Vest therapy and spinal compression fractures

I have several spinal compression fractures due to osteoporosis secondary to Crohn`s disease. I am 64 years old. In 2018 these fractures were cemented under vertebroplasties procedures. I was very concerned to start therapy with my Smarvest, but I haven`t had any issues. I pay close attention to any new symptoms. I talked with a representative from the makers of Smarvest, and they sent me a "wrap", because my lumbar back was bothering me. The Smarvest is helping me with my BE. In your case, I suggest you follow your doctor`s advice . Make sure you follow a diet rich in calcium and take your supplements and exercise. Good luck!

Thank you for replying. Can you tell me what settings you are using for your SmartVest?
NJH set mine on 40% at five minutes each of 10, 11, 12, and 13 hrz.
I have been using the SmartVest since Jan of 2024.

If you could tell me this......X-rays showed the 2 spinal compression fractures Jun 10' 24. The spine surgeon I saw has good reviews. He says no brace and continue with Physical Therapy for 5 to 6 weeks. Would you think a second opinion would be advisable?

Sori, do you take any medication for osteoporosis? I've been researching Tymlos and some other medications but am so cautious as I know some of the meds for osteoporosis have detrimental side effects.

Hi Happy 2023!
I have been on many medications for osteoporosis including Fosamax, Prolia, Forteo Reclast, and one year of Evenity. After Evenity, my Dexa Scan showed a great improvement. In January 2024 my doctor told me to only take calcium supplements, watch my diet and exercise. He wanted to give my body a break from osteoporosis medications to avoid side effects. I am very careful, I don't want to break any bones, but I feel good without taking medications. He will evaluate me again in January 2025.

My Smarvest setting is 30%. I start with 8 Hz and then increases to 10 Hz and 12 Hz every 5 minutes. I do 15 minutes in the morning and 15 in the afternoon. Most of the time compression fractures heal on their own. Physical therapy helps a lot.
I needed surgeries because Crohn`s disease affected my spine due to malnutrition and malabsorption of minerals and nutrients. My spine was literally " broken" by pieces. A second opinion is always good ( I saw several doctors before the surgeries), specially if you are in pain. I was always in pain, even after the vertebroplasties. In June 2020, I underwent another surgery to implant a spinal cord stimulator (SCS) to decrease the pain. I am doing much better now.
I hope your fractures heal soon!

Hi, Sori, I can't tell you how much I appreciate your replies. Just having such moral support let's one breathe with a sigh of relief.
SmartVest told me something similar to what your settings are. They said they usually start at 30%, 8 Hz.
Best wishes for continued, pain free health.
Thank you!

Hi happy2023,
I'm a physical therapist and I wanted to give you my thoughts on this because I work a lot with people who have compression fractures and osteoporosis, I also know about the vest because I have bronchiectasis too! If you don't have much pain, they often allow it to heal on it's own and a brace is not aways recommended because it can cause muscles to weaken. When you're able to return to using the vest, I would recommend doing it in a standing position if you can because in sitting the spine is flexed and this adds compression to the vertebrae. Ask your PT will teach you about positions to avoid, especially avoid forward bending. Hope you feel better soon, take care!

Thank you so much, Nancy!! Your information means a lot to me. I will remember to stand up when I start using the vest again.
My PCP, when X-rays she ordered revealed a T12 spinal compression fracture, said I would have to wear a brace and discontinue PT.
So I got the first appointment I could with the Orthopedic Spine Specialist in Denver. His X-rays revealed an additional fracture at L3. He said the opposite to the PCP......no brace and 12 visits at PT.
After 6 visits with PT, I feel much better, but still trying to protect my spine; the Specialist said it will heal and that I may have to see an endocrinologist if my upcoming DEXA scan reveals osteoporosis.
It is so good to be in touch with anyone who has BE.....a doctor, nurse, an RT or just anyone with this condition. It has been a long road to sort out the BE and my lungs in general......seems this condition is different in so many others......oh, those lungs.
Best wishes,
Pam M