Low back pain and reduced height may be clinical manifestations of osteoporosis, but most osteoporosis is asymptomatic prior to fracture. In patients who have had a fracture, clinical symptoms, physical examination and bone radiographs can clarify the diagnosis of osteoporosis. Bone densitometry (DAX) in patients without fractures is an effective method of testing bone quality. The test uses a lower dose of radiation than radiographs to test bone density and is painless, safe and can be done in 5 to 15 minutes.