Johns Hopkins Health Alerts Back Pain and Osteoporosis Bone Density
Bone Density
Measurements of bone density, OR bone mineral density (BMD) are carried out in individuals who are at high risk for osteoporosis, or when osteoporosis is suspected as the cause of a vertebral compression fracture.
BMD correlates closely with bone mass, and reduced bone mass is a risk factor for future fractures of the vertebrae, hips, and wrists.
A number of tests are now available for scanning bone density. These tests, which usually take about 15 minutes, are more sensitive than x-rays for assessing bone mineral content; they also involve little or no exposure to radiation.
For more information on low bone density, please visit:
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All the articles in the Back Pain and Osteoporosis area are derived from our monthly newsletter, Johns Hopkins Health After 50, and our annual Johns Hopkins White Paper: Back Pain and Osteoporosis.
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Johns Hopkins Health Alerts Back Pain and Osteoporosis Bone Density
