Kyphosis

[fraid]

Does anyone else find that this is one of the worst features of vertebral fractures from OP? I do think it must add to further strain on other parts of the back etc. why I can't stand /walk for more than a few minutes at a time.? Muscle relaxants make no difference . Exercise makes pain worse. So not only 6" shorter so can't reach stuff or bend down but I now look like the old lady on the road sign! I may look it but mentally I don't feel it. Just having a moan. 😁

Hope yall having a good day. 🤗 Keep on trucking, gently. 🤭

[Fruitandnutcase]

I’m not surprised you are having a moan. I think we all need to have a moan at times. Fortunately I don’t have any experience of it so far but I agree it must put a strain on other parts of your body.the six inches shorter must be very difficult to accept never mind finding you can’t reach into your cupboards etc. - just be careful when you are trying to get to the top cupboards - don’t go standing on chairs or ladders!

I found this on Margaret Martin’s site - you probably know an awful lot about your condition but one of the things I like about her is that she tells you what exercises and movements NOT to do. melioguide.com/osteoporosis....

I’ll never look at those road signs without thinking of you from now on.

My day is going well, hope yours is too so you keep trucking gently too 😊

[MCW22]

I know exactly how you feel. I hate the way I look. I feel very self conscious about it. I'm having to go through my wardrobe, getting rid of clothes that have hardly been worn because nothing hangs right over the hump. I've had to buy larger sizes and loose fits but nothing disguises it. I too get very down about it. I have to use a walker to go out anywhere as I need to support both sides of my body. Using one walking stick puts too much strain on me and causes more pain. I've shed many tears over this.

[emersee in reply to MCW22]

This is just an idea which might help you. My physio gave me two Nordic walking poles instead of walking sticks. They can be extended to support a more upright position, and this helps to relieve some of the lower back pain. Walking sticks are too low and we tend to have to hunch over them and the same for rollators. You can get Nordic poles from Amazon for £20ish. I hope this helps.

[Br0cher]

I agree totally. I too have lost height - used to be 5'6" - last time I was measured 5'4" but probably even less now. I've had kyphosis as far back as I can remember and when I was in my teens in the 60's, I started getting back pain. My lovely old NE Scottish small town GP's advice was "stand up straight". He was partly correct in that my poor posture was the problem but back then no advice was given on how to correct the kyphosis. Trouble was I couldn't "stand up straight" so being a teen I just accepted I'd have to live with it. Only as I got older and "wiser" did I think that maybe my poor posture was caused when I was hit by a car when I was 5. Although I was knocked unconscious there didn't seem to be any physical damage apart from a slight forehead injury, no x-rays were taken. Always been physically active as a child and continued to be for most of my adult years until 2007 when I experienced a life changing back spasm. I put it down to working too hard especially when in 2002 I bought a property in a dilapidated condition and with a neglected overgrown garden with 17 self seeded trees that took 4 years to clear before I could begin to create my garden. Anyway to cut a long story short, an x-ray didn't show any structural problems that could be the cause of the pain but an observant radiologist thought my bones looked thin so I was given a DXA scan which revealed osteoporosis. I didn't know much about osteoporosis back then but I knew enough that the menopause could be a factor. The GP immediately wanted to prescribe a bisphosphonate and poo-pooed my suggestion of HRT, even though I had just gone through the menopause saying that is not prescribed for osteoporosis. After researching the drug I refused to take it, so as far as the GP was concerned his advice was ignored and I was dismissed. As the years went by my back pain worsened and MRI scans revealed 2 lumbar fractures. In 2022 I suffered 2 more spinal compression fractures just from a bumpy bus journey. The worst pain ever which put me out of action for months. The consultant solemnly predicted further fractures unless I had drug treatment but despite his warning, I refused because they terrify me more than the osteoporosis. Still can't get HRT on the NHS in S.Glos, so have to get it privately at an exorbitant cost. Once the fractures healed I found it more difficult to regain or sustain any level of previous fitness. In 2023 I felt a structural change in that my waist had disappeared and my ribs were now sitting on my pelvis causing my internal organs to be compressed downward. I've never had a protruding belly or discomfort after eating but now I do. Coughing and sneezing sends my midriff muscles into spasm and my bladder feels full all the time which is hard to control. Anything weight bearing for extended periods increases the pain so I have to lay down for a while to ease the pressure. I am trying various exercises to strengthen my core and back muscles but trying to undo years of damage is difficult and sometimes painful. If I have some success with an exercise program, I will re-post with details. Yes, kyphosis should not be ignored because it can lead to other problems but unfortunately we are unaware until it is too late.

