Spinal Compression Fracture
CAUSES
These kinds of fractures happen when force is applied to a length of the spine. They are often caused by a sudden, wrenching move, injury, or fall.
RISK FACTORS
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
The main symptom is pain in the back. This pain may spread to the abdomen, the buttocks, and down the leg into the foot.
DIAGNOSIS
To diagnose a spinal compression fracture, your health care provider will:
Do a physical exam.
Ask about your symptoms and what happened just before you had them.
Order imaging tests, such as an:
X-ray.
CT scan
MRI scan.
If your nerves have been damaged, your health care provider may also order tests to find out how much damage there is.
TREATMENT
HOME CARE INSTRUCTIONS …show more content…
Activities
Stay in bed (bed rest) only if directed by your health care provider. Staying in bed for a continued period of time can make your condition worse.
If you were shown how to do any exercises to improve motion and strength in your back, do them as directed by your health care provider.
Return to your normal activities as directed by your health care provider. Ask your health care provider what activities are safe for you.
Once your pain lessens enough that you can be more active:
Exercise regularly.
If you plan to do activities that require sudden body movements, such as tennis or waterskiing, make sure you have gradually built the strength to do them safely. Avoid these kinds of activities entirely if directed by your health care provider.
Injury Care
If you were given a neck or back brace, wear it as directed by your health care provider.
Consider applying a heat pack to the injured area for 30 minutes before being active.
Apply ice to the injured area:
Put ice in a plastic bag.
Place a towel between your skin and the bag.
Leave the ice on for 30 minutes every 2 hours at first. Then apply the ice as
CAUSES
These kinds of fractures happen when force is applied to a length of the spine. They are often caused by a sudden, wrenching move, injury, or fall.
RISK FACTORS
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
The main symptom is pain in the back. This pain may spread to the abdomen, the buttocks, and down the leg into the foot.
DIAGNOSIS
To diagnose a spinal compression fracture, your health care provider will:
Do a physical exam.
Ask about your symptoms and what happened just before you had them.
Order imaging tests, such as an:
X-ray.
CT scan
MRI scan.
If your nerves have been damaged, your health care provider may also order tests to find out how much damage there is.
TREATMENT
HOME CARE INSTRUCTIONS …show more content…
Activities
Stay in bed (bed rest) only if directed by your health care provider. Staying in bed for a continued period of time can make your condition worse.
If you were shown how to do any exercises to improve motion and strength in your back, do them as directed by your health care provider.
Return to your normal activities as directed by your health care provider. Ask your health care provider what activities are safe for you.
Once your pain lessens enough that you can be more active:
Exercise regularly.
If you plan to do activities that require sudden body movements, such as tennis or waterskiing, make sure you have gradually built the strength to do them safely. Avoid these kinds of activities entirely if directed by your health care provider.
Injury Care
If you were given a neck or back brace, wear it as directed by your health care provider.
Consider applying a heat pack to the injured area for 30 minutes before being active.
Apply ice to the injured area:
Put ice in a plastic bag.
Place a towel between your skin and the bag.
Leave the ice on for 30 minutes every 2 hours at first. Then apply the ice as