1. < Osteoporosis & Bone Health
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Anybody else struggling with how OP has made your body into a freak ?

Posted by ladybear57 @ladybear57, Jun 23 1:24pm

I have always been a little crooked due to a pretty significant scoliosis. Between November and December I suffered 5 thoracic fractures. Since then I walk doubled over. Unable to stand upright. I feel like absolute freak. I’m only 68 and look like I’m 90.
The pain is incredible. Making our bed feels like a marathon. I have been doing PT since late March. I don’t think I am a candidate for a kyphoplasty due to the severity of my OP. I am thoroughly discouraged and depressed. I have dealt with chronic pain and back and cervical issues for over 30 yrs so I’m not new to this game. I’m just tired of being in the game.

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ssmab | @ssmab | Jun 24 7:10am

Hello ladybear,
I am sorry to hear that you are dealing with spinal compression fractures. I have had 3 of them, 2 in the thoracic area, T7 and T8. I got the 2 years ago and if I am careful and do my pt exercises I am pain free in my back for the most part now. Has your PT suggested to you to do the Sara Meeks Method of spinal decompression? My PT thinks it is very important. You lie on your back on a firm surface, either on the floor or you can have a board on top of a bed, then cover the board with a yoga mat and 2 folded quilts so it it firm but not uncomfortable. You lie there flat with your knees up , arms a few inches from your side, palms up, and your feet flat on the surface you are lying on. There is a YouTube video that shows how to do this. Sorry, but I don't know how to save it in a file and attach it to this reply. If you look up "Sara Meeks Method of Spinal Decompression" on YouTube it should pop up. Sara is a PT with many years of experience. I do this method every day for 15 minutes. My PT suggested that this is very helpful for pain and also to keep your spine from curving. You just lie quietly, don't move, and you concentrate on your breathing. I use this time for prayer and positive thoughts. I have survived breast cancer and got these compression fractures just about the time I was diagnosed so the quiet prayer and positive thought time have helped me so much. My PT said if I continue to do this every day it will help a lot to avoid a hump on my back. It helps to avoid pain also. You may want to ask your PT about this Sara Merks Method of spinal decompression. I am wishing the best for you, and I hope this can help you.❤️

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5 replies
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jennirdh | @jennirdh | Jun 24 9:45am

ladybear57 I am so sorry about what you are going through. I too was born in 1957, and have had one thoracic compression fracture T12 and 3 lumbar 2,4,5. I cannot stand up straight anymore, and have done a lot of PT, Osteostrong, and stretching exercises. To lie flat on my back is barely possible, I have to do it in stages and have neck support. My vertebrae compressions are anterior, so my spine just doesn’t “go” the other way now. I hate that it makes my abdomen protrude more, I’ve always had a nice waist, but now I, too, feel like I have jumped forward to age 90. I’m trying to work on my core strength and all that, but it is very depressing even so. Hang in there, keep trying and I pray you will have more ups than downs in the future.

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nparadisum | @nparadisum | Jun 24 10:36am

I'm so sorry. I hope you can find relief for your condition. 🙏🏼 for you

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ladybear57 | @ladybear57 | Jun 24 1:39pm
In reply to @ssmab "Hello ladybear, I am sorry to hear that you are dealing with spinal compression fractures. I..." + (show)
Profile picture for ssmab @ssmab

Hello ladybear,
I am sorry to hear that you are dealing with spinal compression fractures. I have had 3 of them, 2 in the thoracic area, T7 and T8. I got the 2 years ago and if I am careful and do my pt exercises I am pain free in my back for the most part now. Has your PT suggested to you to do the Sara Meeks Method of spinal decompression? My PT thinks it is very important. You lie on your back on a firm surface, either on the floor or you can have a board on top of a bed, then cover the board with a yoga mat and 2 folded quilts so it it firm but not uncomfortable. You lie there flat with your knees up , arms a few inches from your side, palms up, and your feet flat on the surface you are lying on. There is a YouTube video that shows how to do this. Sorry, but I don't know how to save it in a file and attach it to this reply. If you look up "Sara Meeks Method of Spinal Decompression" on YouTube it should pop up. Sara is a PT with many years of experience. I do this method every day for 15 minutes. My PT suggested that this is very helpful for pain and also to keep your spine from curving. You just lie quietly, don't move, and you concentrate on your breathing. I use this time for prayer and positive thoughts. I have survived breast cancer and got these compression fractures just about the time I was diagnosed so the quiet prayer and positive thought time have helped me so much. My PT said if I continue to do this every day it will help a lot to avoid a hump on my back. It helps to avoid pain also. You may want to ask your PT about this Sara Merks Method of spinal decompression. I am wishing the best for you, and I hope this can help you.❤️