[Missus835 in reply to Br0cher]

The latter half of your story is much the same as mine. I empathize completely. Please do repost if certain exercises are more successful than others. Just started a few core exercises. Sorry to say, I've finally found someone who makes me feel validated, where others don't get it. Thank you for posting; my reply to fraid is below.🌷

[fraid in reply to Br0cher]

Yep, my boobs now sit on my waist, my waist on my pelvis. I wonder what would happen if I stood on me head? 🤔 I slouched as a youngster coz I was shy and too tall, my mother said the only time I had a straight back, despite pummelling by nuns, was when I rode a horse. Now I can barely sit on a sofa. Someone tell us it gets easier, please? 🤷‍♀️

[KimMarieSexton999]

ah bless ya !

Yep flippin agony in every direction sometimes even going out in the car does a reshuffle of bone and more pain ……wouldn’t wish this on anyone it’s absolutely disgusting such a cruel thing to have to deal with.

I scream & shout with it!

Just got some oramorf as spasms can be so debilitating.

Anyway as you say we just got to keep on trucking- warm hugs 🤗

Love

Kim

[fraid in reply to KimMarieSexton999]

Yep, I can feel my bones shifting when I sit down, which I have to do after a few mins.🙁

[Missus835]

Same. Not sure if it's from kyphosis, but I have 9 vertebral fractures. Kyphosis is there, but not bad. The muscles in my back are the culprits of extreme pain. I can walk about 15 minutes with a walker and my back feels as if it's going to bend in half if I walk too long. Ive lost about 3 inches in all. Been this way for about 7 months, since first two fractures. Had two vertebroplasties which didn't make a huge difference. The pain varies from mid to lower back and it's always there. Depends on what I decide I should do, because even a shower causes pain that takes at least a day to recover from. Standing still seems to be worse than walking, but I can get a meal. The only relief is if I lie down. Deep diaphragm breathing definitely helps. The muscles from back to front are so tight that eating is difficult because there's no room. Have lost 30 lbs. Just started physio for osteoporosis. A few very simple exercises. At least they look simple on paper. In addition to severe OP from steroids, I have PMR. Be very careful of further fractures and yes, no bending to the floor or twisting. No lifting.

[fraid in reply to Missus835]

Thanks to all for your comments and suggestions. Sorry we're all in such a sorry state! I do my own exercises, static and mostly to keep down leg oedema. When physio said don't bend, twist etc etc.I remarked I had to move sometime and live!

I have the lie banana shape have to stop every few mins so do things in bits, takes all day but at least it keeps me off the streets! 😁 Have to look after myself, why housemate is an ex, so have found myriad ways of coping. Re clothes I always buy mens baggy tops as long in the back, have some with back longer than front which helps, don't go anywhere but still put me lippy on, haven't given up yet, though don't look in mirror till I've had a few beers! 🤣🤣🤣

Keep on trucking folks, we're women and cannot be beaten down, just wait till we take over the world and stop all this nonsense. First on the list, eunuchs! 😂😂

[hellopal in reply to Missus835]

So similar to myself! Have 9 VCFs causing 3 inches height loss from steroid induced osteoporosis. They all happened in a 3 month period without diagnosis for me so i was in a wheelchair for weeks without doctors knowing the cause. Im nearly 18 months post fractures now, on forsteo. I’ve gained back some bone density but still in OP range. I’m not sure your age , but I’m only 28. I relate to a lot of the pain you describe. I get back pain from walking for too long carrying any sort of load, standing too long, sitting in one position too long or without arm support, stopping and starting too much when out and about. I did 1-1 physio initially but now I do exercise classes and pilates - with older women- and do think it helps with mobility and endurance. You just need to be careful though that your instructor is knowleagable about OP and what movements to avoid- like flexion or twisting with load/ beyond a safe range. When the pain gets bad, solpadeine helps me but i take it very irregularly to avoid dependence or resistance. Lying down is also something i do but i’ve build up resilience to last a full day in the office.

