Take care, Margaret, Hi Melissa, I hope that the information provided in my sleep blogs gives you some sleeping options. She has been interviewed as an expert in osteoporosis prevention and treatment by WebMD, the Toronto Star, CTV Ottawa Morning Live, the Senior Rehab Project podcast, and Dr. Rebecca Risk's podcast, Falling Through the Cracks. Thanks so much. Core Strength Exercise for any T12 Compression Fracture These problems started 6 mths ago and I was just diagnosed with the fractures a month ago. We prefer to work with them when they are still able to hold their ear over their shoulder and their shoulder over their hip in nice alignment. Thats the go-to position and she has to fight that all the time. In the beginning, shortly after the compression fracture food preparation was limited to semi-prepared or prepared foods. I have days when I feel the pain is never going to go away. How you get up in the morning, how you choose to move a certain way, how you dress, how you tie your shoes, how you garden all of those things allow you to be in control and avoid your compression fracture to become more compressed. In regards to orthotic back braces, sometimes we get used to the braces and then we almost dont want to take them off. I have just watched Brendas interview and it is everything I have experienced. Safe Exercise Program for Compression Fractures - YouTube at age 40 I had a T5 fracture from a fall on ice. It has only been of late that she feels comfortable enough to drive, but she is much lower now in the seat of the car three inches lower. Hi Sue: Thank you for sharing your story and experiences. Margaret is unable to answer your question without a proper assessment. Have you ever heard of this type of pain? Finally, lumbosacral orthoses are also available for lumbar fractures but are only effective in restricting sagittal plane motion in the upper lumbar spine (L13). The weakened areas are unable to bear the stress caused by the flexion (wether through exercise, activities of daily living or other sources) with the result being a compression fracture. On the first day of the trip she experienced severe back pain (to learn more about the relationship between compression fractures and back pain, please read the section later in this blog post) when she moved some heavy bags. You should not hesitate to purchase Exercise for Better Bones. The fracture-dislocation is a fracture in which bone and its accompanying soft tissue will move off an adjacent vertebra. I compression fractured my L4 7 days ago. Hi Lorraine, My understanding is that Prolia does not require any exercise in order build bone. [11], Education in activities of daily living and mobility in ways to avoid pain is essential for this impaired patient population that is often elderly. Type B: The superior endplate is damaged. I am going for Kyphoplasty in 10 days time. If you have osteoporosis, therapeutic exercise needs to be part of your osteoporosis treatment program. Just as we are all unique in our makeup, the same applies to compressions that can occur in the spine. Keep your head pillow as low as you comfortably can when on your back. Use a pillow under your knees/legs when sleeping on your back. You should keep a hard copy of all tests that you have even in this day and age of electronic copies. Im convinced that at some point some sort of healing and/or mending must begin, if nothing more than my own bodies fight to heal itself. The lowest lumbar vertebra is situated just above the sacrum, or triangular bony plate that extends from the hip line to the middle of the buttocks. I had to suggest the paracetamol/ibuprofen protocol myself, ask what were the best actions to promote healing lying down vs sitting vs standing etc. She finds that the prolonged fascial stretches make her feel good. As far as the medication I cannot make decisions for you. Mine is one of those bulky black elastic and velcro ones that give more support to the lower lumbar area. Keep well. (Level of evidence: 2A). Unfortunately, a series of x-rays showed that Brenda had a 70% T9 compression fracture. There is no need to give up an enjoyable sex life because of a compression fracture. Two compression fractures and Im afraid to do much. A Patient's Guide to Lumbar Compression Fracture Recovery From Spinal Compression Fracture Surgery - WebMD Decrease your pain at rest and with movement. I have ordered your book through Book Depository but it has not yet arrived. I also prepared a video explaining flexion and extension. Newer research shows that it can hinder healing. Hi Margaret, I have been reading your book, and I have been doing your DVD. The x-ray image of the spine below shows a compression fracture. Hi Colleen, You are very welcome. Check with your doctor about the best weight -bearing exercises for you, such as: Walking Yoga. I asked her not to emphasize her frustration but, instead, share the tactics that have helped her deal with her compression fractures. Osteoporosis International. Tumour cells in the vertebra in 80% of the situations are invaded by tumor cells from the. Journal of Clinical Neuroscience 2006; 12: 31-38 (Level of Evidence 1B). When she does her stretching exercises, she has it underneath her as well. Physical Therapy for Lumbar Compression Fractures | livestrong 1173185, Zdeblick TA. Will be purchasing