Bones are the silent supporters of your body. They hold you up and keep you moving, all while protecting vital organs day in and day out. But like any hardworking system, they experience wear and tear. Over time, bones can weaken—sometimes without giving you any obvious signs. That’s why bone density scans are so helpful. You get a clear snapshot of your bone health, helping you stay ahead of potential issues like osteoporosis.

So, how old do you need to be for a bone density scan? The answer isn’t one-size-fits-all.

When Should You Start Thinking About Bone Health?

For most, bone density scans—QCT or DEXA scans—are recommended starting at age 65. But age isn’t the only factor. If you have certain risk factors, you may need one earlier. These include:

• Family history of osteoporosis or fractures
• Prolonged use of medications like steroids or some chemo drugs
• Smoking or heavy alcohol use
• A history of low body weight or eating disorders
• Chronic illnesses like rheumatoid arthritis

If any of these apply to you, it’s well worth having a conversation with your doctor about whether a scan makes sense now, not later.

Why Bone Density Scans Are A Great Addition To Your Imaging Appointment

You might not feel your bones weakening—but that doesn’t mean they aren’t. Osteoporosis is often called the “silent disease” because it can progress without symptoms until a fracture happens. By the time you break a bone, the damage is done.

That’s what makes bone density scans so important. They’re a non-invasive way to measure your bone mineral density and compare it to healthy standards. Offered as an addition to our core imaging services, a quick scan can reveal whether your bones are strong, starting to thin, or already at risk for fractures. The earlier you know, the more options you have to protect your skeletal health.

Why Prevention Is So Important

At Life Guard Imaging in Phoenix, we focus on prevention because we know it makes all the difference. A bone density scan isn’t just a tool for diagnosis—it’s a window into your future. If the scan reveals thinning bones, you can take steps now to slow or even stop the progression of bone loss.

Think of it as giving yourself a head start. The earlier you act, the better your chances of maintaining strong, healthy bones for life. With insights from a bone density scan, you can work with your healthcare provider to:

• Adjust your diet to include more calcium and vitamin D
• Incorporate weight-bearing exercises to strengthen your bones
• Discuss medications or supplements that can improve bone density

Is It Time for Your Scan?

Age is just a number, but when it comes to bone health, it’s an important one. If you’re 65 or older—or younger with risk factors—a bone density scan could be the key to safeguarding your mobility and independence. Available as an addition to our other imaging services, we make the process easy and stress-free.

Our scans are for anyone who wants to stay ahead of their health, not wait until problems arise. We empower you with the information you need to live your best, healthiest life. So, don’t wait for a fracture to tell you your bones need attention. Schedule your bone density exam as a part of a full body scan with Life Guard Imaging in Phoenix today at (602) 755-5005!