Diagnosed with fractured spine

[ABwn]

What pain treatment is recommended for a fractured spine? Am taking paracetamol and ibuprofen and this medication is not strong enough. I think I'm now expected to go back to the GP.

[vonniesims]

Ooh, so sorry. Yes think you need your GP

[ABwn in reply to vonniesims]

Looking on the bright side, at least I know why I'm in pain and can't cook or do anything without it hurting!!

[springcross]

Yes, absolutely. You have my sympathies, its very painful, but has your consultant not recommended which painkillers to take?

[ABwn in reply to springcross]

He suggested tramadol as I can't take codeine. Phoning GP later. Couldn't get the energy to get to the surgery at 7.30 this morning. Found in the past it's the only way to get an emergency appointment.

[springcross in reply to ABwn]

I really hope you get something that helps. Good luck. x

[ABwn]

Thank you for your advice, much appreciated. Hopefully they will help.

[Fruitandnutcase]

One thing is for sure - you need very good pain relief although saying that I fractured my sacrum two years ago and discovered there was nothing much that could be done apart from rest, gentle exercise and painkillers. I started on Naproxen which was ok for a while then a doctor increased my dose and gave me omeprazole ‘a tummy protector’ as she put it and I ended up having to stop both as I had a not very nice reaction so I spent the rest of the time taking two paracetamol followed two hours later by two ibuprofen repeated until I’d taken my maximum daily dose of both, there are other alternatives -/I had just had enough of feeling awful on the various painkillers I was prescribed.

I also found Volterol rub on very good. I bought a long armed applicator from Amazon so that I could reach easily. If you think the fracture was caused by osteoporosis then look up the Bone Health site on Healthunlocked.

Look after yourself

[ABwn in reply to Fruitandnutcase]

Thank you. Every one is so supportive, I would be lost without the support.

[AgedCrone]

It will depend which part of your spine is affected…but a consult with your doctor to get a suitable course of pain killers organised is No1 prority…,before Doc goes into Holiday mood.

[ABwn in reply to AgedCrone]

Hi AgedCrone it's the back of the waist. Doctor already on holiday as he thought what I was taking , paracetamol and ibuprofen, was sufficent until I told him it wasn't. Explained it wasn't as I couldn't walk, get into bed or out, can't stand to cook, wash dishes and live on my own. Slight problem!

[AgedCrone in reply to ABwn]

Have you had a bone density scan to check if you have osteoporosis?

I fell & fractured vertebrae & it turned out I have OP so until you have some investigations…..all you can do you is either call 111 to see if you can get more effective pain relief….or get a consult with a locum doctor. Last resource would be A&E.

I well know the problems of having an injury and living alone. I find the answer is ready meals and lots of rest. Luckily, I have very caring neighbours who will shop for me….hope you have too.

I hope you find a solution swiftly.

[ABwn]

Is giving me dehydracodene but no morphine. Hopefully it will be helpful. When I phoned the chemist they hadn't received it. Every crossed. Thank you for your help.

[seabreezegirl]

You will have to be assertive with your doctor and tell him/ her how much pain ypu are in .

What about HEMP oil drops have upu tried them ??

Also make sure you are taking extra vitamin A and D and Calicum to heal the bones .

[Gladders]

Really sorry to hear you are in so much pain, like AgedCrone I had a fractured vertebrae 3 years ago I found that along with various painkillers, Voltarol and heat gave me some short term relief, have you had a Dexa scan to check if you have OP ? I found out my fracture was caused by OP so put on Andronic acid meds followed by 3 infusions to improve bones, I realise you probably won't feel like chasing things up at the moment but please consider getting checked when you feel a bit better.

[Green230461]

my cousin has morphine patches

[Jacorandax]

call 111 if you can’t contact your doctor please?

[Haz58]

Oh ABwn I really do feel for you! It's THE worst pain EVER! I woke one morning a year ago in absolute screaming pain, any movement I made I screamed! Like you I could do nothing. It took 3 weeks of telling the GP and A & E that it was not muscle strain! Finally an x-ray proved me right! I had a T9 compression fracture, right in the middle of my back, no idea how I did it. Gas & air given to get me into an ambulance was the only thing that eased the pain. I was put on oromorf liquid morphine for breakthrough pain as well as zomorph, capsule morphine, propanalol and amitriptyline. I also had morphine patches but to be honest they didn't help much. Plus laxative sachets. I was mostly on my bed for 3 months. I got a wedge cushion so I wasn't lying flat and it made me sleep on my back, I'm a side sleeper normally. Once I could get up for a bit from bed I also got a pressure cushion and foam back cushion that helped. I still use them now on my chair. I hope you get help with the pain I really do. If something they give you doesn't help please keep telling your GP.

