How do you know if your vertebral compression fracture?
Symptoms
- Sudden onset of back pain.
- An increase of pain intensity while standing or walking.
- A decrease in pain intensity while lying on the back.
- Limited spinal mobility.
- Eventual height loss.
- Eventual deformity and disability.
What happens if you fracture L1?
The L1 vertebra is the topmost section of the lumbar spinal column. This section of the spine contains a portion of the spinal cord. Injuries to the L1 spine can affect hip flexion, cause paraplegia, loss of bowel/bladder control, and/or numbness in the legs.
What is a compression fracture of the L1 lumbar vertebrae?
A T12 or L1 compression fracture most commonly happens as a wedge fracture, which occurs when the front part of the vertebra collapses and the back doesn’t, making the bone look like a wedge. Osteoporosis, which causes decreased bone density, is a common risk factor for compression fractures.
How long does a l1 fracture take to heal?
This takes most of the pressure off the fractured vertebral body, and allows the vertebrae to heal. It also protects the vertebra and stops further collapse of the bone. Vertebral fractures usually take about three months to fully heal.
How long should you wear a back brace with a compression fracture?
Whether or not you have surgery, you’ll usually need a brace for about 8 to 12 weeks. After this, you may need three to six weeks of physical therapy. Your doctor will advise you when you can resume normal activities.
What causes compression fractures?
A compression fracture is most likely to be caused by serious trauma to the spine, particularly in the case of falling from an extreme height. Because of the force necessary to cause compression fractures, they often occur in tandem with other injuries, including damage to the spinal cord and severe ligament damage.
What is treatment for compression fracture?
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.
What you should know about spinal compression fractures?
Compression fracture symptoms usually start with tiny cracks in the bone that produce back pain. Eventually, if fracturing spreads, the entire vertebra will collapse. Most patients that exhibit spinal compression fractures usually see breakages in the front part of the vertebrae, where the bone is weaker.
How to treat spinal compression fractures without surgery?
Healing Spinal Fractures Without Surgery . A good physical therapy program started six to eight weeks after the fracture is often enough to treat the injury and prevent further problems. Therapies such as ice, electrical stimulation, rest or gentle stretching can relieve pain and inflammation.