Do You Really Need a Bone Density Scan?

An accident in the kitchen.

A misstep while going up the stairs.

An unexpected ache in the back for no apparent reason.

This may be the starting point for the bone health saga in most cases, but it never is. The fact of the matter is that the development of bone changes takes place gradually over the course of many years without causing any symptoms. This is where the bone density scan Bolton service becomes useful for you. Instead of diagnosing you with bone fractures or issues, this helps you understand how your bones are functioning before any trouble starts.

Why Is There Silent Bone Loss?

The question that is frequently asked by our patients is the following: “If I have been experiencing bone loss, why didn’t I notice it?”

It’s quite simple, actually.

The reason is in the living nature of bones. Bones are constantly renewed through the process of bone remodelling. Every day, some parts of bones get destroyed, and new pieces appear. In young age, such a process leads to strong bones. In later life, especially at the stages of perimenopause and menopause, destruction of bones can become more intensive than the building up of new pieces.

But hormones are not the only factor.

Dietary intake, physical activity, the quality of sleep, medication usage, genetic factors and certain diseases impact the condition of your bones. All the changes take place gradually and quietly; that’s why many people do not realize their problem until they have a bone fracture.

Getting an insight into your bone health gives you an opportunity to change your way of life before it becomes too late.

Who Should Do a Bone Health Assessment?

It is believed by many that bone scans are done after one is diagnosed with osteoporosis.

This is not necessarily so.

Bone health assessment  will come in handy for people who want to know their personal risks without exhibiting any symptoms.

Screening is advisable for people who:

• Are approaching or have experienced menopause.
• Have osteoporosis in their family background.
• Have had early menopause.
• Use long-term steroids.
• Have previously had a fracture from a simple fall.
• Suffer from illnesses that affect bone health.

Even many fit people decide to do screening just for peace of mind. One’s bone health does not depend on their feelings.

What can modern bone screening tell you?

Modern bone screening goes further than just bone density.

At Ravenstone Wellness, REMS (Radiofrequency Echographic Multi Spectrometry) technology offers bone mineral density assessment without radiation, along with bone quality assessment.

It is important to know that even when two individuals have the same bone density, they may have different fracture risks based on bone structure and bone quality.

Comprehensive bone assessment will allow you to form a more accurate image of your bone health instead of basing your conclusions on one measurement.

Modern bone screening can serve as a baseline for future assessments of bone health and its changes.

Modern bone screening gives people an opportunity to understand their current bone health situation and ways to maintain it.

Understanding Your Results is Just As Important As The Scan

Getting the scan is just half the battle won.

It’s all about making sense of the information your results give about your body and lifestyle.

Bone health cannot always be measured using numerical results. Your age, past medical history, genetics, previous injuries, activities, diet, and hormones all have an impact on the whole picture.

Every assessment done at Ravenstone Wellness aims to give personalized advice based on the results. Whether your results are good or show areas for improvement, knowing your results makes it possible to take steps accordingly.

Sometimes this means continuing the good work. At other times, it might mean changing your lifestyle or consulting your healthcare professional.

Looking Beyond the Scan

A bone health assessment is not solely about diagnosing osteoporosis.

This has to do with being aware of your bones prior to your first broken bone, which serves as your wake-up call.

Being aware of the condition of your bones at all times helps one determine if their bone condition remains unchanged, improves or deteriorates over time. This is useful in making well-informed choices concerning exercise and diet.

Most people tend to give thought to their bones once something has happened.

Fractures.

Chronic back pain.

Height loss.

Next, the question is whether they could have found out sooner.

In most situations, the answer to this question would be affirmative.

Progress entails acquiring knowledge and not being unsure. 

It enables you to know your risks and make healthier choices.

If you feel insecure or just need more clarity on your bone health, getting a bone density scan at Ravenstone Wellness gives you an advanced, radiation-free method to assessment  your bone status and take measures towards protecting it in the future.