book but was wondering whether your video would be of benefit as well. [2][7][8], A lumbar compression fracture is a serious injury, both when caused by osteoporosis or by trauma. I find that many people do not understand the importance of good posture, good movement and the potential repercussions on the health of their spine. My son is 54 years of age and has cerebral palsy (spastic quadriplegia) he has had Prolia injections twice a year for five years. Thank you! Burst fractures are classified either stable or unstable. Using self-reports of pain and other variables to distinguish between older women with back pain due to vertebral fractures and those with back pain due to degenerative changes. Exhaling thru pursed lips as he visualizes drawing up the big boys as they would say in Australia. This winter I wish I was in BC as well! Lumbar Compression Fracture Treatment & Management - Medscape Considering just how much of a major impact a vertebral fracture can have on your life, it is nice to know some of the therapies that can help. I hope that this blog does help make the life of listeners a little bit easier out there, and if anybody wants to add their comments at the end the blog, feel free to do so. A number of bones and tissues make up each vertebra, including intervertebral discs that act as shock absorbers; the "bumps" in the spine, called transverse processes; and lamina, which protect the spinal canal. Again, its sort of a feel good thing, but she has had to hire a cleaning lady to help her with the heavy stuff, the vacuuming, the washing of floors, the toilets all those things that put extra strain on her back. Margaret. These lumbar vertebrae (or lumbar bones) contain spinal cord tissue and nerves which control communication between the brain and the legs. Dr. gave me back brace and ask me to visit him in 5 weeks. Mum is usually a fast healer. Carefully tilt down, lower yourself with your hands and roll onto your shoulder until you are lying flat on your side. Because she was physically fit before the compression fracture, her muscle memory is coming back. The physiotherapist (the one she saw before she came to see me) helped with the pain. She has always enjoyed gardening, bi-weekly exercise classes, and daily walks. After the compression fracture the most she could walk was five houses and back and that exhausted her. Pain relief (NSAIDs,muscle relaxants,narcotic pain medication see medical management), Accident with a vehicle with a higher speed than 70 kph. I sincerely live in near DIRE back pain. Im 7 weeks in and wow this is so painful. In the video, you will see Pat, one of my clients, demonstrating how to garden safely. I eat fairly healthy anyway. The pain is not in my back! But only one-third less than 4% of those fractures are brought to the attention of the doctor and therefore are brought to the attention of the individual. I have asked many health care providers and no one has ever heard of this type of residual pain from a thoracic compression fracture. Especially after you have left home. The group that did just extension exercises (group #1) had a very low rate of fracturing. What is unusual is that the pain comes later in the day and it is on the right side of my abdomen in the front (just under my ribs). Just because your spine has compressed 70%, it doesnt mean that it cant keep compressing. Compression fractures - Mayo Clinic He switched her to Prolia. You can look at the videos at anytime and as often as you like. I asked Brenda knowing what you know now, what would you tell your younger self? Wow! Gardening was a stress reliever before, now its a source of stress. The location of the pain corresponds to the fracture site, as seen on radiographs. A surgical technique called vertebral kyphoplasty would be the only way to fix her T9 compression fracture. Then they become fearful of moving and its a vicious circle. Have you ever heard of this type of pain? In early stages of injury, I understand. Any notable event the patient experienced in the history, causing the symptoms and complaints.High-Risk Mechanism of injury [2], It is important to know that there are no fully validated screenings for diagnosing lumbar compression fractures. Thousands of Physical Therapists in the United States, Canada and around the world have completed her training course. In elderly patients with severe osteoporosis, however, there may be no pain at all as the fracture occurs spontaneously. Osteoporotic patients might have a loss of height. Spine Univers 2009, Alexandru, Daniela, and William So. 2016 Mar 16. The more potholes she hit as they drove across Africa, the worse her pain got. She is fastidious about her chart and can see her progress. Although a vertebral kyphoplasty can give you pain relief, it doesnt actually stop the progression of further compression fractures. [10], The rehabilitation starts with a thoracic-lumbar-sacral orthosis. People who have severe osteoporosis can fracture a bone during daily activities. Third group did a combination of flexion and extension exercises. She has said walking and stretching, but not what kind of stretching. I went through 6 weeks of physical therapy, but I still have pain. Otherwise the vertebrae has healed itself in the compressed shape. You will lose some height and have a slightly bent back as a