking a bone are low. These people are not candidates for this diagnostic test. If you suffer from mild bone loss, your doctor may recommend that you exercise regularly and get enough supply of vitamin D and calcium to your body. These measures help manage slight bone loss or prevent the occurrence of bone loss.

You should not be quick to decide to get DEXA scans. Again, you have to seek medical advice from your doctor if you require this procedure. There are risks with DEXA scans like all other diagnostic tests out there. If you undergo a DEXA scan, you will receive a small amount of radiation. A tiny amount may not harm you. However, their harmful effects may add up as you get many DEXA scans as you can. If your doctor does not recommend you to get this kind of procedure, you should avoid getting one while you still can. Increase your knowledge now through visiting this site https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/X-ray. 

So, who should get a DEXA scan? Women beginning age 65 and up should get regular bone scans. The same goes for men age 70 and above. For men and women aging 50 to 69, they should consider getting these DEXA scans if they have severe bone loss risk factors that their doctors will help identify.