About this topic
The bones in your back are your vertebrae. When one of these is broken, it is a vertebral compression fracture. This break happens when the front part of the bone is crushed or compressed. You can have this kind of injury for many reasons. Some of them are: � �
- Falling
- Being in a car crash
- Getting a blow or hit on the back
- Slowly losing bone in the spine. This is osteoporosis.
- Having a tumor
- Having an infection
What care is needed at home?
- Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do.
- Place an ice pack or a bag of frozen peas wrapped in a towel over the painful part. Never put ice right on the skin. Do not leave the ice on more than 10 to 15 minutes at a time. This may help to get rid of pain and swelling.
- If your doctor tells you to use heat, put a heating pad on the painful part for no more than 20 minutes at a time. Never go to sleep with a heating pad on as this can cause burns.
- A back brace may be needed.
- Rest and take pain drugs as ordered by your doctor.
- Take extra care to avoid more injury. If you have had one compression fracture you are more likely to have another.
- Avoid lifting anything over 10 pounds.
What follow-up care is needed?
Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits. Your doctor may send you to physical therapy to help you heal faster. � �
What drugs may be needed?
- The doctor may order drugs to:
- Help with pain
- Fight an infection
- Hormone drugs
- Be sure to talk to your doctor about how well the drugs are helping to get rid of your pain.
Will physical activity be limited?
You may have to limit your activity. This may prevent your problem from becoming worse. Talk to your doctor about the right amount of activity for you. � �
What changes to diet are needed?
- Limit your beer, wine, and mixed drinks (alcohol) intake.
- Eat foods that are high in calcium and vitamin D like milk, cheese, yogurt, salmon, tofu, almonds, and beans.
What problems could happen?
- Back pain
- Gradual loss in height
- Higher chance of having a stooped over posture. This is also called kyphosis or "hunchback. " �
- Nerve problems from more pressure on the spine
- Eventual disability
- Some patients may need surgery.
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
- Do not smoke.
- Stay active and keep a healthy weight.
- Follow a healthy diet.
When do I need to call the doctor?
- Very bad pain, numbness, or weakness
- Trouble walking
- Loss of control of urine or bowels
- Often have prolonged bouts of hard stools
- Health problem is not better or you are feeling worse
Teach Back: Helping You Understand
The Teach Back Method helps you understand the information we are giving you. The idea is simple. After talking with the staff, tell them in your own words what you were just told. This helps to make sure the staff has covered each thing clearly. It also helps to explain things that may have been a bit confusing. Before going home, make sure you are able to do these: � �
- I can tell you about my fracture.
- I can tell you what may help ease my pain.
- I can tell you what I will do if I have more pain, numbness, or weakness or trouble walking.
Where can I learn more?
American Association of Neurological Surgeons � �
http://www.aans.org/Patient%20Information/Conditions%20and%20Treatments/Vertebral%20Compression%20Fractures.aspx � �
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. � �
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Copyright � � 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. � �