Stiff Person Syndrome

Posted on July 24, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

Stiff person syndrome (SPS) is a rare autoimmune neurological disorder that most commonly causes symptoms of muscle stiffness in your trunk and abdomen, with stiffness and painful spasms in the legs and other muscles developing over time.

Symptoms of stiff person syndrome can develop at any age, but it most often begins in your 30s and 40s. Scientists believe stiff person syndrome can range from just one area of a person’s body to a widespread syndrome that affects multiple parts of the body, and involves the brain, brain stem, and spinal cord. Stiff person syndrome is a progressive disorder, which means symptoms can get worse over time, and can take several months to a few years to develop.

In most cases of stiff person syndrome, muscle stiffness in the abdomen, chest, or back muscles is the first symptom experienced. This rigidity causes pain and an aching discomfort that can fluctuate in severity without a clear trigger or reason. These symptoms can also affect the arms and legs. As stiffness increases, some people may develop an abnormal posture that can make it difficult to walk or move. Individuals may also experience painful muscle spasms that can involve the entire body, or only a specific area. These spasms can last a few seconds, minutes, or occasionally, a few hours.

Symptoms of stiff person syndrome, such as muscle spasms, can be triggered after:

Physical touch or stimulation

Unexpected or loud noises

Changes in temperature, including cold environments

Stressful events

The triggers of stiff person syndrome-related muscle spasms can be unpredictable. This can cause some people with stiff person syndrome to develop anxiety and agoraphobia because it is more difficult to avoid the triggers of muscle spasms in public.

Researchers don’t know the exact cause of stiff person syndrome, but they believe it is an autoimmune condition. Some studies suggest antibodies may play a role in stiff person syndrome, as many people with the condition make antibodies against glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD). GAD makes a neurotransmitter called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), which helps control muscle movement.

Unfortunately, researchers don’t yet understand the exact role that GAD plays in the development and worsening of stiff person syndrome. However, it is important to note that having GAD antibodies doesn’t mean that you have stiff person syndrome. A small portion of the general population has GAD antibodies without any adverse effects. There are other antibodies associated with stiff person syndrome, including:

Glycine receptor

Amphiphysin

Dipeptidyl peptidase-like protein 6 (DPPX)

Additionally, some people with this condition don’t have any detectable antibodies, but ongoing research is investigating whether other potential antibodies may also cause symptoms.

Stiff person syndrome is very rare, as about one out of every one million people has this condition. What’s more, it is twice as common in females, and may also occur with other autoimmune conditions, such as:

Type 1 diabetes

Autoimmune thyroid disease

Celiac disease

Vitiligo

Pernicious anemia

A healthcare provider can diagnose stiff person syndrome by looking for specific signs of the condition through exams and tests. They will ask questions about symptoms during physical and neurological exams. If the healthcare provider suspects stiff person syndrome, they may recommend other tests, including:

Antibody blood test

Lumbar puncture

Electromyography (EMG)

Stiff person syndrome can be difficult to diagnose, as it is rare and has similar symptoms to other conditions, such as ankylosing spondylitis, multiple sclerosis (MS), or other autoimmune conditions.

Unfortunately, there isn’t a treatment that cures stiff person syndrome. However, working with a specialist and maintaining symptom control can make it easier to live with the condition. Specialists include:

Neurologists, specifically neuroimmunologists

Physical medicine and rehabilitation specialists

Occupational and physical therapists

Mental health specialists, such as psychologists

Speech therapists

To treat stiff person syndrome, two main treatment strategies can be used, such as:

Medications and therapies for symptom management

Immunotherapy or disease-modifying treatment

Treatment for stiff person syndrome varies based on your symptoms. The goal of treatment is to manage how symptoms affect you and improve your mobility and comfort.

If you or a loved one is experiencing symptoms of stiff person syndrome, you can receive treatment at Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center. To schedule an appointment, please call (718) 670-5486.

All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.

Scleroderma

Posted on July 22, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

Scleroderma is a rare chronic condition that causes the body to produce tissue that is thicker than it should be. It usually affects the skin, but it can also cause symptoms in other parts of the body.

