Closed fracture of lumbar vertebrae7/24/2023 ![]() This depends on the severity however this may also affect your muscles in a negative way and increase stiffness. Back support bracing can be prescribed for six to eight weeks to help with pain. Physiotherapy is significant in restoring normal function, improving strength, balance and can improve bone density in people with osteoporosis, reducing the risk of future fractures. The best solution for vertebral fractures is the engagement in physiotherapy. Pain management can be gained through ice/heat packs or from medication (but be careful if you are a senior planning to take anti-inflammatories). Treatment often involves rest, pain relief, back support (to reduce forward bending) and physiotherapy. X-ray or MRI is generally the best way to confirm diagnosis as mentioned earlier. This is because the area which fractures cannot be directly palpated, and the tests for it are highly unreliable. It is very hard to identify a vertebral fracture by way of a physical examination. ![]() Typically, the diagnosis of a fracture is confirmed by an X-ray, MRI or CT scan. The least common are crush/compression fractures where most of the vertebral body has been compromised. The second most common is the biconcave fracture, where fractures occur in the middle portion of the vertebra. Of these, the wedge fracture is the most common and happens when there is a force applied to the spine in a flexed position. Vertebral compression fractures can be distinguished in three categories: wedge, biconcave and crush. In some cases, patients have a fall, get back pain, heal, and carry on with their lives as normal. A loss vertebral height can also lead to a forward curvature of the spine known as kyphosis and a loss of height. If left untreated multiple fractures may occur in the spine. In many cases vertebral compression fractures can be obscure and go unnoticed. Whereas patients that have no presence of osteoporosis require severe trauma such as a car accident or a fall from height. In patients that have moderate osteoporosis, fractures can occur with low velocity trauma such as falling from a chair or lifting a heavy object. In the presence of severe osteoporosis theses fracture can occur during the most unassuming things for example lifting a small object, a vigorous sneeze/cough or turning in bed. The majority of compression fractures occur between T12 and L2 due to the forces exerted. In very rare cases bowel or bladder incontinence is possible if the fracture has affected the nerves that control these functions, however, in my experience I have never seen this and I’ve personally seen hundreds of compression fractures. You may find difficulty walking or standing and very rarely you might experience numbness or tingling in the arms or legs. Patients mostly complain of back pain after trauma such as a fall. Sometimes compression fractures are also called anterior wedge fractures, wedge fractures, collapsed vertebrae, osteoporotic vertebral fracture, or occasionally patients describe having a “crumbling spine” which is a term we don’t recommend is used. Typically, compression fractures can occur through trauma, infection, poor bone density or cancer. However, men over the age of 65 are also at risk of compression fracture. Often it is a complication secondary to osteoporosis and the risk of fracture increases with age, being female and post-menopausal. A compression fracture occurs when one or more of the bones in your spine (vertebrae) collapse or become compressed due to injury or bone weakness. Vertebral compression fractures are fairly common fractures in older adults with osteoporosis, mostly seen in the junction of the thoracic and lumbar spine. 5 Best Exercises following Vertebral Fracture
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