The last two stages can cause pain,frequent fractures or breaks, and even deformities from bone loss.

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How Do You Determine the Severity of Osteoporosis?

Bone density testing is the most precise way to determine your level of bone loss.

woman with knee pain

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Bone density measurements are taken with a dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) scan.

Bone mass and density are expressed with a measurement called aT-score.

The lower the T-score, the lower your bone mass is.

You will have no symptoms at this stage.

Your bone density scores (T-score) will be normal and range from +1 to -1.

In this stage, your T-score is -2.5 or lower.

How Bad is Stage 4 Osteoporosis?

It can be extremely difficult to live with stage 4 osteoporosis.

How Can I Stop Bone Loss?

However, you might have a go at slow the process.

attempt to includefoods that are rich in calcium and vitamin Dand use supplements only to make up for shortages.

While staying active overall is most important, there are particular activities that can help preserve your bone density.

However, you should avoid exercises that could increase your risk of injury or falls.

You may not need to take these medications forever.

The first two do not cause symptoms but can be identified with a bone scan.

The later stages of the disease are often treated with medications.

Talk to your healthcare provider about prevention and screening for osteoporosis.

Identifying and modifying risk factors in the early stages of the disease can help slow or stop its progression.

National Institutes of Health.Bone mass measurement: What the numbers mean.

National Osteoporosis Foundation.Types of bone density tests.