If a person has scleroderma, their immune system triggers the body’s cells to produce too much collagen. Collagen helps the body have strong, healthy connective tissue to support the organs and hold parts of the body in place. However, when the body produces too much collagen, the skin and other tissue can become thicker and more fibrous than they should be.

Some people who have early scleroderma don’t have any symptoms. Some of the most common symptoms include:

Joint pain
Stiffness, especially first thing in the morning
Fatigue
Patches or streaks of thickened, waxy skin
Raynaud’s syndrome
Unexplained weight loss
Heartburn or acid reflux

There are two main types of scleroderma: localized and systemic sclerosis.

Localized scleroderma only affects one part of the body, usually the skin, and causes thick patches or streaks on the skin that feel waxy. This type of scleroderma is most common on the chest, arms, legs, stomach, hands, and feet. Localized scleroderma may get better on its own, and it doesn’t usually spread to other parts of the body.

Systemic sclerosis can affect other organs as well as the skin, including the lungs, heart, stomach, and small bowels. It can affect a person’s ability to breathe or process nutrition. Systemic sclerosis has three subtypes:

Diffuse sclerosis
Limited sclerosis, also known as CREST syndrome
Sine sclerosis

Systemic sclerosis can cause symptoms that may seem unrelated to each other, such as:

Coughing or shortness of breath
Trouble swallowing
Muscle numbness or tingling
Heartburn, bloating, constipation, diarrhea, or trouble controlling your bowels
Abnormal heartbeats, including heart blocks
Dry eyes and mouth
Itching
Erectile dysfunction or vaginal dryness

Experts aren’t sure of what causes scleroderma, but they know it is an autoimmune disease. Scleroderma can be hereditary, as biological parents can pass it on to their children. However, it is rare enough that there isn’t any definitive proof that it is a genetic disorder.

Anyone can develop scleroderma, but you may be at a higher risk if you are:

Female
Black
Between the ages of 30 and 50 years old

Black people are more likely to have scleroderma, and it is more common to develop it earlier in life and experience more severe skin and lung symptoms.

A person with scleroderma is more likely to have Raynaud’s syndrome and Sjögren’s syndrome. Some types of scleroderma can cause severe complications, including:

A weakened immune system
Cardiovascular disease
Congestive heart failure
Kidney failure
Pulmonary fibrosis
Pulmonary hypertension
Needing a finger or toe amputated
Cancer
Gastrointestinal diseases

Diagnosing scleroderma is usually part of a differential diagnosis, which means a healthcare provider will have to use a few tests to rule out other conditions that can cause similar symptoms before giving you a scleroderma diagnosis. A healthcare provider will perform a physical exam and tests, including:

Blood tests to see how well your immune system is functioning
A biopsy to remove a sample of your affected skin or other tissue for lab testing
Pulmonary function tests to show if your lungs or respiratory system are affected
Endoscopy if you are experiencing any gastrointestinal symptoms

A healthcare provider may also recommend imaging tests, such as:

CT scan
Chest X-ray
Echocardiogram
Electrocardiogram (EKG/ECG)

Unfortunately, there isn’t a cure for scleroderma. A healthcare provider will help you find treatments that manage the symptoms and lessen how much they impact your daily life. The treatments you receive depend on where you’re experiencing symptoms and their severity. Some treatment options include:

Immunosuppressants
Medicines to manage specific symptoms
Skin treatments
Physical therapy
Phototherapy or light therapy
Stem cell transplants

If you or a loved one is experiencing symptoms of scleroderma, you can receive treatment at Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center. To schedule an appointment, please call (718) 670-5486.

Scoliosis Awareness Month

Posted on June 12, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

June is Scoliosis Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness, share stories, and advocate for early detection and treatment of scoliosis, a spinal disorder that causes an abnormal curvature of the spine resembling the letters “S” or “C”.

The most common type of scoliosis is idiopathic scoliosis, which means the cause is unknown but is thought to be genetic. There are three types of idiopathic scoliosis:

Infantile idiopathic scoliosis- occurs from birth to three years old.

Juvenile idiopathic scoliosis- occurs from three to nine years old.

Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis- occurs from 10 to 18 years old.

Some other forms of scoliosis include:

Congenital scoliosis- when scoliosis is present at birth.

Neuromuscular scoliosis- when scoliosis is caused by an underlying systemic condition such as cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, spina bifida, spinal cord tumors, or paralysis.

