| Osteopenia is a condition of lower than normal bone | | | | collapsed |
| mineral density (BMD) that has a T score between -1 | | | | - Loss of height due to spinal compression fractures, |
| and -2.5 on a bone density test-also known as a DXA | | | | with an accompanying stooped posture |
| or DEXA scan. Osteopenia may be a precursor of | | | | - Fracture of the vertebrae, wrists, hips or other |
| osteoporosis (which occurs with even lower bone | | | | bones |
| density) but it does necessarily mean that bone loss | | | | As bone loss continues, sharp pains may arrive |
| will continue. It is normal to lose some bone density | | | | suddenly and increase with activity that puts weight |
| as we age although a rapid loss is a serious warning | | | | on the affected area. The pain generally begins to |
| sign that something is out of balance. | | | | subside in one week but may linger for three months |
| Rather than experiencing osteopenia symptoms, | | | | or longer. |
| most people discover they have osteopenia during a | | | | With continued bone loss, fractures of the spine |
| medical check-up. It is recommended that women | | | | (vertebra) can cause severe band-like pain that |
| have a baseline bone density scan when they reach | | | | radiates from the back to the side of the body. Over |
| perimenopause (menstrual irregularity occurring usually | | | | the years, repeated spine fractures can cause chronic |
| between 45 and 55) or earlier if they are at risk from | | | | lower back pain as well as loss of height or curving of |
| the use of certain medications. Men should request a | | | | the spine, which give the individual a hunched-back |
| bone density test at age 70 or earlier if using | | | | appearance of the upper back, often called a |
| corticosteroids or prostate cancer drugs. | | | | dowager hump. |
| Our bones will have lost a significant amount of | | | | Rather than wait for osteoporosis symptoms, a bone |
| density before we experience any clear osteopenia | | | | density test can provide an excellent measure of our |
| symptoms. But once our bones approach levels closer | | | | bone health so that we can take steps to prevent |
| to osteoporosis, we may experience the following | | | | further deterioration. Fortunately, research shows |
| warning signs: | | | | that proper diet, supplements, exercise and |
| - Dull pain in the bones or muscles, particularly in the | | | | sometimes medication can halt and even reverse |
| lower back or neck | | | | osteopenia. |
| - Severe back pain if the spine is fractured or | | | | |