newly diagnosed

[futureforward]

Hi group,

I have my DXA Scan report and won't see my regular doctor until next week to discuss options. None of you mention non-dominant forearm scores. My other scores are OK - only the forearm is in the osteoporosis range -2.7.

Has that happened to anyone? What course of treatment did you follow?

[yogalibrarian]

It makes perfect sense that the non-dominant forearm would have a lower score. You use the dominant arm more and harder -- more muscle action, more impact, etc. Think about a tennis player. The dominant arm is likely to have a much higher BMD. Even less aggressive movements, stirring, chapping, vacuuming, weeding, etc. add up.

I suggest that my exercise students try working more -- even on small tasks -- with the non-dominant hand. I've been "mousing" with my left for many years and have found a lot of benefits throughout my body.

Bone density will vary across sites in the body based on a number of factors. Osteoporosis is generally diagnosed based on the spine and hip. And fracture risk is also calculated based on the spine and hip.

You might add some exercises to strengthen the non-dominant wrist and forarm. And practice doing some of your regular activities with the non-dominant side. (That's also good for the brain....)

But don't worry too much about that single site.