Strong Bones for a Stronger Future
Good bone density plays a key role in your long-term health. Strong bones help you avoid fractures and stay active. If you’re having osteoporosis symptoms or are at risk for developing osteoporosis or osteopenia, the Bone Density Clinic at AdventHealth Tampa is here to support you at every age.
When you’re in our care, you can count on us to work closely with your primary care provider. We’ll measure your bone density and recommend lifestyle modifications or medications to improve it. Our goal is to help you build new bone, prevent or manage osteoporosis, and avoid fractures.
What Is Osteoporosis?
Osteoporosis is a bone disease that develops most often in people over 65. It causes your bones to weaken over time and increases your risk of a fragility fracture. A fragility fracture is a bone break that happens when you fall from standing height. Once you’ve had a fracture, your risk doubles for having another fracture within a year.
Osteoporosis can affect anyone but is more common in women. Approximately half of all postmenopausal women will have an osteoporotic fracture in their lifetime. Other contributing factors include:
- Age
- Alcohol use
- Chronic inflammatory or endocrine conditions
- Inadequate physical activity
- Smoking
- Various medications
Osteoporosis symptoms often go unnoticed. In many cases, there are no obvious signs of bone loss until a fracture occurs, which is why osteoporosis is sometimes called a “silent” disease. Knowing your risk factors can help you take proactive steps, starting with a conversation with your health care provider to determine whether DEXA screening or preventive steps may be right for you.
Take Action Early With a Bone Density Scan
We use a noninvasive imaging test called a dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) scan to measure your bone density. Your bone density is the level of calcium and other minerals in your bones. Higher levels equal stronger bones. A DEXA scan lets us assess your chance of a fracture and track your risk of developing osteoporosis. A DEXA scan provides two distinct scores:
- T-score: This score tells us how your bone density compares to a healthy 30-year-old.
- Z-score: This score tells us how your bone density compares to someone of the same age, sex and size.
For both scores, lower values indicate weaker bones and a higher risk of fractures.
Understanding Causes of Bone Loss and Injury
Other conditions can also affect your bone health, including:
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Calcium Disorders
When the calcium level in your blood is too high or too low, you can be at risk for increased fractures.
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Endocrine Disorders
These conditions develop when your thyroid levels are too high or too low and can lower bone density and increase your fracture risk.
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Osteopenia
Think of this condition as pre-osteoporosis. It’s characterized by low bone density. Making improvements to your lifestyle can support your bone health.
Caring for Your Bone Health, Every Step of the Way
There’s no cure for osteoporosis, but preventive treatments can strengthen your bones. We take a comprehensive, team-based approach to your bone health. Our compassionate orthopedic specialists evaluate your unique risk factors to help determine which treatment options would work best for you.
Bone Health Treatments We Offer
Osteoporosis doesn’t have to hold you back. With the right support, you can keep moving forward with strength and confidence. We offer a full range of osteoporosis treatment options to strengthen your bones and reduce your fracture risk.
Lifestyle Modifications
Up to 85% of your bone health is inherited. If osteoporosis runs in your family, you can proactively protect your bone health by avoiding alcohol, smoking and vaping, and getting enough calcium, vitamin D and protein in your diet.
Regular Exercise
In addition to building your muscles, regular exercise also strengthens your bones. Weight-bearing exercises stimulate bone-building cells, boosting bone density and reducing bone loss. Exercise also improves your balance and coordination, so you’re less likely to fall and experience a fracture.
Medications
If you have very low bone density, severe bone loss or a history of fractures, we may recommend prescription medication. These oral or injectable therapies can slow your bone loss and strengthen your bones. Based on your risk factors and DEXA scan, we can determine which medication is best for you.
Helping You Protect Your Bone Health and Your Future
Being proactive about your bone health can help prevent fractures and protect your independence. If you have concerns about osteoporosis, osteopenia or your overall bone health, our specialists are here to help. Schedule an appointment to take the next step.