Jump to this post

Thank you for your support. I appreciate your support.

REPLY
Profile picture for ladybear57
ladybear57 | @ladybear57 | Jun 24 1:42pm
In reply to @ssmab "Hello ladybear, I am sorry to hear that you are dealing with spinal compression fractures. I..." + (show)
Profile picture for ssmab @ssmab

Hello ladybear,
I am sorry to hear that you are dealing with spinal compression fractures. I have had 3 of them, 2 in the thoracic area, T7 and T8. I got the 2 years ago and if I am careful and do my pt exercises I am pain free in my back for the most part now. Has your PT suggested to you to do the Sara Meeks Method of spinal decompression? My PT thinks it is very important. You lie on your back on a firm surface, either on the floor or you can have a board on top of a bed, then cover the board with a yoga mat and 2 folded quilts so it it firm but not uncomfortable. You lie there flat with your knees up , arms a few inches from your side, palms up, and your feet flat on the surface you are lying on. There is a YouTube video that shows how to do this. Sorry, but I don't know how to save it in a file and attach it to this reply. If you look up "Sara Meeks Method of Spinal Decompression" on YouTube it should pop up. Sara is a PT with many years of experience. I do this method every day for 15 minutes. My PT suggested that this is very helpful for pain and also to keep your spine from curving. You just lie quietly, don't move, and you concentrate on your breathing. I use this time for prayer and positive thoughts. I have survived breast cancer and got these compression fractures just about the time I was diagnosed so the quiet prayer and positive thought time have helped me so much. My PT said if I continue to do this every day it will help a lot to avoid a hump on my back. It helps to avoid pain also. You may want to ask your PT about this Sara Merks Method of spinal decompression. I am wishing the best for you, and I hope this can help you.❤️

Jump to this post

Thank you for the suggestion. I’m definitely going to look into this suggestion.
Thank you

REPLY
Profile picture for ladybear57
ladybear57 | @ladybear57 | Jun 25 5:22am
In reply to @ssmab "Hello ladybear, I am sorry to hear that you are dealing with spinal compression fractures. I..." + (show)
Profile picture for ssmab @ssmab

Hello ladybear,
I am sorry to hear that you are dealing with spinal compression fractures. I have had 3 of them, 2 in the thoracic area, T7 and T8. I got the 2 years ago and if I am careful and do my pt exercises I am pain free in my back for the most part now. Has your PT suggested to you to do the Sara Meeks Method of spinal decompression? My PT thinks it is very important. You lie on your back on a firm surface, either on the floor or you can have a board on top of a bed, then cover the board with a yoga mat and 2 folded quilts so it it firm but not uncomfortable. You lie there flat with your knees up , arms a few inches from your side, palms up, and your feet flat on the surface you are lying on. There is a YouTube video that shows how to do this. Sorry, but I don't know how to save it in a file and attach it to this reply. If you look up "Sara Meeks Method of Spinal Decompression" on YouTube it should pop up. Sara is a PT with many years of experience. I do this method every day for 15 minutes. My PT suggested that this is very helpful for pain and also to keep your spine from curving. You just lie quietly, don't move, and you concentrate on your breathing. I use this time for prayer and positive thoughts. I have survived breast cancer and got these compression fractures just about the time I was diagnosed so the quiet prayer and positive thought time have helped me so much. My PT said if I continue to do this every day it will help a lot to avoid a hump on my back. It helps to avoid pain also. You may want to ask your PT about this Sara Merks Method of spinal decompression. I am wishing the best for you, and I hope this can help you.❤️

