Maintaining good bone health is essential for our overall health, as it allows us to live active, complication-free lives.
Bone density has special importance in the health of the bones of the human body, since it is directly linked to the risk of suffering fractures or bone breaks. When symptoms appear that suggest a loss of bone density, it is important to go to a traumatologist to conduct an examination of the patient's symptoms.
In this article, we'll explore the importance of bone density, the main pathologies associated with its decline, and the best treatment and prevention options for maintaining bone health.
What is bone density?
When you talk about bone density refers to the amount of minerals each bone contains, especially calcium and phosphorus. These minerals are essential for bone strength and stability. Good bone density helps prevent fractures and other bone-related problems.
How important is bone density in health?
Bone density is of great importance in health, especially in the health of the locomotor system. A good level of bone density is key to avoiding fractures and bone breaks, since denser bones are more resistant to impacts and injuries.
Furthermore, good bone density promotes joint stability and mobility, contributing to a better quality of life and a greater ability to perform activities with confidence and peace of mind.
How is bone density measured?
To measure a patient's bone density, different diagnostic tests are used. The most common is the bone densitometry, a type of X-ray that uses a low dose of radiation to assess the level of calcium and minerals present in bones. This test is painless, requires no special preparation, and is easy to perform, allowing it to detect conditions such as osteoporosis and other bone diseases.
In addition to bone densitometry, other complementary tests, such as conventional X-rays or computed tomography (CT), can also be used to assess bone density.
What are normal values for bone densitometry?
Bone densitometry can determine a patient's bone density level. A value above -1 is normal, a value between -1 and -2.5 is considered low bone density, and a value below -2.5 is considered very low bone density, a normal value in patients with osteoporosis.
In relation to the bone mass index, there is a parameter known as the fracture threshold, which refers to the bone mass value below which the risk of suffering bone fractures increases considerably.
Pathologies related to low bone density
Results indicating low bone density may indicate the presence of degenerative diseases in patients. There are certain pathologies directly related to the loss of bone density. Osteoporosis is a disease in which the patient's bones weaken., significantly increasing the risk of fractures and breaks, even from minor trauma or everyday activities.
The Bone cancer patients also often have a low bone mass index, since tumor cells cause a loss of density and strength. In addition, Bone loss is common in cases of rheumatoid arthritis, as it causes chronic inflammation of the membrane that covers the joints, which ends up significantly damaging the bones.
On the other hand, It is normal for diabetics to experience a decrease in bone mass. This is due to poor blood sugar control, which can prevent bones from developing properly, increasing the risk of fractures.
Symptoms of low bone density
In its early stages, bone density loss presents no symptoms. When bone loss is advanced, patients may experience sharp pain in the back, as well as a increased risk of fractures.
Additionally, patients with decreased bone density often experience a decrease in height. This is caused by weakened bones, which leads to a hunched posture, affecting height and body alignment.
Treatments for bone density loss
When symptoms of bone density loss appear, it is important visit a specialist traumatologistOnce the patient has seen a specialist and the necessary tests have been performed to determine the cause of the bone density loss, the most appropriate treatment will be prescribed.
In most cases, the consumption of calcium and vitamin D supplements is recommended, with the aim of maintaining stable bone mass index.
In addition, treatment based on resorption inhibitors is often prescribed, which, in the long run, can help slightly increase bone density.
Nevertheless, Most treatments for bone density loss are preventive and have the objective of stopping the loss of bone mass. That is, they are prescribed at the first symptoms of bone density loss that the patient presents.
Preventing bone density loss
Although in many cases the loss of bone density is inevitable, due to degenerative diseases, There are certain guidelines that can be useful to prevent or delay bone mass loss., especially during menopause. Some of the recommended measures to prevent bone density loss include:
- Eat foods rich in calcium and vitamin D: These nutrients help strengthen bones.
- Exercise regularly: Regular physical activity can increase bone density.
- Avoid alcohol and tobacco consumption: these habits accelerate bone density loss..
- Controlling body weight: A high BMI means greater wear and tear on bones and joints.
Following these recommendations can help prevent bone density loss, helping to prevent pathologies that directly affect the bones.
Clinic for low bone density treatment in Madrid
If you experience symptoms or suspect bone weakening, it's essential to seek medical attention as soon as possible to receive a diagnosis and proper treatment. As trauma specialists, we can help you detect, treat, and prevent bone health problems.
Don't hesitate to schedule an appointment at our centers to start taking care of your bone health as soon as possible.
18 thoughts on “Densidad ósea: qué es y cómo se mide”
Your information is very interesting. What percentage is this information credible to follow the recommendations?
Hello Victor, what do you mean by credible? The information we detail in this blog is verified and if there is any error or typo, of course we are willing to correct it. A hug.
In the end they don't say how to increase bone mass in the spine
Hi Mari,
There are weight training exercises that help regain bone mass. Although if you have a spinal problem, we always recommend that you do exercises supervised by a physiotherapist.
Greetings!