result. Brenda concluded that her bones were healthy because of her exercises, diet and Prolia injections. You can unsubscribe from my mail list at any time. For further information, please read my blog on orthotic braces. Many of their techniques are contraindicated for individuals with osteoporosis. So I guess my question besides the video should I begin now with meds or just continue eating well and up my strengthening and wait til I break a bone? WOW! History of a previous fracture, whether that is a wrist fracture, a toe fracture. Learn more about compression fractures onmy Osteoporosis Guidelines page. I will definitely look for the book, though Im not sure Ill be up to exercises for awhile (spine doctor said no PT yet, though maybe later it would help, just walk for now). The expense of Forteo would be for 18 months whereas the expense of Prolia would be for 10 years. [Epub ahead of print], Sinaki M, Mikkelsen BA, Postmenopausal spinal osteoporosis: flexion versus extension exercises, Arch Phys Med Rehabil. Hi Margaret, thank you so much for this valuable information, more useful than anything else Ive found on the net. L1 Compression Fracture: Causes Symptoms And Treatment You could experience a lumbar compression fracture when you have an impact. The goals of compression fracture exercise program are to: I recommend that you invest time and understand how compression fractures occur and learn how to avoid all activities and postures that can make your compression fracture worse. I would come to see you! Lumbar compression fractures will certainly create a bigger impact on the positions you choose and how aggressive you are comfortable being. The following are the compression fracture Physical Therapy treatment modalities that helped her with her compression fracture. I have quite a few clients that have compression fractures and do not even know they ever had them. But what exercises should you do and which ones should you avoid? Also, because the tightness in her chest has been reduced, she feels a little bit more erect. Watch on 6 Compression Fracture Symptoms Watch on Compression Fractures: Exercises to Avoid Watch on Flexion and Extension of Vertebral Column Watch on Possibly they are caused by high load impact trauma with a flexion compression mechanism. I was in pain that was basically intolerable. Thank you for ordering Margarets book. Core strength and osteoporosis why is core strength important if you have osteoporosis? I cried for two days, it seemed like the life I had and my future Latin dancing, backpacking, gardening old age (I called it late middle age) was going to turn into a recliner-centered existence like my mums. Whom is this specialist I need, and how do I find them? But I am glad it helped you! (To follow this tutorial you will have to play the embedded video because I will refer to images and diagrams as I speak through the talk.). Can lead to multiple anterior wedge fractures: increased thoracic convexity. Brenda uses activator poles (Nordic walking poles) with a weighted kypho-orthosis vest. [11], Changes in the size of the thoracic kyphosis/lumbar lordosis: [11][10]. For example, in order to peel a potato or a carrot, she had to put both my forearms on the counter. Brenda found the strengthening exercises that I have given her to be initially were very hard to do even though she was fit. Theimportance of good body mechanics and diligence during your exercises is really important despite having that type of intervention. Low-impact exercises such as walking, swimming and riding a bike can be performed tri-weekly, for 30 to 40 minutes maximum each time, depending on your strength and stamina. Brenda has always had a positive association with exercise. Mechanical low back pain (Clinical pain presentations), Primary OsteoporosisSecondary osteoporosis, A plain radiograph may be all that is necessary for a majority of compression fractures, especially if one proceeds with conservative, medical management, DEXA scan: Roughly half of patients with vertebral fractures have. Most of the fractures occur at the thoracolumbar junction. Heat seems to help. This is likely the best sleeping position for osteoporosis of the spine: To learn more about how to get a good nights sleep if you have a compression fracture, visit my page dedicated to better sleep. I had a fragility fracture of T9 mid August 2019 (about 6 months ago). Patient is gently asked to take place on the examination couch and lie supine, using only one pillow. You know your own body, and that is important to follow through. The vertebrae itself is actually quite a bit shorter in stature than the vertebrae above and below it. [2], Acute phase: Localised tenderness over the involved level is a known characteristic for acute fracture. Good luck with this decision. Examples include the Jewitt, cruciform anterior spinal hyperextension, and Taylor brace. Each vertebral fracture incrementally increases your risk of future fractures. No specialist/MD i have seen will recommended Kyphoplasty, due to the volume of fractures I have, and even so much as a brace recommendation has been hard to yield from anyone, due to me having both Lumbar & Thoracic fractures. I do not wish you to break a bone. We look at the fingertips; Strengthening-exercises: It is important to improve the. Wall push-ups