Especially as we age, bone health has a lot to do with overall health.

Bones are made of living tissue. Strong bones help keep us going. If our bones start to weaken, on the other hand, they can crumble or fracture. This in turn may lead to chronic pain and immobility.

The good news is that there are steps we can take to stay on top of our bone health and keep our bones as strong as possible.

The Effects of Low Bone Density

Osteopenia and osteoporosis are both conditions of low bone density. Osteopenia is mild, and osteoporosis is more severe. All bones have a honeycomb structure inside, but in osteopenia and even more so in osteoporosis, the holes in the honeycomb get bigger, and the latticework of the honeycomb gets smaller.

“The most common complication of osteoporosis is bone fractures,” said Julia Tidswell, a nurse practitioner at Prowers Medical Center Clinic, “especially fractures of the vertebrae, hip and wrist.”

If you fall, you’re more likely to break a hip or wrist if you have low bone density. You’re also more likely to have back pain caused by fracturing vertebrae. According to the World Health Organization, one in three women and one in five men will experience a fracture due to osteoporosis.

Measuring Bone Strength

Bone strength is measured by looking at your bones’ density with a special X-ray machine called a DEXA scanner. Prowers Medical Center’s Imaging Department is equipped with a state-of-the-art DEXA scanner. The test is quick and painless.

“Your provider may order DEXA scans to track changes in the density of your bones over time,” said Tidswell. “And if you’re taking a medication for osteoporosis, a DEXA scan can help your provider monitor your response to the treatment.”

Treating Osteopenia and Osteoporosis

Regular exercise and a healthy diet help keep bones strong. Using your bones to move and bear your weight strengthens them. And eating a diet high in calcium and vitamin D provides your body with the nutrients it needs to build new bone.

Prescription medications are also effective at treating osteoporosis. There are two types of medication for this condition—one helps slow bone loss, and one helps rebuild bone. Over-the-counter supplements, such as calcium and vitamin D, may also be recommended.

“I recommend that women 65 and older get a DEXA scan,” Tidwell said. “Men 70 and older can also have low bone density and may need a DEXA scan. And if you have certain risk factors, such as a family history or a smaller body frame, a DEXA scan might be in order earlier. The sooner we can detect osteopenia or osteoporosis, the better chance we have to stop it from worsening and keep you healthier in the long run.”