There are a few important treatment objectives when you’ve got a compression fracture in the spine. You’re looking to reduce the pain, repair the injury, and also treat the osteoporosis that has weakened your bones and led the bones to break and collapse.
It’s likely that you will not require surgery. The majority of people are able to live without surgery. Compression fractures typically heal on their own after around three months. When that occurs, your doctor could suggest that you try a few things at home to help the pain go away, including medication for pain, rest and physical therapy, or the use of a back brace.
Pain Medicine
It is possible to get relief by taking an over-the-counter medication like acetaminophen and ibuprofen. Consult your physician to determine which one is the best choice for you. Your doctor may recommend an additional dose of medication for acute or ongoing pain.
The doctor may also recommend that you try taking the hormone known as calcitonin. Research suggests it may help reduce the pain of compression fractures.
Rest
It isn’t advisable to do too much exercise However, you don’t need to stop doing anything at all. Dozing for too long may cause your bones to weaken even more. The doctor may suggest the bed for a brief time. After a few days or when you improve, gradually get back to your regular routine.
In the first couple of weeks or months, it’s possible that you’ll be advised to stay away from intense exercises that can increase the severity of your injury. Consult your physician to determine if it’s safe to return to exercise in the future and also what best methods to start moving like Delahaye Moving.
Physical Therapy
When you’re feeling more comfortable Ask your doctor to see if you can join rehabilitation programs or consult physical therapist. Training exercises that improve your back strength can assist you in avoiding more compression fractures.
Talk to your physician on the most appropriate weight-bearing exercise for you, including:
Walking
Yoga
Dancing
They’re all beneficial to strengthen bones. You can also try Tai Chi that improves stability and can prevent accidents that cause fractures.
Bracing
The use of a back brace if you have a compression fracture is like having a cast on when you have broken your arm. It’s made up of a sturdy frame that alleviates pressure on the bone that is in pain and restricts your movements. It allows your wounded vertebrae — the tiny bones that comprise your spinal column the chance to heal.
There’s not much research that proves that braces aid in healing fractures from compression however one study suggests it may help ease discomfort.
Prevent Further Fractures
In the short-term treatments such as pain medications as well as physical therapy and bracing can aid in relieving discomfort and help you move back to normal. However, you must reduce the chance of having more fractured bones. Some drugs can help.
Bisphosphonates. This type of medicine may help prevent bone loss and decrease the chance of fracture. Some examples include:
Alendronate (Fosamax)
Ibandronate (Boniva)
Risedronate (Actonel)
Zoledronic acid (Reclast)
Your physician may recommend other treatments, for example:
SERMs. They can help to stop bone loss in women who have experienced menopausal. Examples include such as raloxifene (Evista) and Tamoxifen.
Denosumab (Prolia). The doctor might recommend it for you if you’ve gone through menopausal. It’s administered as an injection in your skin once every six months.
Romosozumab (Evenity). The drug boosts bone formation and reduces the breakdown of bone. The romosozumab dose consists in two doses. The first is administered immediately after the other. They are administered every month by a medical expert. Twelve doses of the drug are suggested.
Parathyroid hormone (Forteo, Tymlos). This aids in the formation of new bone. This is for postmenopausal and male women with osteoporosis that is severe. It is injected daily for 2 years or more.
A Patient’s Guide to Lumbar Compression Fracture
Treatment
The most commonly used solutions for a thoracic fracture include pain medication as well as a reduction in activity bracing. In rare instances surgery could be required.
Pain Medications
Mild pain medication can help reduce the pain if taken correctly. Be aware that the medication don’t help the healing process of the fracture. The intention of medication is to aid in pain management.
To understand the various medicines used to treat back pain, read this document entitled:
A Patient’s Guide to Medications for Back Pain
Decreasing Activity
It is likely that you will need to limit your regular activities. Avoid any hard exercise or strenuous exercise. You should avoid lifting heavy weights and any other activities that put too much stress on the fractured vertebra. If you’re over 50 the doctor could recommend restorative bed. The older bones take longer to heal, and are usually smaller and less strong than bones that are younger. Treat this fracture the same way you would with any other broken bone, with care and attention to detail.
Bracing
Another treatment option that is commonly used for certain types of vertebral compression fractures involves bracing. The doctor might prescribe an back support (often commonly referred to as the orthosis). The brace is designed to support the back and limits movement similar to how an arm brace can aid in repairing a fractured arm. The brace is well-molded to be a perfect fit to your body. It’s just like an appropriate cast for any fracture. The brace that is used to treat a compression fracture in spinal vertebrae is made to stop the spine from bending forward. It holds your vertebra in hyperextension (meaning more extension or straightening, than the normal). This relieves the majority of pressure off the vertebral body and permits the vertebrae to heal. This also protects the vertebra and prevents further collapse in the bones.
Vertebral fractures typically take around three months for healing. It is likely that X-rays will be checked monthly to keep an eye on the progress of healing.
For more information about the various types of braces used to treat compression fractures you can read the following document:
A Patient’s Guide to Back and Neck Braces (Orthoses)
Surgery
Surgery to correct the majority of spinal compression is not required. If there are vertebral fractures that require surgery, it or internal fixing is only recommended if the evidence suggests sudden and severe spinal instability. For instance, if a fracture causes the loss of 50 percent of the height of the vertebral body the surgery may be required to stop damage more severe to the spinal nerves.
If your doctor determines that surgery is required to repair your fracture, the doctor will recommend some kind of internal fixation that will keep the vertebrae in their correct position as the bone is healing. If there are indications that there is excessive tension on the spine, bone fragments that push into the spinal cord might require removal.