I would like to know what foods I should consume due to a diagnosis of low mineral density in the lumbar and hip neck area. Thank you
Hello Nohora,
You should consume foods rich in calcium and vitamin D which contributes to the absorption of calcium. Although in general a healthy and complete diet will always help you improve your health.
Greetings
Very interesting information. I walk 10 kilometers a day, and I have been exercising with weights for 18 years. Two years ago I was diagnosed with severe osteoporosis, but I have my doubts, because I have fallen several times while jogging and I have never had a fracture! I am 72 years old
Hello Nancy,
Thank you for leaving your comment. We hope the information has helped you.
Greetings
Faire une densitométrie osseuse et vous en aurez la certitude
Hello, I have osteoporosis, I am 72 years old, for an average of 10 years I have not had any pain, I do many strength exercises up to 25 kilos.
The doctor ordered a bone densitometry. I don't know if I need calcium. I have pain in my back and arms. I feel a hunch in my neck when I stand. Is this noticeable? Do I need that test? Thank you.
Hello Maria Luisa,
Back pain, a feeling of hunching, and arm discomfort can be related to several factors, and bone densitometry can be a useful tool to assess bone density and detect possible problems such as osteoporosis. To determine the necessary studies, our specialists should evaluate your case in detail and perform a physical assessment. If you have questions about the study or the procedure, you can request a second opinion at our centers by calling 910 05 39 00.
Greetings.
J'ai beaucoup de questions mais je ne trouve pas réponses à mes questions. And at-il un professionnel de la santé qui puissent répondre à mes questions de façon claire et précise. Is the score reliable for the entire world as the people of three small tails or the reverse of three large tails? Le score t, c'est une statisticique, comment l'interpréter correctement sans biases?
These are the other questions that you are about to begin for celle-ci.
Mercy
Bonjour,
Merci pour votre commentaire et vos questions. The score is a measure used to evaluate the density of the bones, and also what is widely used, are interpreted based on the factors that determine the size or sex. Chez les personnes de très petite taille ou très grande taille, it is possible that the score T needs a more attentive interpretation. Il est important de rappeler que, comme toute statisticique, le score T doit être analyzed in the contexte clinique de chaque patient, en tenant compte de facteurs supplémentaires.
If you have an evaluation plus detailed and specific information, you can complete the rendezvous in written form. info@columna.com, où un spécialiste pourra répondre à toutes vos questions de manière plus personnalisée.
Greetings.
Bonjour.
I have passed the ostéodensitométrie examination and I have made sure that the measurements indicated on the machine are correct.
I measured 1.52 m and it marked 1.65 m.
Les résultats étant très mauvais can you tell me if this makes a difference?
Do you refaire the exam or can you recalculate without the refaire?
THANK YOU FORWARD.
Hello Corinna,
Merci pour votre question. Lors des exams de densitométrie osseuse, la précision de certaines données, comme la taille, peut influencer le calcul de certains paramètres, notamment dans l'estimation de la masse osseuse totale. Toutefois, les indicateurs les most importants pour évaluer la santé osseuse — comme le T-score et le Z-score — sont principalement basés sur la densité minérale osseuse mesurée dans des zones spécíficos (comme la colonne lombaire ou la hanche), et ne dependent pas directlyement de la taille saisie.
Cela dit, si l'erreur de taille enregistrée est important et que les résultats de l'examen semblent particulièrement altérés, il peut être conseillé de refaire l'examen avec les données correctes ou, à tout le moins, de demander à un spécialiste de réinterpréter les résultats pour voir If it is possible to adjust the analysis without restarting it.
L'idéal ist de consulter le médecin prescripteur de l'examen, qui pourra évaluer si une nouvelle mesure est nécessaire en fonction de votre historique Médical et des valeurs obtenues.
Greetings.
Bonjour, j'ai de l'ostéoporose et pourtant j'ai un taux de calcium qui dépasse le maximum!
Je fais du sport randonnée 2 fois par weeks en montagne, je mange de façon saine.
Pourquoi une hypercalcemie alors qu'à l'inverse j'ai de l'ostéoporose (alors que pour ne pas en avoir il faut du calcium dit-on ! Je ne comprends rien …
Thank you for your explanations svp
Laurence
Hello Laurence,
I understand that this situation may be disconcerting. L'ostéoporose et l'hypercalcémie peuvent sembler contradictoires, but there are plusieurs raisons pour lesquelles cela peut se produire. L'ostéoporose survient lorsque le corps perd plus de tissu osseux qu'il n'en produit, et bien que le calcium soit crucial pour la santé des os, il n'est pas toujours suffisant à lui seul to prevent this condition. Other factors, such as vitamin D, hormones or calcium absorption problems, play an important role.
In ce qui concerne l'hypercalcémie, its causes are variées: they may include hormonal troubles (comme l'hyperparathyroïdie), certain pathologies, or même l'utilisation de suppléments ou de Médicaments. It is possible that the problem is not caused by excessive calcium in the food, but in the manner that does not affect the body.
It is essential that you consult a specialist doctor so that you can examine the exam results and help you understand the situation, even if you adjust the treatment or food regime accordingly.
I hope you will quickly find the answers and a solution adapted to your situation.
Greetings.