Syndromic scoliosis- when a unique group of spine conditions causes scoliosis. The most common diseases that cause syndromic scoliosis are:

Marfan’s syndrome

Ehlers-Danlos syndrome

Osteogenesis Imperfecta

Neurofibromatosis

Prader-Willi syndrome

Arthrogryposis

Riley-Day syndrome

Scoliosis affects one in 40 children and up to one in three adults. Many have gone undiagnosed for years. That is why earlier detection is important, as it can lead to improved treatment options and a better quality of life.

There is a wide range of causes and ages at which scoliosis can occur. However, scoliosis may appear during the main growth years for children (years 10 to 12), which is the growth spurt period for children before puberty.

During this time, scoliosis will often present with the following symptoms:

One of the child’s shoulder blades is higher than the other.

The appearance of the child’s head is not centered on the rest of the body.

Uneven hips or one hip may stick out more than the other.

Pushed-out ribs

Difficulty breathing due to a reduced area for lung expansion.

Back pain and discomfort

When the child bends forward, it appears that the two sides of the back are at different heights.

The main goal for patients with scoliosis is to get an early diagnosis. Scoliosis is diagnosed when a pediatric orthopedist uses a physical exam and X-rays to diagnose early-onset scoliosis.

Scoliosis can be treated non-surgically and surgically. Some non-surgical treatments for scoliosis include:

Observation

Bracing

The Risser cast

Some surgical treatments for scoliosis include:

Spinal fusion surgery

The growing rod technique

Scoliosis is treatable, and the sooner a child is diagnosed, the less likely they will need surgery and the healthier they will be.

If you think your child may have an abnormal spine curvature, you can visit Flushing Hospital’s Pediatric Ambulatory Care Center. To schedule an appointment, call (718) 670-3007.

Older Americans Month- Mobility Exercises as You Age

Posted on May 7, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

May is observed as Older Americans Month. It is a time when the contributions of older adults are recognized across the country.

As we get older, our joints may feel stiffer, and our balance and reactions might be slower. According to recent studies, over 30% of adults 65 years of age and older experience some form of mobility limitation.

Mobility for older adults usually means the ability to move freely and independently. It’s all about different aspects of activities and movement like walking, bending, reaching, and balancing.

For older adults, balance is extremely important, and those with limited mobility are at a higher risk of experiencing a fall. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), falls are the leading cause of death for older adults, with about one in four adults 65 years and older experiencing a fall every year.

One way to reduce the risk of falling is by doing mobility exercises. Mobility exercises are low-impact movements that are designed to improve how joints move through their natural range of motion, while maintaining control and balance.

Mobility exercises promote active movement and coordination, and usually focus on:

Balance and coordination to prevent falls

The ankles and feet for walking stability

The hips and knees for standing, stepping, and going up and down stairs

The spine for posture and reaching

The shoulders for overhead and daily arm use

Doing mobility exercises regularly may help support:

Better balance and control of posture

Reduced stiffness from long periods of sitting

Easier walking and smoother transitions, such as going from sitting to standing and turning

Improved confidence when engaging in daily tasks

Long-term joint comfort and movement quality

Here are some mobility exercises to help improve joint movement, balance, and coordination:

Head rolls

Shoulder rolls

Arm circles

Ankle circles

Standing or seated hip circles

Standing or seated marches

Wrist flexibility exercises

Standing side leg swings

Heel-to-toe rocking

Sit-to-stands

Chair or floor cat-cows

Seated leg raises

Seated torse twists

Supported single-leg stands

Wall shoulder slides

It is important to note that you should stretch before engaging in any physical activity, so you don’t injure yourself. It is also important that you keep mobility training safe and effective by:

Moving slowly and with control

Using a chair, wall, or rail for support

Staying within a comfortable, pain-free range

Wearing supportive footwear

Stopping if dizziness, sharp pain, or discomfort occurs

Mobility exercises don’t just help maintain and improve strength, flexibility, and balance to prevent falls. They also help improve your mental well-being, heart health, and overall quality of life.

If you experience medical problems while exercising, you can schedule an appointment with a doctor at Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center. To schedule an appointment, please call (718) 670-5486.

