I have lost nearly 6 inches in height and consequently have a stomach bulge which I never had before but it is understandable that will happen as everything is fighting for space they once, comfortably, had! No increase in bra size for me. ;)I have always exercised and so the muscles above my stomach are strong so that has really helped with this horrid condition and change in shape. I am sorry to hear you suffer pain. I do not suffer much pain in my spine, although it can be a little stubborn on getting out of bed/on walking the first few steps and if I stoop too much whilst gardening for example.
Hi Debbie, I do not do any specific exercises to strengthen my back. I do general stretching exercises daily, gardening, tai chi daily, lots of walking daily, 10,000 - 17,000 steps per day. Obviously there is the odd day when steps may be less but the following day's steps will more than make up for it. I saw a physio one time and she did not give me any specific exercises but emphasised that it is important to do things one enjoys which makes sense as one is more inclined to continue with them. I mentioned walking and tai chi to her and she said great and gave me info on a local free walking group and tai chi group at our local sports centre. I joined both, still meet up with the walking group weekly but unfortunately the tai chi group closed as the instructor moved far away. I had already got the tai chi DVD to do that every day. I could not find another tai chi group like the one I had joined previously. I love hula hooping and have done that for year, so do that daily too. No idea if it is good or bad for the spine but my spine does not object at all.
Yes I have lost 4 inches or so after 14 wedge fractures...the pain is the muscles...all internal organs now have to fit into a smaller area hence the bulge ..you need to do some core exercises...maybe start on an exercise ball, I did...then work harder as time goes on..depends on your ability...afraid the bulge is there to stay but with exercise you can help. Xxx
I have 4fractures in the last 2 years. Psysiotherapy is the best exercise I have had and seem to be improving slowly. Hydrotherapy has helped too. I am still in pain but can cope with everyday tasks.
You have my sympathy.I too have had this operation on my back and am left with similar problems.No painkillers did much for me until my G P prescribed morphine patches. They are not addictive and they take the pain away.Wonderful!
I could have written your post!! only I have 3 fractures and yes have lost height and am in severe pain and cannot tolerate pain killers. I hate the way my stomach is pushed out too. I have pushed hard to get to see a multi skeletal specialist at local hospital. I had an injection in my spine 18 months ago, they do not last forever but it helped enormously, I am seeing him a gain on the 14th Feb.
I know exactly how you feel, although I was never offered the surgery,I have 3 crushed vertibrae and I'm constantly in pain, Like you I don't tolerate pain killers, so it's a case of paracetamol only. I had the opportunity to see a multiskeletal gentleman in the local hospital who gave me cortisone injections 3 times , unfortuately these do not work!! I too have lost height and my tummy protrudes, I know I shouldn't be so concerned about how I look, more about how I feel! but when I put on a nice dress and see my shape from the back I could cry. I would like a corset to straighten me but that's apparently not a good idea! I walk around with a small electric pad. If anyone has any better ideas I would love to know. X
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No increase in bra size for me. ;)I have always exercised and so the muscles above my stomach are strong so that has really helped with this horrid condition and change in shape. I am sorry to hear you suffer pain. I do not suffer much pain in my spine, although it can be a little stubborn on getting out of bed/on walking the first few steps and if I stoop too much whilst gardening for example. 
Anyone with constant back pain
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