It is estimated that up to 300,000 people in Ireland have osteoporosis. Although more common in females who have gone through the menopause, it can also affect men and even children

Women are at the highest risk of developing osteoporosis. However, men and children can also be affected. Furthermore, athletes who overtrain, those who develop eating disorders, or a combination of both can be at greater risk.

A DXA scan measures a person’s bone mineral density, which tells the condition of the person’s bone health.

• You have been told you have broken bone/s in your back
• You have lost height (got shorter)
• Your head is protruding forward from your body
• Your shoulders have become rounded and/or a hump has started to develop on your back
• You have a scoliosis, or one has developed
• You have back pain (intermittent or constant)
• You have one or two hip replacements
• You are wheelchair-bound or bed-bound
• Your mobility (walking) is impaired.
• You have a present or past history of an eating disorder
• You have Osteoarthritis, as this can give a false higher reading in the area scanned on a DXA scan report, implying the bones are healthier than they actually are.