Fractures of vertebrae

[CinnamonRose]

I've had quite a few fractures now due to Osteoporosis. And not coping all that well with the constant pain. I was reading an article today when a persons fracture of the vertebrae hadn't been diagnosed and the risk to that person of paralysis as it hasn't been picked up . This started me thinking (it's probably better if I don't 🤔😅)

What I want to know is, if I suspect that I've fractured more vertebrae, should I go to hospital. I usually wait a few days to see if the pain abates somewhat before going to see the Dr, my thought process is they can't do anything anyway, I've got the meds, so what's the point, they do send me straight to hospital for x-rays but, am I by not going, taking a risk of being paralysed?

I've been told if I get numbness down legs or problems either passing urine or becoming incontinent either with bladder or bowel to phone 999 but at no stage has anyone said there is a risk of paralysis - which I must admit fills me with horror.

Can you see how I'm thinking?

Am I making a mountain out of a molehill? The article I read wasn't about Osteoporosis but if you can fracture several vertebrae just turning round, could it actually happen that your spinal cord could become trapped and you could become paralysed?

I don't want to freak everyone out.

But has anyone ever had this mentioned?

Is it something that can happen with Osteoporosis

I would appreciate folks thoughts about it.

Xx

[questionably]

CinnamonRose, we don't ordinarily risk paralysis from osteoporotic fractures because the spinal compression fractures are almost always anterior and away from the spinal cord.

In the US we like to be seen early so we can have cement injected to stabilize the fracture and because it often reduces the pain significantly.

If you continue to fracture on the medication, shouldn't your doctor change the medication.

[CinnamonRose in reply to questionably]

Thank you for your reply, I had been on AA for nearly 5 years but had new fractures mid year last year despite religiously taking it every week. I've had a Zolendronic Acid infusion in December.They had suggested using bone cement but when the consultant got the scans he said it was too risky, the way the fractures are, the risk of the cement leaking into the spinal cord was too high, so I'm rather stitched!!

I didn't get to sleep last night until 4.30 despite morphine, amitriptyline and in desperation I took a couple of sleeping tablets, life is totally rubbish atm but hey the sun is 🌟 so that's a positive!!

[corcho]

Hi Cinnamon Rose. Sorry to hear that you're having a bad time. I think that we're programmed to fear pain and it's worse when it limits our mobility so we're trapped indoors and inside our own heads.I'm not a medically trained person, but I believe that paralysis would only occur if the spinal cord was damaged which would probably have to be from extreme force like a car accident or similar. Although osteoporatic fractures to the vertebrae no doubt feel horrendous, the spinal cord will be intact. Other nerve pain, ie in the legs would, I assume be from the nerves being irritated. As I said, I'm not a medic but I know how it feels to be scared when in alot of pain. Try to relax as being tense will exacerbate everything and seek proper medical advice.

All the best, this is a good, safe place to share and chat.

[CinnamonRose in reply to corcho]

Thank you for your kind reply. I think as I was told they couldn't use bone cement because of the risk of the cement leaking which would cause even more problems!So when I read the article my brain went into over drive!! Xx

[Lopera]

Hi Cinnamon Rose, from what I've read, the risk of paralysis would be rare. I do understand how your mind goes there. I'm definitely on the glass half empty spectrum! It is a very scary condition when you can fracture a vertebra with a sneeze or a twist and very easy to think the worst. However I would always want to request an x-ray if I suspected another fracture.

I looked at your bio and and want to say your dexa score will not prevent you getting the correct medication when you have multiple fractures. My dexa score is -2.8 and hips normal. I saw an endocrinologist today and he said based on my dexa results he would just recommend calcium and vitamin D but as I have multiple fractures, he is recommending teriparatide. I was referred in October and my appointment was a cancellation. I was not expecting one until September. It is worth asking your GP for a referral.

Would it also be worth asking to be referred to a pain clinic to find out why you continue to be in a great deal of pain if your fractures have healed.

Incidentally the endocrinologist said when you have a dexa scan with new fractures, this can affect the dexa score.

All the best. 🤗

[CinnamonRose in reply to Lopera]

Than you for answering, this community is so kind. My fractures haven't healed, they're surrounded by fluid and for some reason healing isn't happening. I had some injections before Christmas which were really helpful and I'm hoping that they'll do more as they say that they can. On the down side, there's risk of doing further damage as if I'm not in so much pain I'll do more.

