Your doctor may make a diagnosis of osteoporosis during a routine health screening, after you've broken some bones, or if you're having symptoms of osteoporosis. If you've been diagnosed with osteoarthritis, you're probably wondering what you can do to prevent further bone loss or fractures. An official diagnosis of osteoporosis will give you and your doctor all the information you will need to get on the road to better bone health.
To reach a diagnosis of osteoporosis, you will likely be given a bone density test to determine whether you have the low bone density characteristic of the condition. A bone density test will reveal your bones' mineral content, or amount of calcium, in certain bones. Your doctor may want to order X-rays to expose any wedge
or crush fractures you may have suffered without even knowing it.
Not sure about getting all these tests and scans? It can be scary, but if you're at risk for osteoporosis (check out the guidelines for who should get bone density testing to find out if you are), it's better to be on the safe side and get checked out. If you're still nervous about being poked and prodded, take a peek at the technology used to make a diagnosis. It helps to know what to expect when you're being tested for osteoporosis before you visit your doctor.