Osteoporosis
About bone density testing
Bone density testing is performed conveniently near our office on the 3rd floor of the William W. Wilkins Professional Building and in the Westerville Medical Campus.
OhioHealth also offers several other bone density testing locations.
This test is a measurement of the density or thickness of your bones. It is painless and non-invasive and involves minimal radiation exposure.
- Measurements are most commonly made over the lumbar spine and the upper part of the hip.
- It is important for all women 65 years or older, younger post-menopausal women with risk factors, and all women on steroids (prednisone) to have a bone density test.
- There are other reasons for testing, including fracture without major trauma.
Your physician will assess your risks and set this test up if necessary.
About Vitamin D
Many patients have vitamin D deficiency diagnosed by a blood test in the office. We recommend that patients have a level of greater than 40.
Depending on how low a patient’s vitamin D is, we typically recommend 2000 units of over-the-counter Nature Made or a prescription given by your doctor, if needed.
Where to get additional information
National Osteoporosis Foundation
Read about osteoporosis medications