Spinal compression fracture: What helps with the pain?

Posted by rondello @rondello, Dec 22, 2018

I've been living with an compression fracture nearly five years, I have had numerous injections in the back from 3 different pain clinics including Mayo Clinic. Is anyone else living with this pain? Nothing has helped. I take Tramadol once a day, does not help much, if I take more I feel nauseous and can't eat. Has anyone found something to help with pain?

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what area of your back received the compression fracture? Upper or lower?

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@rondello Welcome to connect we try to help others with what works for us and sharing .Id like to ask when you first fractured your back whether it be compound or compression did you see your Dr.?

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@dkapustin

what area of your back received the compression fracture? Upper or lower?

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thoracic spine, T-7 vertebral body demonstrating greater than 90% loss

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@dkapustin

what area of your back received the compression fracture? Upper or lower?

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compression of the thoracic spine

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@rondello

thoracic spine, T-7 vertebral body demonstrating greater than 90% loss

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Rondello you did see your Dr.didn't you?

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Yes I started out getting misdiagnosed at the hospital in Bullhead City, they said it was arthritis, was doing PT, 3 months later I seen a spine doctor, did an MRI was given a clam shell to wear for a while. I have been to three pain clinics, where each one injected several needles in the back. Had the RFA done twice, trial went well, however the procedure did not work, have had several other procedures done. The last doctor told me that the compression fracture is what is causing the pain. Was offered the spinal cord wire that is done by surgery, I refused that. I have pain relaxer pills, however, I can't take more that a quarter pill without feeling doped up. Other than that i take Tramadol which is for pain, however, if I take more than one a day they make me nauseated to the point I can't even look at food.

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@rondello

Yes I started out getting misdiagnosed at the hospital in Bullhead City, they said it was arthritis, was doing PT, 3 months later I seen a spine doctor, did an MRI was given a clam shell to wear for a while. I have been to three pain clinics, where each one injected several needles in the back. Had the RFA done twice, trial went well, however the procedure did not work, have had several other procedures done. The last doctor told me that the compression fracture is what is causing the pain. Was offered the spinal cord wire that is done by surgery, I refused that. I have pain relaxer pills, however, I can't take more that a quarter pill without feeling doped up. Other than that i take Tramadol which is for pain, however, if I take more than one a day they make me nauseated to the point I can't even look at food.

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@rondello Glad the Dr gave you a turtle shell brace I was in one for 3 months then PT. for 9 months in the water couldn't do land I take Tramadol when I need it but I also have fibromyalgia, o.a Even after therapy I was on Vicodin for awhile then weaned of to Tramadol. Still have to lay down in afternoon Dr did say a back brace would help it does I don't wear it everyday but when I need it.

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@lioness

@rondello Glad the Dr gave you a turtle shell brace I was in one for 3 months then PT. for 9 months in the water couldn't do land I take Tramadol when I need it but I also have fibromyalgia, o.a Even after therapy I was on Vicodin for awhile then weaned of to Tramadol. Still have to lay down in afternoon Dr did say a back brace would help it does I don't wear it everyday but when I need it.

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The brace I have was only to be wore for a few weeks to protect the spine. It is very uncomfortable, I only wear it for a short time if I want to go out to eat and even then I can't stand to wear it for very long. I have osteoporosis, which is what caused the fracture to start with.
I have tried on several braces and have not been able to find one that is comfortable. A lumbar brace won't work because the pain is in the thoracic area. I am unable to stay on my feet for no more than 20-30 minutes without sitting back down. I am very limited to what i can do. I was hoping someone could recommend a more natural pain killer.

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@rondello Hi sorry you have osteoporosis Do you exercise?chair exercises nothing strenuous This helps strength back As a retired nurse and reader of holistic herbs and such of 35+ years I use them myself I can give you a list of what helps me. Herbs Boswellia its Indian Frankensence ,White Willow bark its like aspirin but naturel wont bother your stomach Cats Claw Ginger -Tumeric tea taste good heating pad or shower also essential oils Pepperment and lavender mixed in almond oil .Ice pack this is anti inflammatory and will reduce your pain All these I have used myself.Bless you .

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@lioness

@rondello Hi sorry you have osteoporosis Do you exercise?chair exercises nothing strenuous This helps strength back As a retired nurse and reader of holistic herbs and such of 35+ years I use them myself I can give you a list of what helps me. Herbs Boswellia its Indian Frankensence ,White Willow bark its like aspirin but naturel wont bother your stomach Cats Claw Ginger -Tumeric tea taste good heating pad or shower also essential oils Pepperment and lavender mixed in almond oil .Ice pack this is anti inflammatory and will reduce your pain All these I have used myself.Bless you .

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Thank you for all the good advise, I will try some of the herbs.

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