I've emailed the consultant and have drs appointment on Friday as I've rather come to the end of my tether atm!

[ABwn]

Hi CinnamonRose - sorry to hear that you are so worried about your spinal fractures. Has your GP or RA specialist sent you for an MRI scan? I'm not a medical person but this was the way that my RA specialist found I had fractured my spine. Am now on Prolia along with the meds I was on for the RA, mtx and hydroxychloroquine and folic acid. Good luck and take care.

[CinnamonRose in reply to ABwn]

I've had loads of x-rays/scans etc it was the MRI they gave me before the new year because of the level of pain I'm in, that's when the consultant told me it wasn't healing, and sometimes this happens 😭 and that they couldn't do the cement as it was too high a risk.Thanks for replying xx

[Graceissufficient in reply to CinnamonRose]

Oh Cinnamon Rose, you are having a rough time, I am so sorry.

[CinnamonRose in reply to Graceissufficient]

Thank you, life is extra tough atm xx

[Tofueater]

Hello CinnamonRose. Yes, it is a worry. I found out that I had three compression fractures in my spine after visiting A&E suffering acute pain. It was mentioned to me by the A&E doctor that if I suddenly became rapidly incontinent with my bowel or bladder, for example when standing washing up at the kitchen sink, that this was an emergency and to ring 999. The doctor also tested all my reflexes to ensure that the fractures were “stable “. I also had two lots of X-Rays and a CT scan to make sure I was safe enough to go home and “recover”. However, I do think that such an event as paralysis is a very rare complication so try not to worry too much. Easier said than done I know. Why don’t you talk to the ROS specialist nurses? They are very helpful and knowledgeable about the effects of spinal compression fractures and may help to put your mind at ease. Don’t be afraid to reach out and ask for help and as much information you need to put your mind at rest. Good luck with everything.

[CinnamonRose in reply to Tofueater]

Thanks so much for taking the time to reply X x

[Missingfishandchips]

No one has mentioned curveture of the spine 🤔 That's what I've now got big time. It's got more and more pronounced this last year. Making me v depressed.

[CinnamonRose in reply to Missingfishandchips]

Yes, when I was lying on my tummy having the injection the consultant said that I've got a pronounced curve to the left, he had asked me to turn my head the other side and apparently the curve was more to the left. I've also got the dreaded dowager hump forming, I've tried doing exercise to stop it but without improvement - talk about the joys of getting old!!!! xx

[ROSModerator Partner]

Hi everyone,

We just wanted to drop in as we can really appreciate how these kind of worries and concerns can come up for us, so we wanted to share our resources that cover some of the topics mentioned on the thread: theros.org.uk/information-a...

Hope that feels helpful

Wishing you all the very best,

Lulu

ROS Moderator

[CinnamonRose in reply to ROSModerator]

Thank you so much Lulu xx

[TeddyandCocoa]

I think the risk of paralysis is very rare in spinal fractures and would most likely occur from a car accident or other traumatic injury, like a serious fall down a flight of steps. When I fractured, my spine doctor looked at my MRI and said that this won't affect my spinal cord so that put my mind at ease (I had read that too). And when I get a new pain or the pain level goes up a lot and I start thinking that I might have fractured again, I do a wait and see. And I walk because I find that this helps my pain feel significantly better.

[CinnamonRose in reply to TeddyandCocoa]

I think what's most freaked me out is when thinking about what they told me that they can't use the cement, the breaks must be so that it could leak into the cord, hence if it could leak, maybe it could be damaged anyway if it happens again. I'm over thinking, that's the trouble with my brain!

[Mavary]

Hi sometime pain from fractures can be worse some days than others. The Dr has sent me for X-rays just to check things are the same. If you feel your pain is worse then speak to your Dr. In fact ask if you could have another X-ray. If it’s not too close to your last one I’m sure they would be willing to do one.