I found only one at my surgery that took 45 minutes with me talking and listening. He was the one I got the most sense and care from.

I'm now on CalcichewD3. You should have a DEXA scan to see if you have osteoporosis. I have osteopenia at the moment.

Do not be afraid of going back and back again to your GP until you get something that gives you some relief from the pain.

I wish you all the best and hope the doctors sort some relief for you. If you want to chat please contact me.l on the chat service on here. X

[Seatgeorge]

Zappain are very good paracetamol and codeine, prescription only I think, tramadol is an opirate stay away from them if you can,morphine patches are really good but up to the gp

[Haz58]

Ps. I recently saw a physio/chiropractor and had a 6 week course of K Laser therapy. It has helped me greatly as I still have some pain depending what I do. he had also had 2 spinal fractures and he has his colleague do the K Laser on him when his back starts playing up. It was £45 a session but it really helps me when I need it. He did not manipulate my body in any way so make sure noone you see wants to push and pull you around! He totally understood as he knew what it was like.

[Jeanne in reply to Haz58]

Please say Haz where you can get K Laser at that price. Thanks

[Haz58 in reply to Jeanne]

I am in Coventry. It is from a place called Coventry Back Pain Clinic. They are Chiropractors and physiotherapists. It cost me £90 for initial consultation, a very thorough one, and first K Laser therapy, then £45 per session after that.

[StormySeas]

That’s good advice ⬆️ 😁

[Bella59]

I take dihydrocodiene 30 mgs for pain relief and paracetamol.You can also get Co dyramol which is a combination of both.I prefer to take them seperate so i don't have to take as much paracetamol all the time.As they can cause constipation you should get a laxative as well.It must be difficult when you live alone.Please be careful as they will make you tired.Hope you feel better soon.

[Whitegate]

Have you sought an orthopedic opinion Stenosis can be treated a bit.

[Mmrr]

I've nothing more to add than what has been said. Just sending best wishes for a good recovery.

[Evie3]

ouch. I would think definitely need stronger pain relief. Have u got to have an op??

[ABwn in reply to Evie3]

Am going for scans on 30th December, no doubt will find out more after the results. Hopefully no. Live on my own in a second floor flat. 🤦‍♀️

[BeachsideVia]

hello and a speedy recovery! I too live alone and recently had an over the top painful wrist for a full week. Nothing touched it. Had steroid shot and dose pack…. Nothing. My PCpP put me back on Hydroxychloriquine and finally the pain broke. We are thinking short term anti inflammatory effect. I was so fearful of another episode I saw a pain doc and his answer was expensive buprenorphine patch, 5 mcg. I have them to use if I need to. Do not know if it will work. Lasts for a week. Severe unrelenting pain living alone can affect your mind. I was traumatized. Take care and find something to ease up the pain so you can function.

[Alice70]

PI fratured my spine in three places at beging of year ,there is not much more pain killers they can give you only zap pain I think .the two small fractures weren't to bad took a month to heal ,the bigger one was very pain full took four months to heal ,most of that time was spent lying and sleeping on my back ,Dr said I was doing the right thing ,do anything you have to do to get a bit of comfort ,they have all healed now no more pain in that area ,I didn't no I had osteoporosis untill this happened ,hope your frature heals soon ,oh just remembered I was given diclofenac surposities they did help and tramadol, I think resting my back was the best pain killer

[smilelines]

😱 how did you fracture your spine?

[ABwn in reply to smilelines]

Am not sure. Had a fall at home in the middle of the night, that is all I can think caused it.

[AgedCrone]

Depending on how long ago your fracture occurred…you could be a candidate for special injections, but the most common treatment is pain relief, but do beware if you are offerred pain patches..

They do work well, but coming off them can be very difficult.

Just seen your post is a month old…can’t think why this page has just surfaced.

I do hope you have found some relief by now.

AC

[ABwn in reply to AgedCrone]

On strong painkillers and being sent for another scan.

[AgedCrone in reply to ABwn]

I can only say I fractured T11/12 about three years ago& got good relief from pain patches.I decided to come off them about 18 months ago & that proved very unpleasant…but now things have settled down& as long as I,keep up my physio exercises & don’t try to lift anything too heavy ….I am painfree most of the time. But different parts of the spine react differently.& we all have a different starting point…I had strong back muscles with no damage ….if. you had a “bad back” prior to your fracture…it will take longer to be comfortable.