In Part 2 of this important two-part conversation, Debi Robinson continues her discussion with Dr. Nick Birch, a former spinal surgeon who began questioning conventional bone density testing after decades of surgical experience.

While Part 1 explored the limitations of DEXA scans and the difference between bone density and bone strength, this episode goes deeper into the broader implications: informed consent, the blind spots of specialty medicine, polypharmacy, and why bone health must be viewed through a whole-body lens.

Dr. Birch explains how REMS technology evaluates bone fragility and toughness — not just density — and why women deserve access to better information when making decisions about their bone health.

This episode is about empowerment through education.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

• Why bone density and bone strength are not the same
• How REMS measures fragility and bone toughness
• The limitations of the traditional “T-score model”
• What medical “blinkers” are — and how they affect care
• The risks of polypharmacy in aging women
• How medications can unintentionally impact bone health
• Why informed consent must include lifestyle options
• Why bone health reflects overall metabolic, hormonal, and digestive health
  
  

Action Steps You Can Take Today

1. Look beyond your T-score and ask about fracture risk.
2. Ask your provider about all options, including lifestyle interventions.
3. Evaluate medication interactions if you are on multiple prescriptions.
4. Support digestion and gut health to improve nutrient absorption.
5. Address inflammation and stress, which directly impact bone remodeling.
6. Think holistically — bone health is whole-body health.
   
   

Resources & Links

• Debi's website: https://debirobinson.com
• Learn more about REMS (Radiofrequency Echographic Multi Spectrometry) technology (as discussed in the episode): https://www.osteoscanuk.com/about-us
• Healthy Gut Healty Bones Program: https://debirobinsonwellness.thrivecart.com/hghb-self-paced-group-program-pp/
• Join the Community: https://debirobinson.com/the-stronger-bones-lifestyle-community/
• Yoga Therapy MasterClass: https://debirobinson.com/yoga-therapy-for-bones-health-mc/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/debirobinsonwellness/
• Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@debirobinsonwellness/

Debi’s Takeaway

You are not your T-score.

You are not a prescription.

You are not a number on a scan.

Bone health is influenced by hormones, digestion, stress, inflammation, movement, and metabolic balance. When we expand the conversation beyond density alone, we give women the information they need to make empowered decisions.

Information replaces fear.

Understanding builds confidence.

And empowered women build stronger bones.