[CinnamonRose in reply to Mavary]

Thanks, I've made an appointment for Friday, so I'll ask for another one xx

[Freshair24]

Dear Cinamon Rose, I don't blame you getting that worried . I agree with what everyone has said,what a caring website this is ,it's like having a hug! .I had a worry wobble a week ago ,I thought my back was a different shape,anyway after worrying that I had another fracture for a couple of days,I talked to myself to calm down and see how it goes. It's OK and I've been doing my gardening job ,but it's made me more mindful of how I'm moving.

Hope you get some advice though , and am sure sharing these things really helps.

[Mavary in reply to Freshair24]

You are so lucky to be able to still do your garden. I had a beautiful garden but it got I couldnt do it any more. I still do my flowers on the patio. I live in a retirement apartment and people used to stop to look at the garden I do. It is a communal garden and we do have what’s supposed to be gardeners. They are landscapers not gardeners. They have ruined what I did. It looks awful now.

[Freshair24 in reply to Mavary]

Hi Mavary,it's my job ,I'm a gardener. I hope I can continue. Ah your garden sounded lovely,sad for you xxx

[Mavary in reply to Freshair24]

Hi Freshair, I’ve got my memories and also photos. So I can remember that way. My Husband told me at the time not to do it but I did get quite a few years of it being beautiful. Last year they took out a Hebe some Day Lillies and my Michaelmus daisies. There’s now a bare patch where they’ve ruined it. They are now on about getting in a gardener three or four times a year to keep it up together but what can they do in just a few days a year. It’s a 46 apartment building with garden all around. I think they are living in cukoo land. 😹

[Freshair24 in reply to Mavary]

Sounds like it ,you need a nice garden to look at ,what a shame glad you have the photos.Am sure your patio planters cheer you up.😊

[Mavary in reply to Freshair24]

They were gorgeous last Summer. I didn’t bother for the Winter because they went on for a long time.

[CinnamonRose]

Thank you that's very kind xx

[Southerngirl2787]

I've had 10 fractures now...and no risk of paralysis. All have been misery, 3 have fractured multiple times, 2 twice. I've also had 4 fusions from disc failures. I did not heal after the wait and see after the first one at T7...fluid built up, and neurosurgeon said it really needed kypho. By that time they identified 5 more...I had a parathyroid tumor that destroyed my spine. The kypho has worked well, and most medical directives allow for it after the 3 month time period when there are complications of non-healing. Many think there is a time line and that's it. While a miserable 2 years was my experience...kypho did greatly improve and added to the stability. Stressing will run up your cortisol, and that's not good for the body overall. I am taking Tymlos, it's greatly improved density...my doctors flat out told me that the oral meds and AA would do nothing to help improve. I appreciated their honesty. I'm nearing 2 years on Tymlos, last surgery neurosurgeon said it was a huge improvement from directly viewing the spine/vertebrae.

[CinnamonRose in reply to Southerngirl2787]

That's great that you've had improvement, I've had a Zolendronic Acid infusion, so I suppose it should be helping my body repair and improve, I've can only hope!!

[Mongy90]

Hi Cinnamon Rose I have had the same advise as you I have a compound Fracture it is still painful I did it in 2020 skipping.I have osteoporosis I have been referred to connect health and I am now waiting for injections to numb the pain sadly we are all dealt with differently. It was my physio that referred me so good luck.

[CinnamonRose in reply to Mongy90]

It's the constant pain isn't it, I've can't ignore it and pretend that everything's fine. Now and then I do think blow, I'm just going to get on and do whatever as if nothings wrong, but everytime I've tried, it just doesn't work. I went food shopping and by the time I'd unloaded the trolly I was in so much pain I couldn't think straight!! I had to call my husband to come and rescue me, the lady at the checkout closed it which was kind of her whilst loading the bags, we live nearby so he came in time to help but...... It's real, the pain and not being able to enjoy everyday life, and all the things I took for granted -I can't even change the bed which seems crazy.I'm so glad that I was recommended this community, it's a relief to know you're not the only one, others understand and empathise, somehow it helps xx

[Mongy90 in reply to CinnamonRose]

Yes it does help knowing you're not on your own. I've had same situations now my husband comes shopping with me. I struggle with stairs and carrying washing up simple day to day things but I try to keep going I work and they have been really helpful getting the changes I needed to carry on doing my job hope this helps. I've just had an appointment today and been offered injections to help with the pain maybe something you may benefit from .