Bone Density vs. Bone Quality: A Comprehensive Guide to DEXA Scans and Bone Strength

Recently, I had a question about what the difference is between bone thickness as shown on a dexa scan and bone quality. This is an important topic to understand and in this video we are going to talk about the difference between bone density and bone quality and how they affect bone strength.
Bone thickness and bone strength are not the same thing. They can go together, but they don’t always go together. Bone thickness is easier to measure than bone strength, but when you increase the strength in your body you will also improve your bone strength.
References:
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/arti...
www.sciencedirect.com/science...
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/arti...

[@wandayonder9772]

I always feel a bit more empowered after listening to your explanations. They help open conversations with doctors and give us the information we need to improve our own health by taking small consistent actions. Very helpful, thank you.

[@sarahmapes_bonebuildersystem]

You just made my day with this comment. Thank you ❤ There is so much we can do, and knowing what questions to ask doctors can really help and be empowering. I am so happy to hear that this content is helping you to do just that 🥰

[@BBurns-vg9om]

Hi. Ive found where to go for a Rems test in the UK. In Daventry. I went in May and had the results of my bones. I will go again next year. Im working hard on weights with a trainer in the gym and I do jumping at home. I prefer a Rems test now than a dexa scan. Thank you for your videos,they are all brilliant ❤

[@sarahmapes_bonebuildersystem]

That is so exciting that you were able to get a REMS! It sounds like you are working on a lot of good things to improve your bone health. That's awesome ❤

[@PsychoKittiesMovie]

I live in Los Angeles. I found it virtually impossible to get a DEXA scan with TBS. I called the company that manufactures the software, and got a list of all the DXA scanners with TBS in my area. Then I called all of the hospitals, clinics, etc. I could not find one that took my insurance. It would’ve cost around $450 to get a DXA scan w TBS. Insurance covered a DXA without TBS. It was frustrating. Many of the hospitals that were on the manufacturer’s shortlist list, such as UCLA, no longer use TBS.

[@sarahmapes_bonebuildersystem]

I am so sorry you had such a frustrating experience! I have a client who lives in Southern California and she was able to get one in Los Angelas proper, but she had to do a lot of calling around to find one. I thinke hers was closer to $200. I am so sorry to hear about your ecperience! I know from another client that lives in So Cal that there is a traveling REMS echolight in the area right now. I don't know how long they will be there though. I think she made an appointment at Osteostrong. I think in Riverside? She only has to pay $225 for the echolight REMS. I am not sure if that is helpful, but I hope it is ❤

[@MarianneMcKenna1]

Hi. I just found your channel and am very excited to be learning more about my bones. I have been told I have osteopenia and am now starting weight training exercises with my husband to build muscle (and bones?)!!! Thank you.

[@sarahmapes_bonebuildersystem]

I am glad you found my channel! It sounds like you are off to a wonderful start doing weight training with your husband ❤

[@stefk4767]

Thank you so much - I always learn so much from your content. BTW that dress is sooo cute!

[@sarahmapes_bonebuildersystem]

Thank you! This dress is super comfy too 😃 I am so glad these videos are helpful and that you are learning from them ❤

[@majelthesurreal5723]

SO helpful and informative as usual. TY!

[@sarahmapes_bonebuildersystem]

I am so glad to hear that this video is helpful 🥰

[@user-bj1gl5ng5t]

You give me a great lecture. What about bone histopathology?

[@lebooshdiaries]

Thank u! I have been silently following your videos during osteoporosis awareness month and appreciating it. Great that you mentioned TBS scan, i didn't know of such, will definitely check. Not sure if it is offered in my country. REMS is not available yet. I am at this point just doing bloodwork to see my P1NP and CTX. Wondering if that is enough and I don't have to do a Dexa, instead wait for REMS to be available in future...is that wise? Since Dexa's been known to be quite inaccurate, am wondering if it's really needed. Thank u!

[@daysoftheboo]

The dexa scan is my only option but I just recently had my second dexa scan I shared the results with my Facebook osteoporosis support group , the results said I have a 13% improvement but some of the members in the Facebook group said to not trust the results that just because it says on paper that I have a 13% increase doesn't mean my bones are better, to not trust the dexa scan but now I don't know what to believe then! In the two years since I was diagnosed I work so hard to improve my bones changing my diet my exercise focusing on getting enough nutrition and not just focusing on keeping the calories low So I don't know what to believe do I believe the members that I can't trust the dexa scan results or should I trust the results of the dexa scan saying that I have a 13% improvement?? The results also showed that I have a 2% loss in my spine but my doctor told me that 2% is so little bit that it's not much 😢

[@sarahmapes_bonebuildersystem]

Your dexa is telling you that your bones are thicker. You can trust that result. Whether that means that your bones are increasing in strength and quality is more difficult to discern. Are you doing some sort of exercises to build strength in your body? If you are then it is likely that your bones are increasing in strength along with your dexa. If not, then you may want to start including strength training. 2% is not much of a loss in your spine, but it also isn't the direction you want to go. It is a lot easier to strengthen your spine than it is your hips. There are many ways to strengthen your spine which is a very hopeful thing♥ What types of exercise are most appealing to you? Based on that you can then choose exercises that will help you strengthen your spine.

[@daysoftheboo]

@@sarahmapes_bonebuildersystem I want to strengthen my spine for sure how do I strengthen my spine? Before I was diagnosed with osteoporosis I mostly did cardio exercises , but now I do strength training I have dumbbells a barbell a trap bar I do exercises with my dumbbells ,, squats lunges deadlifts I also have a pull-up bar I also do pull-ups with resistance bands, I'm not very strong yet I don't lift super heavy but I lift as heavy as I can handle with good technique, I would imagine that the same exercises that strengthen the hips would be the same to strengthen the spine aren't they? I also changed my diet my diet is much more healthier nutritious variety compared to what it was when I was diagnosed I also make sure I get enough protein I never used to eat enough protein before, And I walk a lot since I don't drive I get around my city on foot, once in awhile I do jumping exercises But I don't understand why did I lose 2% from my spine?? What exercises am I missing that can help strengthen my spine? I thought I was doing well what am I missing? ☹️

[@magdalenaroman8241]

I have ask obgyn to give me bioidentical/estrogen to help me with my osteoporosis & she said estrogen will not help me at all😢.

[@daysoftheboo]

@@magdalenaroman8241 I'm not sure if that would help either but I know that strengthening the muscles that surround those bones is what will help but I just don't know which back exercises do I need to do to strengthen my spine

[@sarahmapes_bonebuildersystem]

@@magdalenaroman8241 There are a lot of reasons why hormones are and are not appropriate for a particular person. I am sorry that you are not a good candidate for bioidentical hormones. That is frustrating. My mom is not either. It is a good option for some people and not for others. It is one of those things that needs to be considered on an individual basis. I hope there are other good options available to you ❤