How to Diagnose Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a fairly common disease. It reduces the density of your bones, making you more susceptible to fractures.^{[1]XTrustworthy SourceCleveland ClinicEducational website from one of the world's leading hospitalsGo to source} To diagnose osteoporosis, watch for the symptoms of the disease. Keep in mind, though, that most symptoms of osteoporosis show up later in the disease rather than early on.^{[2]XTrustworthy SourceMayo ClinicEducational website from one of the world's leading hospitalsGo to source} If you suspect you may have this disease, talk to your doctor, who will order imaging tests to check the density of your bones.

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Watching for Symptoms of Osteoporosis

One of the early signs of osteoporosis is called crepitus, which is identifiable by a crunching sound in your major joints, like your knees and shoulders. Crepitus is caused by insufficient fluid in your joints, which leads to a crunching sound or feeling.
$How.com.vn English: Step 2 Watch for fractures.$
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Watch for fractures. In many cases, a symptom of osteoporosis is a fracture, caused by loss of bone density.^{[3]XExpert SourceOrthoNOW
Orthopedic ProfessionalsExpert Interview. 13 July 2021.} You may fracture a bone after only a minor incident. For instance, some people fracture ribs after sneezing or coughing. However, the most common fractures are hip, wrist, and vertebrae fractures.^{[4]XTrustworthy SourceNational Health Service (UK)Public healthcare system of the UKGo to source}
- Keep in mind that women are more at risk for osteoporosis than men, due to low levels of estrogen during menopause. Also, the older you are, the greater the risk of developing osteoporosis.^{[5]XTrustworthy SourceMayo ClinicEducational website from one of the world's leading hospitalsGo to source}
- Speak to your healthcare provider about taking medication to increase your estrogen levels, if applicable.
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Pay attention to severe back pain. One of the key signs of advanced osteoporosis is constant and severe back pain. Generally, this pain is caused by a lack of fluid between the vertebrae in your spine. It also may be caused by fractured vertebrae.^{[6]XTrustworthy SourceMayo ClinicEducational website from one of the world's leading hospitalsGo to source}
- The location of the pain depends on where the fracture is, but lower back pain is common.
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Notice stooped or uneven posture. Another sign of advanced osteoporosis is when you get a "hump back" or you have stooped or uneven posture, in which 1 shoulder is higher than the other.^{[7]XTrustworthy SourceNational Health Service (UK)Public healthcare system of the UKGo to source} This is due to a lack of fluid and space between the vertebrae.
- While slumped shoulders can happen to anyone who hunches over a computer all day, this posture is likely to be painful due to the vertebrae fractures.
- Also, consider your risk factors. People with small frames and those who are white or of Asian descent are more likely to develop osteoporosis.
Osteoporosis can also cause you to get shorter over time, mainly due to decreased space between your vertebrae. Check your height every so often to see if you are shorter than before.^{[8]XTrustworthy SourceMayo ClinicEducational website from one of the world's leading hospitalsGo to source}
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Part 2

Part 2 of 3:

Visiting Your Healthcare Provider

Crepitus, stooping or uneven posture, severe back pain, or fractures are all reasons to visit your healthcare provider. Explain your symptoms and express that you are concerned about osteoporosis.^{[9]XTrustworthy SourceMayo ClinicEducational website from one of the world's leading hospitalsGo to source}
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Expect a physical examination. Usually, your doctor will begin with a physical examination before moving on to diagnostic tests. They will likely examine the painful area if you haven't already been diagnosed with a fracture, for instance.^{[10]XResearch source}
- Osteoporosis is most common in women after menopause and women who have had their ovaries removed.
- However, it can also affect people who've been on steroids for longer than 3 months, people with eating disorders (such as excessive dieting or exercising, anorexia, and bulimia), and people who are heavy smokers or drinkers.
- It can also affect you if you don't exercise much or you have a family history of the disease.
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Ask to be tested if you're worried about osteoporosis. You can be tested for osteoporosis before you ever show symptoms. If you're at risk for the disease, talk to your doctor about getting tested. Generally, your doctor will agree to test you if you're getting older and are worried about the disease.^{[11]XTrustworthy SourceMayo ClinicEducational website from one of the world's leading hospitalsGo to source}
- It's a good idea to have blood work done to check your calcium and hemoglobin levels.
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Part 3

Part 3 of 3:

