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What does a Compression Fracture feel like?
9 years ago I had a very sudden sharp pain in my mid-back. It stopped me in my tracks immediately. The pain let up enough for me to continue but the area felt sore and tender for a few weeks. X-Rays later revealed nothing except 2 Schmorl nodes. Last week in the exact spot, I felt a sharp loud pop. 7 days later, the area is still tender. Luckily I had a MRI scheduled but that did not reveal anything. Actually the Dr who read the MRI, missed some disc problems and reported all was well. Not so! I am taking the MRI report and images to my Ortho back Dr. I can't see him til mid-August. But his nurse told me he might be able to review the images soon. What does a compression fracture feel like? My Osteoporosis is severe in my spine and hip. I have been on Osteo meds for 4 years. I'm afraid to move, as this spot on my spine is tender. My physical therapist saw me a few days ago and he too is concerned. It seems my entire body is falling apart!!
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@daisy17 Thank you! I'll try the Magnesium Glycinate. I found an easy exercise on the Mayo clinic site to strengthen core muscles. It involves standing on a resistance band and pulling up. This isn't the one but the closest I could find right now.
https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/15-minute-workout-resistance-bands
I've been doing 15 reps at a time whenever I can, on an average of twice a day.
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3 Reactions@joyceh2025 The exercise program I've started is by Dr Lisa Moore, a PT who specializes in osteoporosis. She has many free videos on YouTube and a Facebook page called Brick House Bones. I'm just on the first beginner video, but I know future videos will include work with exercise bands and weights. Thanks.
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2 ReactionsMine felt like a crunch when I bent over too far. Not painful but found on X-ray after I mentioned it.
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I found out by accident that I had 2 healed compression fractures when I went to ER for excruciating back pain. I had fallen several months before that but never felt any back pain. From what I read it’s common to not know you have compression fractures.
I fell again in October (just call me Grace) and my back pain feels different and worse. X-rays, MRI show nothing. She’s thinking the pain is from my hips. I go to osteo dr for injections and will discuss options with her.
I have experienced some similar things as you… I felt horrible sharp pain in back (spine area cant be sure) and now almost my entire back is painful. It’s very scary.
Chin up!
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2 ReactionsI think it depends how severe (mild, moderate, severe) the break is and your general health.
I was snow skiing (age62) and hit some small bumps, when I came down I had a sudden, very sharp and very painful stabbing sensation between my shoulder blades. I fell over and felt like the breath was knocked out of me. No more skiing!
I learned I had a “moderate T-8” compression fracture which is what I felt between my shoulder blades. Also had a “mild T -12” compression fracture that I wasn’t that aware of.
They eventually healed but took months before I could roll over in bed, for example, without wincing.
I am now 67 and had no other fractures. I did take some medications and try to exercise regularly.
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2 ReactionsHello, for me I had a L3 superior compression fracture caused by osteoporosis. It may have occurred gradually over several months in the year after my primary provider declared my DEXA scan results showed improvement of my overall T scores, and I could stop taking Prolia. Good news? NO! If you have had breaks (even stress fractures) anywhere, bone loss is a lifelong condition that needs to be treated. And/or if you have a family history of osteoporosis, you need to consider treatment ongoing. Now I know, I should have been placed on an alternate medication or continued Prolia. A holiday from bone medication sped me on to my first vertebral fracture with more expected to follow.
After a sporting vacation in the Caribbean, I went home with a full torso back spasm, my body’s way of protecting the spine and allowing healing to begin. Each day after slithering out of bed, I was able to move about carefully but with limited mobility. By the third week I could move my torso slightly without pain. My spine doctor recommended I listen to my body, and I did. An MRI showed the fracture clearly. By one month, I was able to attend a concert with a friend. Of course I was afraid of falling and breaking something else! But by week eight I had no pain anymore and was able to travel and meet my new great niece. I began the bone GROWTH medication, Tymlos, which has very good lumbar area results. Thank goodness. I no longer worry, and just try to be careful like someone age 67 should!
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5 Reactions@aldommeyer
Oh what a great post. Im off Prolia for 2 months, sort of my fault due to traveling and feel like im dying literally. Had 5 spinal fractures in 2023, went off prolia then on evenity 1 year then back on Prolia but had terrible pains, hips, legs, so now I have Tymos in refrigerator and am scared to death but tonight I have to try it. Any feedback is appreciated. My dose says 80 I get every side effects on everything
@cfic
Try contacting Radius, the manufacturer for Tymlos about their Clinical Educator Program. They assigned me a nurse who walked me through the startup process and is available for any medication questions going forward. Your provider may need to assist, but you can see. Good luck!
@aldommeyer
Oh ty so much will do that. Ty for support.