I was definitely not as strong 7 months post fracture than i am now, so stick with your physio routine. If you can add some back extension work on a mat, that’s supposed to be good for kyphosis.

I doubt i’ll ever rid the chronic pain completely but i’m confident i can work on my back muscles and supporting muscles further to increase my endurance and strength.

[Missus835 in reply to hellopal]

Thanks for the hope you've given me. I'm 73 so quite a difference. A full day in the office is epic! So glad you're bouncing back. I've not heard of the meds you mention. Perhaps because I'm in Nova Scotia. I don't have an instructor per se, but my physio therapist had given some basic exercises. She's supposedly an OP specialist. These fractures started over a 2 month period, but had I not gone to ER in so much paib, never would have known from what. So it's been almost 7 months in total. Thank you so much for all the info. Cheers to you. Well done!

[fraid in reply to hellopal]

I'm so glad you're so mobile, but awful this happened when you are so young.I am 68 so no physio for me, just makes things that are irreparably damaged so much worse. But sounds like you are doing well. 👍

[emersee]

Hello fraid.

I agree that kyphosis is terrible, and I have the same feelings as you do. Mine worsened when L4 fractured as it could not hold the metal construct that was implanted. The reason our back hurts so much is that all our back muscles are trying to pull our thorax/torso into an upright position, so the muscles get very fatigued and then sore. My worst area is all across the top of my hip bones.

I found that my clothes ie tops are far too long now that I lost height. I had no idea that happened as I was sick in hospital for 8 months, 3 of which were in a wheelchair. I got an awful shock at a physio appointment one day. I have spent far too much money on trying to buy petite clothes online (as I am not mobile enough to go to any shops). Next and Wallis are good options. They do nothing for the kyphosis but at least look better at the correct length.

[fraid]

My back pain after stand/ walk for a few mins is also down to nerve pain and arthritis , muscle relaxants do nowt for me. My X is an Osteopath and kept me mobile for many years before OP # s, he is very good but can't change bones!I am housebound too so shop online but need mens length, I am slim and long just the osteo tum gets in the way! When I had a fab bod I never appreciated it, I take more notice of it now, too late. Yep, I was going through kidney problems and didn't even notice how bent I was till... I was diagnosed too late for any surgery, should have screamed louder. Took a months fight to even get xray.🙄

A lot of coping is determined by your mindset and I have noticed that the worst afflicted moan the least, good to offload sometimes though, lightens the load , if not on your back. 😁

[Mavary]

yep that’s me. Can’t walk far, can’t do anything without pain. I don’t take anything because as long as I sit down or lie in bed I’m fine. I’ve got washing up to do tonight but dread it because of the pain. X

[fraid in reply to Mavary]

Hope you washed up finally? Is there no pain relief that suits you? I find when I'm still too long I just get sciatica, leg/ foot pains so have to stand up, wish I could sleep more than a few hours at a time. 🙄

[Mavary in reply to fraid]

I’m ok sleeping. No pain at all. No I’ve not washed up yet. I’m hoping it will do itself. 🤣. I will do it before I go to bed. I always do. I find I get cramp in my feet when I sit down and get into bed. It’s horrible.

My Cousin has got Osteoporosis badly like I have. She’s on the same treatment as I am and has not long had a spine fracture in the Lumber region. It’s splintered and the splinter is sticking into a nerve. The Dr has given her a morphine patch but it didn’t work so they’ve now given her another one. She can only get around in a wheelchair.

I don’t take anything because I only get pain when I do things so I’ve learned to do things very quickly.

