T-Scores: What is Your Risk of Osteoporosis?

Did you know that bone is living, growing tissue? Let go of the belief that bone is calcified and thus unchanging in our bodies. As most people live through their 30s, they are unaware that their bones have naturally begun to lose density and tissue.

After reaching peak bone mass, many factors impact our body’s rate of bone loss, including diet, menopause, smoking, and exercise habits. Osteoporosis occurs when the creation of new bone cannot keep up with the loss of old bone. At any age, osteoporosis can strike, and it affects both men and women.

Osteoporotic bones become more porous, less dense, and are left resembling a honeycomb. Unfortunately, the “honeycomb” structure of these porous bones is significantly more brittle and prone to breaking from a fall. Fractures from osteoporosis are more common than heart attack, stroke and breast cancer combined.

To find out if you are at risk of osteoporosis, you will need to complete a bone density scan. This test uses x-ray or ultrasound waves to measure the mineral content in your bone tissue, and thus reveals how strong and dense your bones are. This scan is a painless, 15-minute long process that reveals a better understanding of your bone structure.

‍The results of your scan will come in the form of two scores:

T-Score – This number reports how much your bone mass differs from the bone mass of an average, healthy adult. All bones are porous and have microscopic holes in their honeycomb structure, imagine the T-Score as measuring the diameter across these holes and thus the thinness of your bones.

Z Score – This score compares your current bone level with other people in your age group and gender. We use the Z-Score to ensure you are within a healthy range when we compare the score to your peer group.

T-Scores between -1 and -2.5 show that an individual has low bone mass, while a T-Score of -2.5 or below means a person has osteoporosis. The lower a person’s T-Score, the more serious their bone loss. This score also indicates their risk of suffering a bone break or fracture.

While a low score may not indicate osteoporosis, bone loss still has occurred. Osteopenia is the condition where your bones become more brittle and at risk of declining to osteoporosis.

‍Do you need a bone density test? Who is at risk?

Osteoporosis Canada has identified certain populations who should consider getting their bone density evaluated by professionals, including:

All women and men who are 65 years or older

Younger men or women (under 50) with a disease or condition associated with low bone mass or bone loss, such as:

Rheumatoid arthritis
Cushing’s disease
Malabsorption syndrome

Postmenopausal women and men aged 50 – 64 with risk factors for fracture including:

High alcohol intake
Current smoking
Low body weight (less than 130 lbs)

Additionally, if you have noticed a change of height in yourself or a loved one a bone scan should be considered. Losing half of an inch (or more) within a year may indicate a spinal fracture.

‍So, after receiving the results of your bone scan – how do you control your risk of bone fractures?

‍If your T-Score is -1.0 or above, you are Low Risk. At -1.0, 0, and +0.5 and above are all within the range you are normal for bone density. If you find yourself in this category, your risk of osteoporosis and associated fractures is very low. Continue to keep a watchful eye on your diet and exercise habits, ensuring that you are intaking enough calcium and vitamin D to promote bone health.

Individuals with T-Scores between -1.0 and -2.5 are at Medium Risk for developing osteoporosis and suffering bone fractures. If you are in this category, embrace changes to your lifestyle to promote bone health, such as strength training. Lifting weights or pulling tension a resistance band places stress on the body. This stress will then in turn trigger cells to build more bone. Additionally, with strength training, you can target the areas of your body most prone to fracturing. This includes the spine, wrists, and also hips. Research proves that osteogenic loading is one of the best ways to prevent osteopenia and osteoporosis.

We consider any T-Score that is below -2.5 as High Risk. People with scores of -2.5, -3.0, and -4.0 have osteoporosis, as well as a considerable risk of suffering a bone break or fracture. There is an emphasis on exercise and vitamin D intake. Individuals in this category will also have their doctor prescribe them medications to slow bone loss and osteoporosis progression.

‍Improving your bone health naturally, with BioStrong

The technology at BioStrong has been scientifically proven to slow down and even reverse the physical effects of aging on our musculoskeletal systems, strength and balance. BioStrong's osteogenic loading is an advanced exercise-based therapy. Without drugs or heavy weight lifting, osteogenic loading stimulates the body’s natural ability to rebuild bones and strengthen the entire musculoskeletal system. Our simple exercises help to trigger mineral absorption into the bones, reclaiming the “honeycomb” shape of lost density and reducing the effects of osteoporosis. No matter your T-Score or severity of bone loss, BioStrong technology can help your body grow stronger and prevent bone fractures. We are clinically proven to provide the best results in bone and strength growth.

The majority of people do not know that they have osteoporosis until after they suffer a bone break or fracture – take control of the unknowns surrounding aging and schedule your bone density scan at BioStrong. As part of our FREE orientation, we proudly offer ultrasound bone density testing as part of the process of identifying your T-Score, assessing your fracture risk, and strengthening your bones and musculoskeletal system. What are you waiting for? Schedule an appointment for yourself and/ or a loved one to experience living with a reduced risk of osteoporosis and bone breaks.

‍Book a free session.