Basilar Invagination

Posted on March 11, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

Basilar invagination is a rare condition that occurs when the top of the spine gets pushed into the base of the skull. This can lead to pinching or pressure on the brainstem, which is the group of nerves connecting the brain to the spinal cord. This condition is painful and can cause various neurological symptoms.

The spine is made of seven vertebrae and is numbered from C1 to C7; this is called the cervical vertebrae. The C1 vertebrae is at the top of the spine, supporting the skull. The C2 vertebrae lies below the C1 and has an upward peg that enters a hole in the C1, which lets the C1 vertebrae pivot on the C2, allowing the head to turn sideways.

If the peg of the C2 vertebra moves too far upward into the C1 vertebra, it can put pressure on the brainstem. The brainstem normally passes from the skull into the spinal canal through an opening at the base of the skull called the foramen magnum.

In basilar invagination, the C2 vertebra moves upward toward this opening. As it pushes into the foramen magnum, the space for the brainstem becomes smaller. This reduced space can lead to compression of the brainstem.

Basilar invagination occurs when a person has problems with the bones in the neck or vertebrae. It can also be caused by platybasia, which is the flattening of the base of the skull. Basilar invagination can be present at birth. However, it can develop later due to illness or injuries resulting from vehicle or bicycle accidents, falls, or accidents during activities such as diving.

Basilar invagination may occur in people with conditions, such as:

Rheumatoid arthritis

Tumors

Paget’s disease

Brittle bone disease

Marfan syndrome

Rickets

The symptoms of basilar invagination can vary based on the pressure on the brainstem, spinal cord, or nerves. Symptoms may become noticeable when a person bends their neck. Symptoms of basilar invagination include:

Headache or pain in the back of the head

Weakness in the neck, arms, and legs

Tingling when bending the neck

Tingling or numbness in the hands or feet

Difficulty swallowing or talking due the loss of muscle control caused by nerve damage

Inability to tell the position of body parts without looking

Twitching eye movements or nystagmus

Loss of feeling or sensation in limbs

Dizziness or lightheadedness

Confusion

A person may also feel a shock down their back when they bend their neck forward or may experience paralysis.

If basilar invagination goes untreated, it can cause complications such as hydrocephalus or syringomyelia, which are conditions that occur when the flow of fluid around the brain and spinal cord is blocked and the fluid collects in the brain or spinal cord. What’s more, if the lower brainstem gets compressed, it may result in death.

Basilar invagination is diagnosed when a healthcare provider performs an examination to look for symptoms of the condition as well as discusses a person’s medical history. They will also use tests to check if a person’s spine and nerves are affected. These tests include:

X-rays

CT scan

Myelography

Nerve conduction studies

The treatment for basilar invagination depends on its symptoms and severity of the condition. If a person has basilar invagination that presents without signs of brainstem compression pressure on the spinal cord, a healthcare provider will use:

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as aspirin to relieve pain or swelling

Neck traction, which involves gently stretching the neck to increase the space between the bones to relieve pressure

A neck collar or brace to support the neck and limit movement

Physical therapy that consists of neck exercises

If a person has signs of brainstem compression and nerve problems, they will need surgery. Surgery can be performed through the nose or mouth and can also be performed at the junction of the head and neck. Healthcare providers aim to use surgery to decompress or relieve the pressure on the brainstem or spinal cord and stabilize the joint in the neck.

If you or a loved one is experiencing symptoms associated with basilar invagination, you can receive treatment at Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center. To schedule an appointment, please call (718) 670-5486.

Meet Our Doctors- Dr. Andrew Bi

Posted on February 5, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

Flushing Hospital Medical Center is proud to introduce Dr. Andrew Bi, the newest member of our orthopedic surgical team.

Dr. Bi was born in Chicago, Illinois, and raised in East Lyme, Connecticut, and currently resides in Queens. He graduated from the University of Connecticut magna cum laude with honors. He then graduated from Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine summa cum laude with Alpha Omega Alpha honors. He then completed his orthopedic surgery residency training at NYU Langone Orthopedics, where he served as Executive Chief resident. Dr. Bi later underwent subspeciality training at Midwest Orthopaedics at Rush in a sports medicine fellowship, where he served as assistant team physician for the Chicago Bulls, Chicago White Sox, Chicago Steel, and DePaul University.

