vertebral compression fractures treatment
- Back brace
- Rest and ice to the area: Later use heat compresses on the area.
- Pain relief with opiates (hydrocodone or oxycodone [OxyContin])
- Admission to the hospital: Depending on severe pain, weakness, inability to urinate (retention), or inability to control your urine or stool (incontinence), you may be admitted to the hospital.
- Exercise: On approval from the doctor, a stretching and strengthening program is important to decrease further osteoporosis and to strengthen muscles supporting the back.
Medications for Vertebral Compression Fracture
- Pain medication
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn)
- Opiates such as hydrocodone
- Muscle relaxants such as cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril), carisoprodol (Soma), diazepam (Valium)
Vertebral Compression Fracture Surgery
Surgery may be required to prevent the spine from pressing on the spinal cord or to stabilize the vertebra adjacent to the fracture site.
Other Therapy for Vertebral Compression Fracture
- Percutaneous vertebroplasty: This is a relatively new procedure in which a needle is inserted through the skin of the back by a specialist. A cement or “biomaterial” compound is injected into the vertebra with the osteoporotic fracture. The material (usually methylmethacrylate) hardens, like cement, stabilizing the compressed vertebra. Studies using this technique have shown promise in relieving chronic pain associated with osteoporotic fractures. A similar procedure is referred to as a kyphoplasty if a small balloon is used to restore the height of the compressed vertebra prior to injection of the bone cement.
What is the treatment for compression fractures in the spine?
For the most part, nonoperative treatments are recommended for compression fracture. These treatments include pain medications and modified physical activity. The doctor may recommend wearing a brace that helps support the back and prevents bending forward, and therefore removes pressure from the fractured vertebrae.
Is walking good for a compression fracture?
Low impact activities, such as walking or tai chi, are good for your heart, and a healthy circulatory system can increase blood flow to the fracture and help your bones heal faster. … For many people, it’s best to avoid physical therapy soon after a spine compression fracture to decrease stress on the fractured bone
Can you walk with a fractured spine?
Spinal fractures are different than a broken arm or leg. A fracture or dislocation of a vertebra can cause bone fragments to pinch and damage the spinal nerves or spinal cord. … Depending on how severe your injury is, you may experience pain, difficulty walking, or be unable to move your arms or legs (paralysis).
Is a heating pad good for a compression fracture?
Treatment for the vertebral fracture will typically include non-surgical care, such as rest, pain medication, use of heat or ice for local pain, and slow return to mobility. Surgery may also be advisable. The two most common types of surgery for this type of fracture are vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty.
Is a compression fracture serious?
Soft, weakened bones are at the heart of the problem. Compression fractures are usually caused by the bone-thinning condition osteoporosis, especially if you are a woman over age 50 who has been through menopause. … Even coughing or sneezing can cause compression fractures if you have severe osteoporosis
How serious is a spinal compression fracture?
The thinning bones can collapse during normal activity, leading to a spinal compression fracture. Spinal compression fractures are the most common type of osteoporotic fractures. These vertebral fractures can permanently alter the shape and strength of the spine.
What does t7 vertebrae control?
T7 (7th Thoracic Vertebra) The T7 vertebra is the seventh thoracic vertebra, found in the middle of the chest between the seventh and eighth pairs of ribs. It plays important roles in the support of the spinal cord, ribcage, and muscles of the chest.
How do you sleep with a compression fracture?
Sleep on your back with a pillow under your knees. This will decrease pressure on your back. You may also sleep on your side with 1 or both of your knees bent and a pillow between them. It may also be helpful to sleep on your stomach with a pillow under you at waist level.
Can a compression fracture get worse?
If a compression fracture develops quickly, you may feel sudden, severe back pain. A fracture doesn’t always cause immediate symptoms, though. … Slowly worsening back pain — lying on your back may relieve the pain and standing may make it worse. Decreased height.
Is a spine fracture serious?
Fracture-dislocations of the thoracic and lumbar spine are caused by very high-energy trauma. They can be extremely unstable injuries that often result in serious spinal cord or nerve damage. … Surgery is sometimes delayed because of other serious, life-threatening injuries.