Spinal Osteopenia

Spinal osteopenia is a fairly common condition that needs to be addressed. If you do nothing to improve the bone density of your spine, you could wind up with Osteoporosis of the spine. Osteoporosis of the spine often leads to small vertebral fractures . the spine becomes unstable and a back hump, sometimes called a 'dowagers hump' develops.

(To read more about dowagers humps click on Dowagers hump information .

Frequently asked questions:

A dexa scan (Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry), a test that measures the number of grams of bone per centimeter is the usual tool for diagnosis. A dexa scan is painless and takes only a short time. Most dexa scans tests measure the bone density in both your hip and your spine. The machine gives separate readingsof the bone density in each.

How do they tell if I have this condition?

The results of your dexa scan test are compared to those of persons in their peak bone mass years. The results of the comparison are reported in what is called a T score.

T scores between +1 and -1 show normal bone mineral density. You have strong, dense bones. Scores between -1 and -2.5 show Osteopenia and those below -2.5 indicate Osteoporosis.

So spinal osteopenia is defined as a spinal T score on a dexa scan of -1 to -2.5.

What should I do about spinal osteopenia?

First, I assume that you have had some discussion of your situation with your health care provider and he or she may have made some recommendations. Follow them.

Second, since successful treatment of Osteopenia really requires your cooperation, I suggest that you educate yourself.

1. Read the section about Osteopenia treatments.[link given below]
2. Make a list of comments or questions to raise with yourhealth care provider.
3. Make a tentative plan of action.
4. Now make an appointment with your health care provider andgo over your questions and your plan.
5. Then follow the plan!
6. Continue to educate yourself by reading on the subject and subscribing to our monthly newsletter, Osteopenia Updates. [See: links below}

Here are some useful links. Read each page and then use your back button to return to this page and read the next one. It may take a bit of time but it is time be well spent. So much in the work of reversing bone loss depends on you and you understanding of what you can do to help yourself.

• Osteopenia treatments
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• Natural treatments to reverse bone loss
• An important step is to understand what has caused yourparticular case of Spinal Osteopenia: Common Causes
• Books about Osteopenia and Osteoporosis. Most include chapters about spinal osteopenia and osteoporosis
• Keep up with the news. Subscribe to our free monthy newsletter, Osteopenia updates

And good luck! You can stop and reverse osteopenia. But you need to create and follow your Osteopenia treatment plan.

To learn more about dexa scans go to Dexa Scans or go to read about the back humps that can happen to those with spinal osteopenia go to Dowagers Humps .