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I am still confused on the bone density score that I have.
How bad is -2.7 for the lumbar spine? Thanks for the help.
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Bone density scores
- By gymjunky
- Posted September 2, 2009 at 9:12 am · 6 replies
- In Diagnosing osteoporosis
- Shared with the public
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- By Mrs_Thistlebottom
- Posted September 2, 2009 at 3:26 pm
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This is just some generic information copied from Spineuniverse.com:
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What the numbers mean
A patient's BMD is given a T-score, which is derived by comparing it to an average score for a healthy 30-year-old of the same sex and race. The difference between the "normal young" score and the patient's score is referred to as a standard deviation (SD). T-scores can fall as low as -1 SD and still be considered healthy (see table below). Patients with T-scores between -1 SD and -2.5 SD are diagnosed with osteopenia and are considered at high risk for osteoporosis. Patients with T-scores lower than -2.5 SD are diagnosed with osteoporosis. For these patients, treatment is usually necessary and includes the use of medications to help increase bone mass, as well as lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise.
T-score What the score means
2.5 to -1 SD Normal bone density
Between -1 and -2.5 Osteopenia (low bone density)
Below -2.5 Osteoporosis
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My T-score (lumbar spine) is -2.5; therefore, my bone density is 2.5 standard deviations below a healthy 30-year-old of the same sex and race.
OK, now keep in mind that I'm crabby and old, and I tend to ask a lot of questions. But all of the above makes me wonder: I'm 56; should my bones really be the same as a 30-year-olds? How much bone loss is normal as we age? Is aging a natural process or a "disease"? I don't have the skin, hair, and eyes of a 30-year-old (wish I did!), so why should I have the same bones?
Also, some people end up with fractures with "better" T-scores and some never fracture with horrible T-scores. T-scores, though useful, give only part of the picture of complete bone health.
- By SaraMeeks
- Posted September 2, 2009 at 8:09 pm
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Dear Gymjunky:
A score of -2.5 is the official diagnosis for osteoporosis as set by the World Health Organization. -1 to -2.5 is osteopenia. If you have osteoporosis diagnosed in the lumbar spine, it is quite likely the numbers are lower in the thoracic area where most problems occur. Also, osteoporosis is systemic and does not occur in just one area of the body.
Remember, it's just a number, an important number but just a number nonetheless. Unmeasurable non-invasively is bone quality which may have more to do with fracture resistance than bone quantity.
Once you learn how to move better, work on your diet, hydration, and other aspects of health, you can lead a normal life with osteoporosis.
Become informed, ask questions -- people are frequently their own best doctor.
Sara Meeks
- By GRANDmother19
- Posted September 6, 2009 at 1:54 am
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And Mrs. Thistlebottom writes "Also, some people end up with fractures with "better" T-scores and some never fracture with horrible T-scores. T-scores, though useful, give only part of the picture of complete bone health." I just love that comment! And as usual, Sara Meeks, one big shout out to you as well. What would I have done without this group? Sara you are the best. And believe me, after two cancers, I have checked out a lotta lotta sites. Nothin' like the Inspire family. This is home!
- By blondie50
- Posted October 19, 2009 at 12:45 pm
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Regarding scores and how to calculate increases in bone density from one test to another, what formula is used? In calculating, how others state their increases, my mathematics don't jive. Let's use my example of beginning at a -3.3 and it goes to -2.0 in a 2nd test. My calculations have that at a 40% increase. Please advise. Thanks.
- By SaraMeeks
- Posted October 19, 2009 at 1:28 pm
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Hello:
You would have to contact the radiologist who interprets the result for that answer.
Also, focusing on bone density scores, although important, can be an "exercise in futility" as it is now becoming apparent that bone quality which cannot be measured non-invasively, is probably at least as important, if not more so, than bone density in determining fracture risk. Concentrating on good daily habits of nutrition, hydration, sleep and rest, body mechanics and exercise will go a long way towards preventing fracture, regardless of bone density scores.
Consulting with knowledgeable health professionals is a good way to begin the journey towards better health in general. I, too, am on the journey and it is quite a learning experience.
- By millie123
- Posted October 20, 2009 at 7:58 am
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If you have two DXA scores from one year to the next, say, look at the actual numbers expressed in cm. They are not expressed as T-scores. That actually tells the improvement in your own bones. The T-scores show you in comparisons to others.
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