Using Medical Tests to Diagnose Osteoporosis

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Expect a dual X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) test. This exam is basically a sophisticated X-ray test. You'll be asked to change into a hospital gown, and then you'll lie down. They will pass an X-ray arm over your body to catch the images. Usually, they will scan your spine and hips. The test only lasts about 10 minutes.^{[12]XTrustworthy SourceUniversity of California San Francisco Health CenterResearch hospital associated with UCSF, a leading medical university, providing innovative patient care and public health resourcesGo to source}
- The doctor may also order standard X-rays of the spine to see if you have any fractures or if there is narrowing between the discs in your spine.
Your doctor may also order an ultrasound of the heel, as the heel can help predict how at-risk you are for fractures overall. However, this test isn't quite as accurate as the DXA test.^{[13]XTrustworthy SourceUniversity of California San Francisco Health CenterResearch hospital associated with UCSF, a leading medical university, providing innovative patient care and public health resourcesGo to source}
This test is particularly beneficial if you have arthritis in the back, as that can throw off the DXA test. This test is basically a CT scan of 2 vertebra in your lower back. Special software is used to analyze the density of your vertebra.^{[14]XTrustworthy SourceUniversity of California San Francisco Health CenterResearch hospital associated with UCSF, a leading medical university, providing innovative patient care and public health resourcesGo to source}
With these tests, the doctor will look for fractures and measure your bone density.^{[15]XTrustworthy SourceNational Health Service (UK)Public healthcare system of the UKGo to source} For your bone density, you'll get a T score that is measured against standard deviations. If your T score is above -1, you're considered normal. Between -1 and -2.5 means you have decreased bone mass, which is sometimes called osteopenia. Below -2.5, you'll get a diagnosis of osteoporosis.^{[16]XExpert SourceOrthoNOW
Orthopedic ProfessionalsExpert Interview. 13 July 2021.}
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Which kind of exercise is best for osteoporosis?
Eric Christensen, DPT
Physical Therapist
Eric Christensen is a Physical Therapist based in Chandler, Arizona. With over a decade of experience, Eric works in both orthopedic and neurological fields and specializes in custom orthotic prescription and casting, vestibular reprogramming, and manual therapy. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science with a focus in Sports Medicine from Colorado State University and a Doctor of Physical Therapy from Regis University. In practice, Eric takes a developmental approach to rehabilitation utilizing the Selective Functional Movement Assessment. He uses functional movement patterning and manual therapy to return patients to prior levels of function.
Eric Christensen, DPT
Physical Therapist
Expert Answer
With osteoporosis, you should always go slow and steady. Injuries and fractures usually come when the load is sudden and overwhelming. So, long-term progressive strengthening is going to be really good for that.
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Can you improve bone density with exercises if you have osteoporosis?
Eric Christensen, DPT
Physical Therapist
Eric Christensen is a Physical Therapist based in Chandler, Arizona. With over a decade of experience, Eric works in both orthopedic and neurological fields and specializes in custom orthotic prescription and casting, vestibular reprogramming, and manual therapy. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science with a focus in Sports Medicine from Colorado State University and a Doctor of Physical Therapy from Regis University. In practice, Eric takes a developmental approach to rehabilitation utilizing the Selective Functional Movement Assessment. He uses functional movement patterning and manual therapy to return patients to prior levels of function.
Eric Christensen, DPT
Physical Therapist
Expert Answer
When you add external load with strengthening exercises, your bone is challenged and that may help increase bone density.
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What vitamins should I take for post-menopausal osteoporosis?
OrthoNOW
Orthopedic Professionals
OrthoNOW is a network of orthopedic, rehabilitative, and emergency care professionals based in the Miami, Florida metro area. Providing services such as diagnosis, digital x-ray, ultrasound, fluoroscopy, MRI, and pre-concussion testing, OrthoNow focuses on an alternative urgent care delivery model. OrthoNOW was founded by Alejandro Badia, MD, FACS, who completed his MD at New York University and completed fellowships at Allegheny General Hospital in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and in Freiburg, Germany.
OrthoNOW
Orthopedic Professionals
Expert Answer
For patients with post-menopausal, treatment recommendations include calcium and Vitamin D supplements, and weight bearing exercises.
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Tips

If you are diagnosed with osteoporosis, it is important to increase your iron and calcium intake to support bone health. Also, eat plenty of green leafy vegetables and consider taking a fish oil supplement.
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People with osteoporosis should have regular physical therapy or rehabilitation sessions with a professional to learn how to maintain their mobility without causing pain or further damage. Exercise is crucial to staying healthy, and swimming is a great option for people with osteoporosis.
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