THORACIC COMPRESSION FRACTURES AND POSTURAL CHANGES

Posted by harryboy7 @harryboy7, 1 day ago

I recently had a T8 compression fracture. I wore a brace for 4 months. Also had one 10 years ago, at T12. I have noticed some alarming changes to my body. I now have Kyphosis. My spine has lost height, which has caused postural changes. It is pushing forward an compressing my organs. Suddenly my stomach is pushed outward. Like my body was folded in half. I am wondering if anyone has experienced this. (You can look up Kyphosis and Thoracic compression fractures ).
I now have been slightly out of breath and having loud sloshing sounds in my abdomen. My doctor has mentioned the compression fracture is mostly causing this.
I would love to hear from people who know what I am talking about, and share their personal experiences. Thank you

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Has your doctor discussed kyohoplasty with you? During the procedure a balloon is inflated itonthe fractured area and then filled with a medical cement. Bone height is not completely restored, but it might drastically improve your symptoms. Something to discuss with your doc.

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I did discuss the Kyohoplasty with a spine surgeon. He didn't recommend it for me. He said it could help with pain for some. He said they often fail. Also the cement is pretty hard, and because of that I am more likely get a compression fractures

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@harryboy7

I’m sorry to hear of your issues! I also had a T12 CF a few years ago along with three previous lumbar fractures and I have read about what you’re describing 🥹.

I consulted a spine specialist about kyphoplasty after I was told my T12 CF was a “burst fracture”. Here’s what he told me: In fractures that are healing/healed, it’s not the best procedure. He recommends kyphoplasty in cases where there is a sudden fracture (fall, car accident, etc). Because my T12 would likely have gone unnoticed, save a random X-ray, it was too late for surgery.

Best to you! Cheers!

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Profile picture for beanieone @beanieone

@harryboy7

I’m sorry to hear of your issues! I also had a T12 CF a few years ago along with three previous lumbar fractures and I have read about what you’re describing 🥹.

I consulted a spine specialist about kyphoplasty after I was told my T12 CF was a “burst fracture”. Here’s what he told me: In fractures that are healing/healed, it’s not the best procedure. He recommends kyphoplasty in cases where there is a sudden fracture (fall, car accident, etc). Because my T12 would likely have gone unnoticed, save a random X-ray, it was too late for surgery.

Best to you! Cheers!

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@beanieone Thank you. Its kind of what the surgeon said, Appreciate responding to my question.

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That sounds like my issues too
I’m trying to work on postural and core exercises. I’m hoping it helps. Maybe a good PT who specializes in OP would help? Have you looked at Brick House Bones with dr Lisa Moore? Good luck.

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Yes! Yes! My body looks the same! I’ve fractured 4 vertebrae in the last year. The most painful was T-12.
I had Kyphoplasty done on all 4.
3 months ago started Tymlos but had to take a week off because of heart palpitations. If I get them when I start tomorrow, I have to stop it completely. (Blood clots could occur)
My stomach sticks out so far and I’m only 107 pounds.
I’ve lost 2 inches in height. I didn’t realize until I read your post that my body does seem to be folding in on itself. Always wondered why my stomach stuck out so much. How awful, huh?

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Profile picture for brendammc @brendammc

That sounds like my issues too
I’m trying to work on postural and core exercises. I’m hoping it helps. Maybe a good PT who specializes in OP would help? Have you looked at Brick House Bones with dr Lisa Moore? Good luck.

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@brendammc Thats what I am hoping. I am currently seeing a Physical Therapist. I do know about Lisa Moore. I was just doing some random search and found her. She is good. I have only looked at some of her YouTube videos. To get more detail you have to pay money.
Thankyou for sharing your experience

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Profile picture for eileenvan @eileenvan

Yes! Yes! My body looks the same! I’ve fractured 4 vertebrae in the last year. The most painful was T-12.
I had Kyphoplasty done on all 4.
3 months ago started Tymlos but had to take a week off because of heart palpitations. If I get them when I start tomorrow, I have to stop it completely. (Blood clots could occur)
My stomach sticks out so far and I’m only 107 pounds.
I’ve lost 2 inches in height. I didn’t realize until I read your post that my body does seem to be folding in on itself. Always wondered why my stomach stuck out so much. How awful, huh?

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@eileenvan Regarding your Kyphoplasty. I am glad it worked out. Maybe I should get a second opinion.
Yeah the postural changes can happen. Just google Thoracic compression fractures and postural changes.
I have lost 2 inches also in height, including the belly thing. It happens mainly in the Thoracic part of spine.
I have a hard time looking in the mirror. It looks so strange. And it makes me sad.

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