Bone Density Testing
Bone Density Testing May Help Avert Future Fractures
Osteoporosis is a "condition characterized by a decrease in bone mass and density, causing bones to become fragile." Often called the "silent disease" because bone loss occurs without symptoms, osteoporosis may not be recognized until a person's bones become so weak that a fracture occurs.
According to the National Osteoporosis Foundation (NOF):
- 10 million people in the U.S. are estimated to have osteoporosis
- Nearly 34 million Americans are at increased risk for osteoporosis due to low bone mass
- Osteoporosis can strike at any age
- Osteoporosis is responsible for more than 1.5 million fractures annually
Early analysis of bone density at National University of Health Sciences Lombard Clinic may help patients learn whether they have signs for osteoporosis and take steps to protect their bones.
Get Tested
National University of Health Sciences (NUHS) in Lombard recently acquired a state-of-the-art DEXA scanner that can accurately measure bone density by low-level X-ray imaging of the forearm. The test is safe, accurate, painless, and fast. Patients test results are analyzed against statistical norms for age and body size. If a patient shows poor bone density in relation to norms, the NUHS clinic does further diagnostics to assess the cause.
"If a patient shows poor bone density, we will first run tests to determine whether the cause is systemic or lifestyle based. Through blood testing, diet and lifestyle assessment, we can assess the cause of the bone loss and give the patient specific ways to take action to help protect, and in some cases, rebuild bone tissue," says Jeffrey Bergin, D.C., former dean of NUHS Health Centers.
"Bone health can be influenced by a variety of factors: avoiding or eliminating soda pop from the diet, eating more dark green vegetables and increasing weight-bearing exercise. These are all simple steps that can enhance the building of strong bones," says Dr. Bergin. "With correct monitoring and follow up tests, we can determine whether these simple lifestyle steps are working, or whether a patient should explore further interventions."
Contact Us
If you would like to schedule a bone test or receive more information, or if you are a health care provider who would like access to the NUHS for patient testing, please call the NUHS Lombard Whole Health Center at 630-889-9664.