Jump to this post

Will look into this

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maymore | @maymore | Jun 25 8:52am

I also had three compression fractures and kyphoplasty. I now wear a “Spinomed” back brace that has helped with my posture and pain. I wear it twice a day for one-hour sessions. It will dramatically strengthen and elongate your spine. Medicare covers it!! https://www.medi.de/en/products/spinomed/

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oopsiedaisy | @oopsiedaisy | Jun 25 9:21am

I just wanted to tell you how sorry I am that you are going through this. I had one compression fracture in 2023 and even that small fracture had a big impact on my life. I am more dedicated now to trying to prevent another in the future.

Recently, I saw some videos on YouTube of a journalist who is helping her parents improve their quality of life even with severe osteoporosis by having them work with a physiotherapist and strength coach. Now this approach is not for everyone and is likely not for you but the improvement in her mom's ability to move is remarkable.

Part 1: https://youtu.be/x0nf66yFUaI?si=RIVYQBcU7oHWVNrp
Part 2: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c95u1Lf5nrw

I hope you will continue to work on your PT. I did 12 sessions after my fracture and have continued with back and other strength exercises every day and it's made a huge difference in my life.

Hang in there and keep us posted on your progress.

REPLY
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kathm650 | @kathm650 | Jun 25 10:23am
In reply to @ssmab "Hello ladybear, I am sorry to hear that you are dealing with spinal compression fractures. I..." + (show)
Profile picture for ssmab @ssmab

Hello ladybear,
I am sorry to hear that you are dealing with spinal compression fractures. I have had 3 of them, 2 in the thoracic area, T7 and T8. I got the 2 years ago and if I am careful and do my pt exercises I am pain free in my back for the most part now. Has your PT suggested to you to do the Sara Meeks Method of spinal decompression? My PT thinks it is very important. You lie on your back on a firm surface, either on the floor or you can have a board on top of a bed, then cover the board with a yoga mat and 2 folded quilts so it it firm but not uncomfortable. You lie there flat with your knees up , arms a few inches from your side, palms up, and your feet flat on the surface you are lying on. There is a YouTube video that shows how to do this. Sorry, but I don't know how to save it in a file and attach it to this reply. If you look up "Sara Meeks Method of Spinal Decompression" on YouTube it should pop up. Sara is a PT with many years of experience. I do this method every day for 15 minutes. My PT suggested that this is very helpful for pain and also to keep your spine from curving. You just lie quietly, don't move, and you concentrate on your breathing. I use this time for prayer and positive thoughts. I have survived breast cancer and got these compression fractures just about the time I was diagnosed so the quiet prayer and positive thought time have helped me so much. My PT said if I continue to do this every day it will help a lot to avoid a hump on my back. It helps to avoid pain also. You may want to ask your PT about this Sara Merks Method of spinal decompression. I am wishing the best for you, and I hope this can help you.❤️

Jump to this post

Thanks for the suggestion of the Sara Meeks Method. I found the link to a PDF of the instructions: https://www.sarameekspt.com/assets/upload/3-Re-Alignment%20Routine%2010-14-12.pdf

This is similar to the Savanna (or corpse) pose in yoga. It is really a relaxing, reflective pose. I find it helps release my hips as well as my back. Thanks for sharing!

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1 reply
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ssmab | @ssmab | Jun 25 1:07pm
In reply to @kathm650 "Thanks for the suggestion of the Sara Meeks Method. I found the link to a PDF..." + (show)
Profile picture for kathm650 @kathm650

Thanks for the suggestion of the Sara Meeks Method. I found the link to a PDF of the instructions: https://www.sarameekspt.com/assets/upload/3-Re-Alignment%20Routine%2010-14-12.pdf

This is similar to the Savanna (or corpse) pose in yoga. It is really a relaxing, reflective pose. I find it helps release my hips as well as my back. Thanks for sharing!

Jump to this post

I am happy to share what is helping me in case it may help others! Thank you for posting the link for others to see! Sending best wishes to all.❤️

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