Dr. Bi has received numerous awards for teaching, clinical care, and research, including the Ralph Lusskin Senior Resident Teaching Award, the Marian Frauenthal Sloane Clinical Research Award, and the Rush Annual Thesis Day Award.

Dr. Bi treats all aspects of orthopedic injuries with a special interest in the management of all shoulder, elbow, hip, and knee conditions, including, but not limited to robotic-assisted joint replacements for arthritis, minimally invasive arthroscopic surgeries for sports injuries, such as anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), meniscus, cartilage, rotator cuff, and labrum injuries, and the fixation of fractures. His current research efforts involve anterior cruciate ligament injuries, meniscal allograft transplantations, rotator cuff tears, hip arthroscopy, and orthobiologics.

Dr. Bi is excited to begin at the Medisys family at Jamaica Hospital, bringing with him a sports medicine subspecialization expertise, as well as his Chinese heritage, to take care of the diverse population surrounding the hospital.

If you are experiencing any conditions or injuries affecting your bones, muscles, ligaments, and tendons, you can schedule an appointment at Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center. Please call (718) 670-5486.

Juvenile Arthritis Awareness Month

Posted on July 2, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

July is observed as Juvenile Arthritis Month. Arthritis isn’t just an older person’s disease, children can suffer from it as well.

Juvenile Arthritis or pediatric rheumatic disease is an umbrella term that describes inflammatory and rheumatic diseases that develop in children who are 16 years and under.

Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is an autoimmune disease where the immune system attacks the joints instead of fighting viruses and germs. It is the most common type of arthritis in children.

Other types of juvenile arthritis include:

Juvenile myositis is an inflammatory disease that causes muscle weakness. There are two types:

Juvenile polymyositis

Juvenile dermatomyositis

Juvenile lupus is an autoimmune disease that affects the joints, skin, internal organs, and other areas. The most common form is systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)

Juvenile scleroderma describes a group of conditions that cause the skin to tighten and harden

Vasculitis is a disease that causes inflammation of the blood vessels, which can lead to heart disease. According to the Arthritis Foundation, Kawasaki disease and Henoch-Schönlein purpura (HCP) are the most common forms of vasculitis in kids and teens.

Fibromyalgia is a chronic pain syndrome that causes widespread muscle pain and stiffness. It also causes fatigue, disrupted sleep, and other symptoms. It is more common in girls and is rarely diagnosed before puberty.

The symptoms of juvenile arthritis can vary depending on the type. The most common symptoms include:

Joint pain

Joint swelling

Joint stiffness

Fever, swollen lymph nodes, and rash

It can be difficult to diagnose juvenile arthritis in children because joint pain can be caused by many different problems. Some ways it can be diagnosed include:

Physical exams

Blood tests

Imaging scans

There is no cure for arthritis. However, it can be treated. Treatments can include:

Medications

Physical or occupational therapies

Surgery

Self-care

If your child is experiencing arthritis symptoms, it is important to visit a pediatrician as soon as possible. You can schedule an appointment with Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Pediatric Ambulatory Care Center by calling 718-670-3007.

Gout

Posted on May 21, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

Gout is a common, painful form of inflammatory arthritis. It is caused when the body’s natural production of uric acid breaks down chemicals called purines found in certain foods and drinks. This causes sharp crystals to form in your joints, usually the big toe. Gout can also affect other joints, including the knees, ankles, feet, hands, wrists, and elbows.

Gout symptoms can come and go in episodes called flare-ups or gout attacks. They can be very painful and can happen suddenly. During a gout attack, symptoms in the affected joints may include:

Intense joint pain
Inflammation and redness
Stiffness
Swelling
Tenderness

Healthcare providers usually diagnose gout based on the results of a physical exam, your symptoms, and the appearance of the affected joint. Tests to help diagnose gout may include:

A joint fluid test
Blood tests
X-ray imaging
An ultrasound
An MRI
Dual-energy computerized tomography (DECT)

Gout medications are available in two types and focus on two different problems. The first type helps reduce the inflammation and pain associated with gout attacks. The second type works to prevent gout complications by lowering the amount of uric acid in the blood.

