What if I live in a rural area and I can’t get to a place with a DXA machine? Are there further tests that I would need?
DXA machines are the most widely available of all machines used for testing bone mineral density. How-ever, some areas of the United States do not have access to DXA machines. Because it is important to have your bone density evaluated, particularly if you have risk factors for osteoporosis, you should still be evaluated using one of the screening tests that may be available in your area.
While it is preferable to have a test of your spine or hip to confirm a diagnosis of osteoporosis or determine if you have osteopenia, your clinician can still recommend preventive options and counsel you about nutrition and exercise for improving your bone health.
If you do not have access to any bone mineral density testing, it is still important to adhere to a regimen of weight-bearing exercises as well as a diet with sufficient calcium, vitamin D, and other nutrients to maintain healthy bones. You should also make every effort to prevent falls.