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DEXA Scan vs REMS Scan: Which Test Shows Your Real Fracture Risk? [Doctor Explains]

The Dr Doug Show | Longevity through Bone Health

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In this video, Dr. Doug Lucas discusses the advancements in osteoporosis care, focusing on the limitations of traditional DEXA scans and introducing REMS technology as a revolutionary alternative. Check out 4Well's Saw Palmetto For Men here: https://tinyurl.com/4WellSawPalmetto Interested in checking out 4Well's products? https://tinyurl.com/DRDOUG4WELL. Use promo code DRDOUG4WELL to save 10%! This video includes paid promotion from 4Well. Dr. Doug was compensated for the integration but does not earn any commission on sales.

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#osteoporosis
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#healthspan

Watch and Enjoy! Dr. Doug Lucas Key Moments in this Episode
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Chapters

00:00 Revolutionizing Osteoporosis Care
08:46 Introducing REMS: The Future of Bone Diagnostics
18:05 Comparing DEXA and REMS: A New Era in Imaging

20 Comments

@verasilva 1 year ago (edited)

Last January my DEXA showed I had osteoporosis with my worst vertebrae at -3.1. I refused the bisphosphonates my endocrinologist recommended immediately, and have instead been doing all the things I have learned from your videos. Two weeks ago I paid for a REMS scan, and it turns out I only have osteopenia with the worst score in one vertebrae at only -2.4. My bone strength is great, so my fracture risk is small. I also kept pushing for better HRT and am finally getting that, despite endometrial cancer 3 years ago. The Echolight technician said with everything I am doing, I should be able to reverse even the osteopenia within the next year or two. Thank you for all this information, Dr. Doug, you saved me from a very sad path forward. We have to be our own advocates on this journey, and I couldn’t have done it without your expertise!

@SantaFeLady 2 months ago

I am currently frustrated beyond words with my bone health journey.
Last November, a dexa scan showed a t score of -3.4.
This was based on my left forearm and spine only because I have had double hip replacement and my hips cannot be scanned, or so I am told.
I pretty much freaked out at those numbers because they indicate pretty severe osteoporosis.
Then I learned about REMS.
I had to wait for a long time to get the REMS testing because where I live, the machines available are very limited.
I finally had my REMS test 2 weeks ago.
It showed a t-score of -1.5 which is still in the osteopenia range.
Now I am absolutely and totally confused as to what shape my bones are actually in.
Right now, I am sticking my head in the sand because I am totally overwhelmed with all the information out there and the do's and don'ts. I feel totally lost.

@LottaGoode 7 months ago

Thank you! Love this channel. P.S. "SpectRometry'

@mrs.e3909 3 months ago

Id be interested to know if we all have bone issues because the quality of our food chain has been degraded so badly. Can we ever do enough resistance training to remedy this.

@nabhnabhmonarch6805 1 year ago

Just watching the video here, The Best Lab Tests for Osteoporosis in 2025 With Dr. Kim Millman and Margie Bissinger, MS, PT, CHCand would love to get your input. I'm just diagnosed with both conditions and have been changing my exercise, nutrition ( which has been organic from our own garden, no junk food etc) and supplement routine to include everything that can help me turn this around. I'm 65 years young, active (snowboarder, golf, walk, bike and , 5'5", 125lbs

@soggymoggytravels 1 year ago

I got a rems scan last year after watching your channel. One downside to the rems that no one has mentioned is that you need to fast b4 the rems. This is so the ultrasound is not interrupted by stomach contents. That might not suit everyone.

@mariomercado8561 1 year ago

it true , but what you don't said is , as Xray tech and CBDT , that there is not training for R.EM.S unless you purchase the equipment , and the test are expensive in comparison with DEXA. The manufactures don't want offer like me a chance to get training , yes is it more safe than DEXA , unless you are a doctor or associated with others doctors or professional , you can't afford .This technology still slowly here .

@CarrieKloss 1 year ago

I had a DEXA that looked bad and then had a Rems that looked good. The REMs representative said because I have scoliosis. The DEXA scan wouldn’t show the correct result I’m wondering, would you still recommend getting both in the future?

@trudydenoyer4648 1 year ago

This gives me hope. I just had my first Dexa scan at 60 years old. My hip was.05 and my spine was a 3.4 I’m devastated at my results. My femur was 1.5 . My scores seem to be all over the place. But I’m not a doctor so to me it doesn’t make sense. I would love to get a Rems scan. But honestly I’m a little worried it might come back worse 😞

@sbk9370 3 months ago

I need lumbar fusion surgery but because my Dexa score showed -3.0 I need to wait but my REMs showed -2.2 and low fracture risk. Unfortunately surgeons only use the Dexa. I don’t want to take bone building medicine and have been trying to build back bone naturally as advised by my Naturopath dr.

@Katydid-u7x 1 month ago

I’ve only had one DEXA, 4 years ago. Even if I go back for another on the same machine, I am not confident because of the ‘margin of error.’ I feel a REMS is in order…

@laurarobertson7259 11 months ago

Why is the REMS score so much lower then the DEXA score?

@CherieCarterScott 5 months ago

Where can I get a REMS in Las vegas-Henderson, NV area?

@OsteoporosisToBoneHealth 1 year ago

How much does a REMS scan cost typically? I live in Va Beach, Va in the USA

@sheila7814 11 months ago (edited)

Just had my DEXA and it said no evidence of surgery….. score of -2.7 on my spine. I had back surgery on L2 in 2020. I told my Oncologist that I had surgery and asked if it would affect the result. She said no. I also have scoliosis. I bet the score is wrong???

@49lucky 3 months ago

How much does it cost, if insurance doesn't cover it????

@laurarobertson7259 11 months ago

Had the REMS test done now need to find a doctor who can read the results any suggestions?

@pamrick7015 1 year ago

My daughter who is 35 was diagnosed with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis at 11 months old. She has been on numerous medications in her life. She hasn’t taken prednisone on a regular basis just temporarily now and then to help her flares. She has taken many different types of injections like Embrel, Humeria, Cimzia. She is on one now that I don’t know the name of. I worry about her bone density. She doesn’t eat good and drinks diet Dr Pepper a lot.. maybe several cans a day. I feel like she should have a REMS or at least a DEXA. She already has my genetics going against her..

@ms181 1 year ago

Need help finding REMS locations. Could you provide a list? They seem to be few and far between. Frustrating!

@veronicaheaney3464 1 year ago

Wish I could search for and actually find REMS scans near me. Doing a search often brings up every kind of scan except REMS. Some seem similar but don’t match your description. I am getting frustrated.