How Strong Are Your Bones? When to Consider a Bone Density Scan in Joliet

December 29, 2025

Your bones support everything you do—from walking your dog through Community Park to playing with your grandchildren. But have you ever stopped to think about what’s happening inside those bones? While they may feel rock-solid, bone health can silently decline over time, putting you at risk for fractures and serious complications. Understanding when you need a bone density scan could be one of the most important preventive health decisions you make.

At Primary Care Joliet, our team of experienced physicians including Dr. Mustafa Aladin and Dr. Melwin Joseph offers comprehensive bone density testing at our convenient Joliet and Wilmington locations. This simple, painless screening can reveal critical information about your skeletal health before problems develop.

Understanding Bone Density and Osteoporosis

Think of your bones as a living bank account. Throughout your life, your body makes deposits and withdrawals of minerals like calcium and phosphorus. When you’re young, deposits exceed withdrawals, and your bones grow stronger and denser. But as you age, especially after menopause for women, withdrawals can outpace deposits, leaving your bones weaker and more fragile.

Osteoporosis is a disease characterized by low bone mass and deterioration of bone tissue. This condition literally means “porous bones,” and it transforms what should be dense, strong skeletal structures into brittle, honeycomb-like frameworks that fracture easily. According to the National Osteoporosis Foundation, approximately 54 million Americans have osteoporosis or low bone mass, placing them at increased risk for fractures.

The insidious nature of osteoporosis lies in its silence. Unlike many health conditions that announce themselves with pain or obvious symptoms, bone density loss occurs quietly over years or even decades. Many people don’t realize they have osteoporosis until they experience their first fracture—often from a minor fall or even a strong sneeze.

The Hidden Dangers of Weak Bones

Osteoporotic fractures aren’t just painful inconveniences—they can be life-altering or even life-threatening events. Hip fractures are particularly concerning, with studies showing that up to 20% of older adults who suffer hip fractures die within one year due to complications. Even those who survive often face permanent disability, loss of independence, and significantly reduced quality of life.

Spinal compression fractures represent another serious consequence of osteoporosis. These fractures can occur spontaneously or from minor trauma, causing severe back pain, height loss, and the characteristic stooped posture often associated with aging. Each vertebral fracture increases the risk of additional fractures, creating a devastating cascade effect.

Will County residents, particularly those over 50, should be especially vigilant about bone health. The combination of aging demographics and lifestyle factors common in the Midwest—including limited sun exposure during long winters that affects vitamin D levels—can contribute to increased osteoporosis risk in our Joliet community.

Who Should Consider a Bone Density Scan?

Bone density testing isn’t necessary for everyone, but certain individuals should absolutely prioritize this screening. Understanding whether you fall into a high-risk category can help you take proactive steps to protect your skeletal health.

Age and Gender Considerations

• Women Age 65 and Older: All women in this age group should receive regular bone density screening, regardless of other risk factors, as postmenopausal bone loss significantly increases fracture risk
• Men Age 70 and Older: While osteoporosis is less common in men, those over 70 should also undergo screening to assess bone health
• Postmenopausal Women Under 65: If you have risk factors such as family history, low body weight, or smoking history, earlier screening may be recommended
• Men Age 50-69 with Risk Factors: Men in this age range who have risk factors should discuss screening with their primary care physician

Medical History Red Flags

Certain medical conditions and treatments can accelerate bone loss, making bone density screening crucial even for younger individuals:

• Long-term Corticosteroid Use: Medications like prednisone, commonly prescribed for conditions like asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, and inflammatory bowel disease, can significantly weaken bones over time
• Hormonal Conditions: Thyroid disorders, early menopause, hypogonadism in men, and other hormonal imbalances affect bone metabolism
• Chronic Diseases: Conditions such as celiac disease, inflammatory bowel disease, kidney disease, and rheumatoid arthritis interfere with nutrient absorption or increase inflammation, both detrimental to bone health
• Cancer Treatments: Certain chemotherapy drugs and hormonal therapies for breast and prostate cancer can accelerate bone loss

Physical Warning Signs

Your body may provide clues that your bones are weakening. Dr. Aladin and our team at Primary Care Joliet recommend bone density testing if you’ve experienced:

• Height Loss: Losing more than one and a half inches from your maximum height may indicate spinal compression fractures caused by osteoporosis
• Recurrent Fractures: Breaking bones from minimal trauma, such as falling from standing height or less, suggests significant bone weakness
• Posture Changes: Developing a stooped or hunched posture (kyphosis) can signal vertebral compression fractures
• Chronic Back Pain: Persistent back pain, especially in the mid to upper back, may indicate vertebral fractures or weakening

Lifestyle and Family History Factors

Several lifestyle factors and genetic predispositions increase osteoporosis risk:

• Family History: Having a parent, especially a mother, who experienced hip fracture significantly increases your risk
• Low Body Weight: Individuals with a body mass index under 19 or who weigh less than 127 pounds have less bone mass to draw from as they age
• Smoking and Alcohol Use: Both tobacco use and excessive alcohol consumption interfere with bone formation and increase fracture risk
• Sedentary Lifestyle: Lack of weight-bearing exercise prevents bones from maintaining optimal strength
• Inadequate Nutrition: Diets low in calcium and vitamin D fail to provide bones with essential building blocks

What to Expect During Your Bone Density Test

If you’ve been putting off a bone density scan because you’re worried about the procedure, you can relax. This diagnostic test is one of the most straightforward and comfortable screenings available in modern medicine.

