How serious is a compression fracture of the spine?

When left untreated, a vertebral compression fracture can lead to a multitude of back issues, as well as health risks and even death. While some health problems such as kyphosis—an unnatural curvature of the spine—result directly from a compression fracture, other health risks are a byproduct of pain and immobility.

What procedures treat a vertebral compression fracture?

Vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty are minimally invasive procedures used to treat vertebral compression fractures of the spine. These painful, wedge-shaped fractures can be caused by osteoporosis and injury.

How long does it take for a compression fracture to stop hurting?

Pain from a spinal compression fracture allowed to heal naturally can last as long as three months. But the pain usually improves significantly in a matter of days or weeks. Pain management may include analgesic pain medicines, bed rest, back bracing, and physical activity. Pain medications.

What happens if a compression fracture doesn’t heal?

Complications of compression fractures include: Fractured bones that do not heal after treatment, which can lead to damage of the nearby vertebrae. Blood clots in the legs due to decreased mobility.

How are compression fractures treated in the elderly?

Elderly patients with osteoporotic compression fractures are often treated with TLSO bracing and rehabilitation. To facilitate progress in the rehabilitation program, some patients can be treated in a less restrictive corset or abdominal binder if their pain is well controlled.

Can a compression fracture be repaired?

The goal of the surgery is to fuse and repair the fracture, eliminate back pain, and restore posture and ease of movement. The most common surgical procedures for spinal compression fractures are lumbar fusion and vertebroplasty/kyphoplasty.

Is walking good for compression fractures?

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. It’s also essential to avoid bed rest to minimize your chances of developing blood clots or deep vein thrombosis in your legs.

What is the best pain medication for a compression fracture?

Acetaminophen: Acetaminophen is marketed as Tylenol. It’s proven to be a good pain reliever, and it doesn’t have as many side effects as, for example, aspirin.

How long does it take for a compression fracture of the vertebrae to heal?

Most compression fractures due to injury heal in 8 to 10 weeks with rest, wearing of a brace, and pain medicines. However, recovery can take much longer if surgery was done. Fractures due to osteoporosis often become less painful with rest and pain medicines.

What are the treatment options for elderly patients with osteoporotic lumbar compression fractures?

How should you sleep with a fractured spine?

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.

What is the treatment for osteoporosis of the spine?

Treatment for osteoporosis typically involves lifestyle changes to diet and exercise, as well as medication that slows down the rate of bone breaking down (called bone resorption), increases bone formation, or both.

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