[hellopal]

Kyphosis is the worst! I’m only 28 and i went from having a nice figure and wearing trendy clothes like crop tops and fitted dresses - to having to wear baggy shirts to cover up my curved spine and ribs sticking out. I always had a short torso with long legs , so now after losing 3 inches in my torso I look utterly imbalanced and crazy if i don’t dress to hide my waistline height! I run a company so get conscious that i look like i’m slouching and unprofessional, when it’s just the shape of my back now. It’s also hard to deal with the chronic pain and not being able to do everything my friends do, being aware that you could easily break a hip etc if someone bumps into me on public transport, or in a bar. Let’s not get started on not being able to join any physical activities like skiing, tennis, skating, cycling, kayaking! I don’t even know how i’d travel alone because i can’t manage my own luggage. I’m scared to get back driving my car - i’m afraid a small bump would break my bones, and i can’t seem to find a way to raise my height while having enough room for my long legs. I can’t find any sort of driving OT to help me. It’s so hard to find good help but i have at least found some good knowleagable pilates instructors.

this is also just a rant! in case it makes you feel better that there are more people in the same boat

[Canuck321 in reply to hellopal]

I totally understand hellopal. I'm 59, which is much older than you, but I had a nice figure too until recently. I was the one at the office who was well dressed and trendy, always wore high heels. Looked young for my age. Had a ton of energy. I've lost 3.5 inches from my torso and worsening kyphosis since an osteopath took out five of my vertebrae (compression fractures). My stomach sticks out horribly. I can't wear heels anymore so everyone immediately noticed how much shorter I was when I had to go back to the office after Covid. I wear platform sneakers or Doc Martens now. Not the same but it helps. And, like you, I'm in a very professional setting so the slouching, along with everything else, makes me self conscious. I've had to abandon almost all my beautiful clothes - none of my pants will ever fit again - I've gone from a size 4 to a size 10 because of my bulging stomach. I am very aware that when I sit in a restaurant or at a boardroom table, those around me are higher because of my shortened, caved-in torso. I got a sit/stand desk at work, which I like. I've also raised the height of the seat in my car to as high up as it can go so I can see properly again when I drive. I used to be afraid of the bumps too. I'm okay now and it seems to be fine. Just getting back to physio after a bout of frozen shoulder but, like you, I miss hiking, tennis, canoeing, etc. I take solace in knowing that my mind is still very sharp and I have a lot to contribute in my job. Anyone who respects what you do and what you bring to the table doesn't care what you look like. It's just hard sometimes, so I wanted you to know that I get it. And if you ever find outfits that look good for those with long legs, short torsos and bulging tummies, please let us all know!

[Mavary]

I’m three or four inches shorter. I’ve got a humped back and a big tummy. My waist is non existent now. I wear loose clothes to cover it. I never had a bad figure beef. Not brilliant but not awful. I hate it now.:

[emersee in reply to Mavary]

Oh Mavary, I feel so sorry for the way you feel, and see yourself. My ribs sit on my hips and I hate this too. There does not seem to be a way back, but all we can do is to keep going on in life. I realise that is no good to you, but there are many of us out there to help each other through this.

[Mavary in reply to emersee]

Thank you. I can do a little bit but not much. I went for physio. He gave me some exercises and when I went back he asked me how I got on. I said terrible. He said he couldn’t do any more and the only other thing was to put me forward for an operation. I said no thanks. I’ve gone through enough ops in my lifetime. I don’t want any more. There’s a lot of us like I am but there’s nothing much anyone can do. I can go out on my scooter and I’ve got my car. I can pop to one shop and that’s enough. As I say I know I’m not the only one. It’s a shock to see how many new people are on here every day.

[fraid]

Well we're all bent out of shape now, physically and often mentally when we can't change that. I could get depressed but I'm too stubborn, and tired. Past my time to press the button on the recliner and try to snooze so goodnight one and all. May your dreams be merry and your pain begone, tomorrow may the sun shine on everyone. 🤗☀️