Most people with early osteoporosis don't have any symptoms or warning signs. As the disease progresses, you may begin to experience back pain, a curved backbone or loss in height or you may break a hip, wrist, spine or ankle in a minor accident.
With the help of your doctor, a quick screening can help determine if you have osteoporosis. The most current screening method is a dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scan, a non-invasive, painless procedure very much like an X-ray. The scan takes approximately 15 minutes.
Age 50 is a good time to start with a baseline bone density screening. Most patients work with their doctors to have a repeat screening in two years. Patients who have certain risk factors for osteoporosis may need to be screened even sooner.
Akron General offers three convenient locations for the DXA Scan including:
- Akron General
- Health & Wellness Center, Bath
- Lodi Hospital
Appointments can be scheduled by calling 330.996.5760 or 1.800.343.2462 and indicating the location that's most convenient for you, or you can have your doctor's office schedule the appointment or you. A referral from your primary care physician or your gynecologist is required for the DXA Scan.