Which medication is right for you depends on the frequency and severity of your symptoms, and any other health problems you may have.

Medications used to treat gout flare-ups and prevent future attacks include:

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
Colchicine
Corticosteroids

If you experience several gout attacks each year, or if your gout attacks are less frequent but particularly painful, a healthcare provider may recommend medication to reduce your risk of gout-related complications. If you already have evidence of damage from gout on joint X-rays, or you have tophi, chronic kidney disease, or kidney stones, medications to lower the body’s level of uric acid may be recommended.

Medications are often the most effective way to treat gout attacks and prevent recurrent symptom flare-ups. However, lifestyle changes are also important. Lifestyle changes to help prevent gout include:

Choosing healthier beverages
Avoiding food high in purines
Exercising regularly and losing weight

If you are experiencing gout-related symptoms, visit Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center. To schedule an appointment, please call (718) 670-5486. If there is an emergency, please call 911.

Healthy Aging Month

Posted on September 4, 2024 by Patrick Hercules

September is recognized as healthy aging month. The observation was created to encourage people to focus on their health and take steps to help them face the challenges that come with aging.

As we age, we become aware of changes in our mental and physical health, and changes in our social needs. You can take charge of your well-being by taking steps to age with a healthy mind and body. Flushing Hospital Medical Center would like to offer these tips to help boost your health as you age:

Get moving
- It is important to consult your doctor before exercising. Start slow, know your limitations, and modify activities if needed
- Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activities each week
Maintain a healthy diet
Eat proper portion sizes
Avoid excess processed foods
Stay hydrated
Stay socially active
- Stay in touch with friends and family
- Try doing something new that interests you
Balance your body and mind
- Keep a positive attitude
- Keep your mind active by reading or doing puzzles
- Keep your body active with yoga and stretches
Be proactive
- Receive regular checkups, physicals, and medical tests when needed
- Take vitamins, supplements, and medications as prescribed or needed

Healthy aging month is a time to celebrate life and the positive aspects of growing older. Healthy living is healthy aging. Developing and maintaining healthy aging practices throughout your life contributes to greater resilience and opportunities to thrive as we age. Making small changes in your daily life can help you live longer and better.

If you have questions about any medical issues that may arise as you age, you can schedule an appointment with a doctor at Flushing Hospital’s Ambulatory Care Center by calling (718) 670-5486.

Who Should Get A Bone Density Test?

Posted on August 9, 2024 by Xavia Malcolm

Bone density is a measurement of the amount of mineral content (primarily consisting of calcium and phosphorus) in your bones.

Bones containing more minerals are considered dense. They are stronger and are less likely to fracture. Bones that have less minerals, and are more porous, are classified as bones with low density and are prone to develop conditions such as osteoporosis and osteopenia. Both conditions cause bones to become weak and susceptible to fractures.

Our bone density usually increases until we reach our peak bone mass, which occurs around the ages of 25 to 30, and remains stable until we reach the age of 50. After the age of 50, adults typically experience a decline in their bone mineral density. People who are also more likely to experience bone loss include those who:

Have certain health conditions such as chronic kidney disease and diabetes
Are taking certain medications such as prednisone
Have a decrease in estrogen due to menopause
Have low testosterone levels
Have a family history of osteoporosis
Smoke
Consume alcohol excessively
Have poor nutrition: especially a diet lacking calcium and vitamin D

A bone density test can help doctors determine how much mineral you have in your bones, and if you are at risk for complications. The most common test is a dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scan. Test results will be reported as two scores: T-score and Z-score. A T-score shows how dense your bones are in comparison to those of a healthy young adult of the same sex, and a Z-score compares your bone density to those of someone your age, weight, sex, and ethnicity.

The Bone Health and Osteoporosis Foundation strongly recommends bone density testing for:

Women aged 65 years and older
Men aged 70 years and older
Anyone who has broken a bone after the age of 50 years
Women aged 50-64 years with risk factors
Men aged 50-69 years with risk factors

If you are at risk for osteoporosis or health conditions that may develop due to bone loss, you must make an appointment with your doctor. Your doctor can order the appropriate tests and recommend lifestyle changes that can help protect the bone density you have left.

To schedule an appointment with an orthopedist at Flushing Hospital Medical Center, please call 718-670-5486.