Bow-and-arrow pull: This exercise helps improve back muscles to promote good posture. Have a file so that you can trace back your health history. Thank you so much for these videos and information. If she took the time to get down and kneel, as she is demonstrating in the second photo, she will maintain a nice postural alignment. It may be ankle pumps or butt squeezes. Or from my doctors. Lateral compressions that can be the cause of scoliotic deformation. Brenda does stretches from the Exercise for Better Bones program but I have advised her to hold them a lot longer (as long as 10 minutes) than I have recommended in the book. Thank you so much! Permanente Journal 16.4 (2012). Accupuncture has helped me immensly I felt relief after the first session and its made my muscles relax and starting to let go after around 6 sessions. I had never hurt my back before so had no idea what to expect. There is always room for more caring in health care. A researcher in your part of the world is currently conducting a trial: http://hudson.org.au/latest-news/muscle-mass-crucial-to-preventing-bone-fractures-in-young-people-with-cerebral-palsy/ You may be able to reach out to her. We talk through modifying activities that include how to safely feed their cat, etc. I am also going through the decision of what to do re pharmaceuticals have not taken anything yet. Hi. In both cases, your surgeon injects a type of medical cement into your damaged spine to heal the fracture. The most recent fractures occurred a couple of months ago. I am a 39 year old woman, whom has been sincerely stricken down in the prime of my life, with vertebral compression fractures. I went back to work on reduced hours. Their pain returns, some experience another vertebral fracture. Brenda did. After the diagnosis of compression fractures, Brenda was given strong painkillers that helped manage the pain and allowed her to sleep. I unfortunately do not know of anyone in Winnipeg. Thank you so very much for your useful information, Hi Margaret Martin, Thank you for your video. Basic equipment is required and is outlined in the DVD. It was almost like reading about myself. Fractured Spine (Vertebrae): Types, Long-Term Effects & Treatment If your BMD numbers have been worsening but you feel that you could improve your nutrition and your exercise to reduce bone loss then it is an approach worth taking regardless of whether you take pharmaceuticals. Im re-entering my information because apparently I was searching around your blog on one of my work emails rather than my personal one. Strengthening of abdominal, gluteal and hip muscles is important to support spinal structures with noncompressive forces and can be done for integrating the exercises into a more functional rehabilitation programme. I bought a brace. One is 5 minutes in duration and the other is 10 minutes. This type of fracture can be caused by a fall, a car accident, or any other type of trauma to the spine. Compression fractures. For example this is a good source of couples therapy in Toronto. Also can you still exercise if you are still in pain? [1], Note- if the patient continues to have a lot of pain, or there is no progression at all, it is advised to send the patient to a doctor or preferably an orthopedic surgeon for a review and possible surgery. A cough, a sneeze, a slight bend at the waist, these are all activities that I was doing when I broke each individual vertebrae. Unfortunately, this exercise is still very popular in exercise classes and used by many personal trainers. I had a fragility fracture of T9 mid August 2019 (about 6 months ago). So its a personal decision that youre going to have to make to keep you safe and feeling well. I give my consent to Physiopedia to be in touch with me via email using the information I have provided in this form for the purpose of news, updates and marketing. Not only will the actual fractures themselves get worse but you are at a higher risk of fracturing more and more levels. https://melioguide.com/services/phone-or-online-consultation/. But, Brenda was not aware of the kinds of exercises that were detrimental to her spine. But one has to stand up for ones rights and its their professional duty to find out if they dont know. If you are at risk of a compression fracture, already have one or know someone suffering from a compression fracture, you should read this blog post and view the videos the time you invest will be well worth your while. For the last 15 years, she has concentrated on bone health and has treated thousands of patients for their osteoporosis, osteopenia and low bone density. The bending is happening in the knee and hip as opposed to the spine. And is there a method for tying my shoes? This medication is a synthetic form of calcitonin, a hormone that regulates levels of calcium in the body. I do not recommend that every one with a compression fracture do all of these exercises. Physical examination findings are often normal, but can demonstrate kyphosis and midline spine tenderness. Her expertise is in the treatment and prevention of osteoporosis through exercise, safe movement and fall prevention. Following 8 weeks of healing you can gradually go back to strengthening and following a regular exercise program. Consider this a temporary set back and an opportunity to learn very good body mechanics.