What does a Compression Fracture feel like?

X-rays showed all of them. It’s pretty easy to spot a significant compression fracture, it doesn’t look like the other vertebrae also bc it is misshapen and not as uniform. Perhaps micro fractures would show up more on MRI, but I’m not sure.

X-ray is unlikely to show this kind of spontaneous fracture—primarily to justify the mri to insurance. MRI can be misread, so keep pushing for your doctor to at least review. Truth is, medical establishment is so slow you should be healed by the time you get help. I rarely bother to get imaging of my frequent fractures because the treatment is generally rest & care regardless—unless the pain worsens

255anny...sounds painful; hope you get relief soon! A little confused - if you've been on osteo meds for 4 years why would you fracture? Isn't the reason to take powerful osteo meds so we don't fracture? I know meds lower the risk of fracture but was always assuming the actually risk would disappear as long as you are being treated? Would be interesting to see if there is any data on actual fractures on people taking any osteo meds. Worrisome.

I have also been on osteo meds for years now - Prolia specifically. I encountered 2 compression fractures in my spine (I forget which vertebrae) after a fall and a car wreck 7 days later in January of 2024. I had these show on an xray but also an MRI to check the severity. My ortho surgeon did a kyphoplasty on both. The pain prior to surgery was unbearable., nothing like anything I have ever experienced. Then in April I somehow had another. I do not have any idea how this one happened. It was not as painful, but just felt like something wasn't right and went back to the doctor. Was actually shocked when he said I had another compression fracture! I had that one reparied via kyphplasty in June. I hurt all the time now and never sleep well. I worry there is another fracture I don't know about and quite frankly don't want to go find out about. Tough place to be. I did PT after the 2nd surgery and that helped tremendously. I have to stretch my back every morning now before I am able to move well and not hurt as much. It is certainly a very different life for me who was once not so long ago super active - running, walking, hiking, etc. I am afraid to do much now. One misstep seems to be a possible fracture. Recently had my scheduled bone scan and it was worse - after years on Prolia. I was so hopeful it would be better. My doctor wants me to change to Evenity and claims that is my only choice. I am researching Evenity becasue I had already had a conversation with the NP at the cancer clinic that administers the Prolia and the serious side effects of heart issues scare me. I don't have any heart issues, but do have serious heart disease in my family history. Does anyone use Evenity and have for some time with some stories to share?

I experienced a T12 fracture 5 months ago after fainting and falling on the bedroom floor. Initially my pain was radiating around to the abdomen area and i couldn’t get up or barely roll over. After a ambulance ride and many tests at the hospital i was shocked to hear it was a fracture in the back!

I’ve read a very high percentage of compression fractures go undetected. I was shocked by that since my pain and lack of mobility was so bad!

My Ortho back Dr will be getting my CT Scan images and my MRI images tomorrow but I'm not holding my breath he will review them for a while. The guy is swamped as usual. I can't even get in to see him!
Editing my comment to add this question - if you went thru PT, did feel it was just too much at times? I'm overwhelmed with life and other health issues right now. PT is the last thing on my mind. I realize it can be good for me, I know it can be greatly beneficial. I am driving over 1 hour to visit this PT. I've know him for years and he is truly gifted. But between the drive time and the insane traffic, I'm exhausted when I get home. And being expected to do 30 reps of every exercise, OMG!! I can do it if I break it up a bit. But it's a lot! Thanks for letting me vent.

Three years ago, 6 weeks after my 10th ear surgery, not wearing my compression hose, my POTS caused me to faint. I landed in a seated position on the concrete. I have a high tolerance and have had many painful experiences, but this was the most painful. X-rays and CT revealed compression fx of L1. Three months in a ‘turtle’ brace and rest, I graduated to a softer brace and had 3 months of physical therapy. Up to this point I had osteopenia. A follow-up bone density revealed osteoporosis. Research showed many to have difficulty with Evenity, so I skipped it and started with Prolia. I have had 2 shots and will see rheumatologist in June, at which time he will order a bone density to see how I’m doing. My back has never been the same. Vacuuming, gardening etc cause pain.

I had significant gains on Evenity with few side effects—occasional hives, controllable with Zyrtec. . But you have to then followup with either Reclast or Prolia to maintain those gains. They work differently—Evenity builds new bone and the other two maintain. Best of luck to you.

30 reps is a lot! Maybe you can find one nearer you. I never had more than 10 reps at the time, but some were twice a day. When it felt like too much or I was too sore, my PT said to skip a day to let the muscles rest.

I did 2 PT sessions after my fracture and it helped tremendously! Each time she taught me 4 different exercises to do at home. Most are with resistance bands and a couple on floor. Started with 10 reps and worked my way up. I alternate and don’t do them all every day and it really does not take much time to do these exercises. I truly believe the exercise has been a crucial part of my recovery.