Phone

(573) 332-7746

Fax

(573) 339-9709

Location

1723 Broadway, Suite 410
Cape Girardeau, MO 63701

Request Medical Records
Schedule a Consultation

DEXA Scan Test

DEXA (DXA) Scan – Regional Brain & Spine

Precise Bone Density & Body Composition Testing to Guide Your Care

At Regional Brain & Spine, we use advanced DEXA (Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry) technology to evaluate bone health and body composition with accuracy and low radiation exposure. Your results help our neurosurgery, pain management, physiatry, and obesity medicine teams tailor safer, more effective treatment plans—whether you’re managing back or joint pain, monitoring osteoporosis risk, or tracking progress in a weight management program.

Schedule a Consultation

What Is a DEXA Scan?

A DEXA scan is a quick, noninvasive imaging test that uses very low-dose X-rays to measure:
  • Bone Mineral Density (BMD) – to screen for osteoporosis and fracture risk
  • Body Composition – including lean mass and fat mass distribution
Schedule a Consultation

Why DEXA Matters at Regional Brain & Spine

  • Supports Spine & Joint Care: Bone strength and body composition can impact surgical planning, recovery, and long-term outcomes.
  • Guides Obesity Management: Objective body composition data helps personalize nutrition, exercise, and medication strategies.
  • Monitors Progress Over Time: Consistent, reliable measurements allow you and your provider to see meaningful changes and adjust your plan.
Schedule a Consultation

Who Should Consider a DEXA Scan?

You may benefit from a DEXA scan if you:
  • Have risk factors for low bone density (age, family history, prior fractures, smoking, low calcium/vitamin D intake)
  • Are postmenopausal or have experienced height loss or unexplained back pain
  • Take medications that affect bone health (e.g., long-term steroids)
  • Are starting or currently in our Obesity Management program and want accurate body composition tracking
  • Are planning surgery or rehab and need baseline strength and composition data
  • Are an athlete or active adult assessing lean mass and training impact
Schedule a Consultation

What DEXA Measures & How Results Are Used

Bone Health (BMD)

  • T-Score and Z-Score: Simple, standardized scores that help assess fracture risk and guide prevention or treatment strategies.
  • Personalized Action Plan: Your provider may recommend nutrition, lifestyle changes, supplements, medications, or follow-up testing based on your results.

Body Composition

  • Lean Mass & Fat Mass: Understand muscle balance and fat distribution that can affect posture, spine load, and joint stress.
  • Program Alignment: Results are integrated with your PM&R and Obesity Management goals for targeted, functional improvements.
Schedule a Consultation

What to Expect: Your DEXA Visit

Before Your Scan

  • Wear comfortable clothing without metal (zippers, snaps, belts, underwire).
  • Avoid calcium supplements for 24 hours before testing unless your provider advises otherwise.
  • Let us know if you could be pregnant or if you had a contrast study (CT, barium) recently.

During the Scan (About 10–20 minutes)

  • You will lie comfortably on the scanning table while the arm passes over your body.
  • The test is painless—no injections, no claustrophobia, and minimal movement required.

After Your Scan

  • Results are reviewed by your Regional Brain & Spine provider.
  • We’ll explain your scores in plain language and incorporate them into your treatment plan.
  • Follow-up scans may be recommended to monitor changes over time.

Safety & Comfort

  • Very low radiation dose (significantly less than a standard chest X-ray)
  • Noninvasive, fast, and comfortable for most patients

How Often Should I Get a DEXA Scan?

Frequency depends on your medical history, risk factors, and treatment plan. Many patients repeat testing every 1–2 years, or sooner if your provider needs updated information to guide care.

Where Is DEXA Offered?

  • Cape Girardeau, MO (Main Office) – DEXA Scan Studies available on site for your convenience.
Schedule a Consultation

How DEXA Fits Into Your Care at Regional Brain & Spine

  • Neurosurgery: Supports pre-operative planning and post-operative recovery considerations.
  • Pain Management: Informs non-surgical interventions and long-term spine protection.
  • Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation (PM&R): Aligns strength, mobility, and functional goals with objective data.
  • Obesity Management: Provides baseline and follow-up body composition metrics to track progress.
Schedule a Consultation

Schedule a DEXA Scan

Ready to get clear answers about your bone and body composition health? Our team will help determine if DEXA is right for you and coordinate testing as part of your personalized care plan.
  • Schedule a Consultation
  • Ask About DEXA With Your Provider
  • Track Your Progress Over Time
Schedule a Consultation

Schedule a DEXA Scan

Ready to get clear answers about your bone and body composition health? Our team will help determine if DEXA is right for you and coordinate testing as part of your personalized care plan.

Request an Appointment

Any patient type, new or established, may call or use our general contact form to request an appointment.

Please note that all Regional Brain & Spine providers accept self referrals.

Our Office Locations

Cape Girardeau, MO (For All Specialties)

Farmington, MO (Physiatry/Weight Management Only)

Dexter, MO (Pain Management Only)

Serving Patients Across the Region

Regional Brain & Spine proudly provides advanced neurosurgery, pain management, physiatry, and obesity medicine services to patients throughout:

  • Southeast Missouri
  • Western Kentucky
  • Southern Illinois
  • Northeast Arkansas
No matter which location is most convenient for you, our team is committed to delivering compassionate, specialized care close to home.
Schedule a Consultation

Get in Touch Today

Have questions about your appointment, insurance, or services? Call our main office in Cape Girardeau at (573) 332-7746. Our friendly staff will be happy to help you schedule your visit or connect you to the right department.

Schedule a Consultation