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The Importance of Bone Density

The scan provides you with a T-score. A Simple, Painless Test

When taking a bone density measurement, you doctor will use x-rays to measure the mineral density of a segment of bone. The doctor looks to see if enough calcium and other minerals are in that segment of bone to ensure strong, healthy bones.

Usually a bone density test is taken of the bones that are most likely to become thin and break easily. The lumbar vertebrae of the lower spine, the upper section of the femur, and the bones of the forearm and wrist are the most common places for a bone density test.

The test is fast and easy. You don't have do anything to prepare for it. And the test is completely painless. In fact, it has become common for pharmacies and health fairs to offer bone density screening. In other words, there's no reason not to have your bone density checked.

When you complete a bone density test, your doctor (or the person doing the test) will give you your results in the form of a T-score. If your T-score is above -1 then your bones are normal, healthy, and strong. If your score is between -1 and -2.5, then your bones are beginning to thin and you are at risk of osteoporosis. A score lower than -2.5 indicates that you already have osteoporosis.

We can all agree that maintaining bone density is important. Certain types of exercise are very beneficial in maintaining and building bone density. What then do endurance athletes need to know about maintaining and building bone density?

As we age we tend to loose bone density. This, however, can be prevented through exercise. It is important to be clear about what types of exercise can stimulate and maintain bone density. Many studies have shown that weight training is effective in building bone density but what about cardiovascular exercise?

Weight bearing exercise has been shown to be the deciding factor in building bone mass via cardiovascular activities. What does weight bearing mean? Weight bearing simply means that you support your whole body weight while doing the activity. Examples of weight bearing activity are running, walking, cross country skiing and rollerblading.

It takes 20 minutes or less to perform the test. It is non-invasive, which means, it does not penetrate the body's skin. The test causes no pain and is performed with low levels of radiation, less than from a typical chest x-ray. The DEXA scan measures your BMD at the spine and hip. Other locations are occasionally measured during the scan.

A common way to measure your bone mineral density is with a DXA scan. This scan is also known as dual X-ray absorptiometry.