One morning last October, I awakened with excruciating pain in my hip and right leg. X-rays, a CT, and an MRI revealed four vertebral fractures (one vertebrae completely compressed, another 50% compressed). The pain manifested in my hip and leg, not in my back. I could barely sleep at night, and could not put any weight on the leg and walk. I have severe osteoporosis, but had not fallen.

Pain pills, lidocaine patches, and in-home physical therapy were prescribed. The myofascial massages given by an excellent physical therapist (three times a week) helped with the pain more than anything else. He also got me going with leg exercises and walking with a walker to get the blood flowing in my legs. I soon took myself off the prescribed pain-killers (which cause constipation), and used only ibuprofen and/or tylenol when absolutely necessary. The massages hurt somewhat, but always made me feel better within 24 hours.

At this time, I walk without the walker except to practice walking for several minutes, I continue the exercises, and rarely use ibu or tylenol. The PT had told me my condition would stabilize, and he was right. I have had other therapists in the past, but some were not very good; so be sure you get one who has extensive knowledge of the body and explains what he/she is doing. My therapist had helped me another time after release from a hospital, so I specifically requested him for this experience. I hope this message is of help to others. God bless all.