A bone density test, technically called dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA or DXA), uses minimal radiation—typically less than a standard chest x-ray—to measure the mineral content in specific bones. The procedure requires no injections, no uncomfortable probing, and causes absolutely no pain.

During your visit to Primary Care Joliet, you’ll simply lie on a padded table while a scanning arm passes over your body. The technician will typically measure bone density in your hip and spine, as these are the most common sites for osteoporotic fractures. The entire process takes only 10 to 15 minutes, and you can immediately resume all normal activities.

You’ll remain fully clothed, though you should avoid wearing clothing with metal zippers, buttons, or embellishments that could interfere with the imaging. The machine produces detailed images that allow Dr. Joseph, Dr. Aladin, or another member of our medical team to precisely assess your bone mineral density.

Understanding Your Bone Density Results

Your bone density test results include a T-score, which compares your bone density to that of a healthy 30-year-old adult of the same gender. Understanding this score helps you and your physician at Primary Care Joliet develop an appropriate treatment plan:

• T-score of -1.0 or Above: Normal bone density, indicating strong, healthy bones
• T-score Between -1.0 and -2.5: Osteopenia, meaning low bone mass that isn’t quite osteoporosis but indicates increased fracture risk
• T-score of -2.5 or Below: Osteoporosis, confirming significant bone loss requiring treatment

If your results indicate osteopenia or osteoporosis, don’t panic. These diagnoses simply mean it’s time to take action to protect your bones and prevent fractures. Our team will work with you to develop a comprehensive treatment plan tailored to your specific needs and health status.

Treatment Options and Prevention Strategies

The good news about osteoporosis is that effective treatments exist, and lifestyle modifications can significantly slow or even reverse bone loss. Dr. Aladin and our medical team take a comprehensive approach to bone health that addresses multiple factors simultaneously.

Medications for Bone Health

Several medication classes can help strengthen bones and reduce fracture risk:

• Bisphosphonates: These medications slow bone breakdown and are often the first-line treatment for osteoporosis
• Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators (SERMs): These drugs mimic estrogen’s bone-protecting effects without some of estrogen’s risks
• Hormone Therapy: For some postmenopausal women, hormone replacement therapy may be appropriate
• Denosumab: This injectable medication reduces bone breakdown through a different mechanism than bisphosphonates
• Anabolic Agents: For severe osteoporosis, medications that actively build new bone may be prescribed

Lifestyle Modifications for Stronger Bones

Medication alone isn’t enough—your daily habits profoundly impact bone health:

• Calcium Intake: Adults need 1,000 to 1,200 mg of calcium daily from diet and supplements
• Vitamin D Sufficiency: Adequate vitamin D (typically 800-1,000 IU daily) ensures your body can absorb and use calcium effectively
• Weight-Bearing Exercise: Activities like walking, dancing, tennis, and stair climbing stimulate bone formation and maintain bone density
• Strength Training: Resistance exercises build both muscle and bone, reducing fall risk while strengthening your skeleton
• Fall Prevention: Removing tripping hazards at home, improving lighting, and using assistive devices when necessary reduces fracture risk

Nutritional Support

Working with our team, including our registered dietitian, can help optimize your nutrition for bone health. Beyond calcium and vitamin D, other nutrients play crucial roles:

• Protein: Adequate protein intake supports bone structure and helps maintain muscle mass that protects bones
• Magnesium: This mineral works alongside calcium to build strong bones
• Vitamin K: Essential for bone metabolism and calcium regulation
• Phosphorus: Works with calcium to form the mineral matrix of bones

The Importance of Regular Monitoring

Once you’ve had your initial bone density test, regular follow-up scans help track your progress and ensure your treatment plan is working effectively. Most patients undergo repeat testing every one to two years, though Dr. Joseph or Dr. Aladin may recommend more frequent monitoring depending on your initial results and treatment response.

These follow-up scans allow your physician to detect small changes in bone density before they become problematic. If your current treatment isn’t adequately protecting your bones, adjustments can be made promptly. Conversely, seeing improvement in your bone density provides powerful motivation to continue your healthy habits and prescribed treatments.

Taking the First Step Toward Stronger Bones in Joliet

Your bones deserve the same attention you give to other aspects of your health. Whether you’re approaching the age where screening is recommended, have risk factors that warrant earlier testing, or have noticed warning signs like height loss or recurrent fractures, now is the time to take action.

At Primary Care Joliet, we’ve invested in state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment to provide our patients with convenient, comprehensive bone density testing right here in Will County. You won’t need to travel to distant facilities or wait weeks for results—our team provides efficient, thorough care all under one roof.

Dr. Mustafa Aladin, Dr. Melwin Joseph, and our experienced nurse practitioners bring years of expertise to every patient interaction. We understand that bone health is just one piece of your overall wellness puzzle, and we’re committed to coordinating all aspects of your care to help you live your healthiest, most active life.

Schedule Your Bone Density Test Today

Don’t wait for a fracture to reveal that your bones need attention. Proactive screening can identify problems early when they’re most treatable, potentially saving you from painful fractures and loss of independence down the road.

Contact Primary Care Joliet today to schedule your bone density test at our Joliet or Wilmington location. Our friendly staff makes scheduling simple, and our flexible hours accommodate busy schedules. Whether you’re a longtime patient or new to our practice, you’ll experience the personalized, comprehensive care that has made us a trusted healthcare partner for families throughout Will County.

Your bones have supported you throughout your life—now it’s time to support them. Call Primary Care Joliet to book your bone density screening and take an important step toward maintaining your strength, independence, and quality of life for years to come.