Understanding the DEXA Bone Density Scan: A Key to Stronger, Healthier Bones
We get older and our bones need to become part of the preventive care we give to maintain our heart and keep our weight healthy. Half of all women and one in five men over 50 in the UK will suffer fractures caused by osteoporosis — a condition that weakens bones so they become fragile and more likely to break. Lucky for you, there is a very precise and non-invasive way to evaluate your bone health: the DEXA bone density scan.
You may seek to get the lowdown on this scan if you’re nearing midlife, you have a family history of osteoporosis, or you just want to take charge of your own health. In this blog, we’ll delve into the significance of bone density testing, how the scan is conducted, who is eligible for it, and what to anticipate before, during, and after the scan.
What is a DEXA Bone Density Scan?
A DEXA scan, also known as DXA scanning, is a type of imaging that measures bone mineral density (BMD). It takes highly reduced doses of ionising radiation to produce detailed pictures of your lower spine and hips, these being the structures most prone to osteoporotic fractures.
Unlike a routine X-ray, which may not show bone loss until up to 40% of a bone has been lost, a DEXA scan can reveal even small amounts of bone density loss, which can be important in early diagnosis and treatment of bone disease.
The whole thing is easy – fast and painless (20 mins max) – and you don’t even have to wash it out. You are fully clothed (you may be asked to strip off metal objects) and lie down on a padded table as a scanning arm moves over you.
Why is Bone Density Important?
Bones are living tissues that renew themselves continuously, but in the process it slows with age. In osteopenia, the bones are losing more bone substance than the body can produce, and this progress can eventually lead to osteoporosis – a condition where the bones become critically weak and fragile, and break even after minor falls or accidents.
Low bone density isn’t painful or uncomfortable, until a break occurs — often in the hip, spine or wrist. That’s why finding it early with a DEXA scan is important. If they are found, one can intervene to halt bone loss, increase bone strength and prevent broken bones.
Who Should Have a DEXA Scan?
There are many reasons you may be advised to have a DEXA, especially if you’re at higher risk. You may be able to have a DEXA (dual energy X-ray absorptiometry) scan if:
- You are 50 or older and are a postmenopausal woman
- You are a man over 70
- You have a relative who has the disease or a history of fractures
- You just fell or had a minor injury and now you have a fracture
- You’re on long-term steroids that can weaken the bones
- Have certain health problems, such as rheumatoid arthritis, thyroid problems, coeliac disease
- For men: Significant early menopause or having half the normal testosterone concentration.
You could be feeling great but, if you belong to one of these groups, it’s worth talking a DEXA scan over with your GP or a specialist.
What Happens During the Scan?
A DEXA test is the cheapest scan you can possibly have. There is no preparation, no injections, no contrast dyes. On the day:
- You will be asked to lie down on your back on a flat, open table.
- The scanner moves over your hip and the lower portion of your back, measuring the calcium and other minerals in your bones.
- The radiation dose is extremely low — well below that of a standard chest X-ray.
- The whole thing should take you from 10 to 20 minutes.
You will be able to return to your regular activities right after the scan. The results are typically returned in a couple of days and your doctor or specialist will review them with you.
Interpreting Your Results
Your scan report will include a T-score—a comparison of your bone density to a healthy young adult:
- T-score greater than -1: Bone density is normal
- T-score of -1 to -2.5: Osteopenia (reduced bone mass)
- T-score less than -2.5: Osteoporosis
These results can help direct your healthcare provider in developing a treatment plan. If required, treatment also could include lifestyle changes, calcium and vitamin D supplements, an exercise programme, or prescription medicine to increase bone strength.
Prevention Is Better Than Cure
A DEXA scan is more than just for people with symptoms — it’s a tool for prevention and to take action early. The earlier the bone loss is discovered — the better it can be managed or even reversed. For most people, these small changes such as eating well, being active and not smoking or drinking excessively can bring about vast improvements in their bone health.
Final Thoughts
The health of our bones is frequently an afterthought until it’s too late. A quick DEXA scan can give you peace of mind and help set a clear road map on your way forward—whether it’s confirming that all is well or whether it sounds the alarm and points you to action. With millions of people in the UK suffering from osteoporosis, early identification is a sensible, forward step that a DEXA bone density scan can provide.
If you think you are at risk — or just want a snapshot of your bone health — we encourage you to schedule a discussion with our highly skilled medical professionals. We’re more than equipped to take you by the hand, keeping you in-the-know, comfortable, and expertly cared for.
👉 To discuss this treatment/investigation, please book an appointment with our specialists.
👉 To learn more, visit the NHS DEXA scan resource
Chase Lodge Hospital – Helping you build stronger bones for a healthier future.
