Anyone know about compression fractures? I fell a couple of times in December, and the second fall was pretty bad. My back and left leg haven't been the same since, and I've been noticing how I tend to stoop over now more than ever. I can straighten up somewhat but not totally and can no longer bend my head back very well.
I went for a routine bone density scan--to see how the osteopenia is doing. I came out really well on that test because compared to 6 years ago, there had been no change. I'm still on the borderline for osteoporosis. But a "compression fracture" was noted at either L1 or L4 (I forget which). My doctor asked me to have a CT scan.
Later this month I will have that done. In the meantime I'm wondering if there's anything I need to know about a compression fracture. Apparently it's very common and usually doesn't require surgery.
I had lost 2 more inches of height according to the bone density test. I had already lost 2.5 inches. It was probably more due to arthritis than the osteopenia but that's just my opinion.
I'm wondering if there are exercises I could do to correct my posture and possibly get some of that height back. Or maybe a back brace.
Thank you for reading this!
Written by
agate
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
Hopefully you get someone with more knowledge to respond.
I know little except of a friend who fell and had two compression fractures in her back, no surgery needed. I would call or use the patient portal and leave a message with your PC's nurse asking these questions rather then wait until your next appointment. I use the patient portal often as always think of questions after appointments.
Thank you. I've had MS for 40 years and have had a few fractures in connection with quite a few falls. The word "fracture" unsettles me but I did find out that compression fractures are common and treatable, and that helps.😀
up until a couple of years ago, whenever i turned to the right, i was super careful b/c after a dozen falls my dr told me the same thing about my body needing extra time to receive my brain's messages. then i started falling to the left, too.😡 now whenever i turn, i do it veeeery slowly. it takes practice, but i've gotten used to it now.🤗
Preventing falls is definitely an art we have to learn, and I obviously am still learning. Forward falls can be pretty bad, and the one that was especially bad last December was a backward fall. Those are a special "challenge."
theros.org.uk/information-a..., I hope this helps. Good to see you, but sorry you have fallen again. I really admire your fight , stay strong, blessings Jimeka 🤗
I wrote their address into Google and it came up but it does say that all their exercise videos are on YouTube, try asking YouTube for help with exercises, but go steady and build up slowly. Blessings Jimeka 🤗
Thank you! The two falls last December were the first falls I've had in 5 years. I was proud of that record. They came as a wake-up call, telling me to slow down a bit more.
Sorry about your falls. Sometimes it's just hard to stay upright! I have learned that I can't make any fast moves or I lose my balance. Compression fractures are usually from the bone deteriorating. Arthritis can be a contributor to it along with poor bone density. Praying you can find answers & a solution.🙏
Thank you for the helpful replies, hairbrain4 , mrsmike9, and palomino27!
Yesterday I tried to a little badly needed vacuuming but I managed to throw my back out. Probably that compression fracture acting up. I spent a miserable night and could hardly get to the bathroom as needed, even with my rollator. Wasn't able to sleep much but I did sleep some, and that seems to have helped. If I don't do anything stupid today, maybe I can sleep some more. I've noticed how sleep helps many physical problems. When you can't sleep on account of pain, you've got a problem.
So Sorry. Hope you get some relief with pain meds and physical therapy. I assume you are not taking any drugs for the osteopenia. I would encourage you to visit the Algaecal.com website. Their all natural product of calcium from seaweed, vit D3, K2, boron, magnesium has actually improved bone density naturally without the side effects of commercial pharmaceuticals. Mine has improved and still taking. Normally I wouldn't recommend any drug, but this product does work. If it doesn't they help you identify why not and tests need to take so can correct. Most physicians don't endorse until their patients come back with positive improvements, That is what happened to me.
They have a community website and the information is well researched and to the point. there is personal testimony and people ask a lot of questions which get answered. ( I do think you need to buy the the product to start the website community). The lady that moderates the website Lara Pizzorno has written 2 books which explains how all the factors work to get our bones to stay strong. she had poor family history and it has been her life work. I dont take companion nutrients such as stontium citrate or the Omega 3 products. Just the Algae cal product worked.
Just need the correct proportion of vitamins and minerals.
.
Basically she says no one bullet can correct osteoporosis , it is combo of proper nutients and exercise and correcting any bodily deficents such as poor gi absorption and a host of other issues. She has well researched articles and what your doctor can test for to find out what is not working in concert with your body. The product isn't too expensive when you consider the risk of bone fractures. My hip spontaneously broke in 2 places ( no surgery) but couldn't move very much. I refused the pharma products and tried this and it worked.
Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.
Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.
Weather 
Testing for MS and MRI differences
Undiagnosed for decades
