1. < Osteoporosis & Bone Health
Profile picture for harryboy7

THORACIC COMPRESSION FRACTURES AND POSTURAL CHANGES

Posted by harryboy7 @harryboy7, Oct 21, 2025

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

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Osteoporosis & Bone Health Support Group.

Profile picture for laura1970
laura1970 | @laura1970 | Oct 22, 2025
In reply to @harryboy7 "@laura1970 Great information. I live in SLC Utah. It is the University of Utah, and it..." + (show)
Profile picture for harryboy7 @harryboy7

@laura1970 Great information. I live in SLC Utah. It is the University of Utah, and it is a trauma I. Its pretty big. It is a teaching hospital, and big in research. Medical school, and moran eye center, Part of the U is the Huntsman Cancer Hospital/institute.
The Ortho docs, Neuro Surgeon ex are incredible.
Your advice is great! Thanks for sharing that!

Jump to this post

@harryboy7 remember when you do you research that it is the interventional radiologist, not the surgeon, who performs the procedure. Thanks for the kudos ❤️

REPLY
Profile picture for eileenvan
eileenvan | @eileenvan | Oct 23, 2025
In reply to @harryboy7 "@eileenvan Regarding your Kyphoplasty. I am glad it worked out. Maybe I should get a second..." + (show)
Profile picture for harryboy7 @harryboy7

@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.

Jump to this post

@harryboy7 I was wondering why my rib cage has a deep line under it (indentation) and then my stomach sticks out from that. It IS HARD to look at. I swear I’d rather menstruate the rest of my life than go through all the problems after they stop. I just bought a posture brace, hoping it helps. I’ll keep you posted. Warm wishes E

REPLY
1 reply
Profile picture for jennirdh
jennirdh | @jennirdh | Oct 23, 2025

I feel for you!!! I am experiencing similar issues, have had a total of 4 compression fractures, T 12, L2,4,5. Am on Tymlos so far one year now. My body at 68 looks so different from even 2 years ago. I cannot stand up super straight like I used to, and my abdomen is not flat anymore. Partly due to not being able to take walks anymore bc of pain. Going to PT again soon to work on core, and another epidural in 2 weeks, I had a little bit of relief with that a few months ago. This is not how I pictured being in my early retirement years! I have had two kyphoplasties and they didn’t really do much for me, so not having more for now.
You are not alone! Hang in there

REPLY
3 replies
Profile picture for jennirdh
jennirdh | @jennirdh | Oct 23, 2025
In reply to @eileenvan "@harryboy7 I was wondering why my rib cage has a deep line under it (indentation) and..." + (show)
Profile picture for eileenvan @eileenvan

@harryboy7 I was wondering why my rib cage has a deep line under it (indentation) and then my stomach sticks out from that. It IS HARD to look at. I swear I’d rather menstruate the rest of my life than go through all the problems after they stop. I just bought a posture brace, hoping it helps. I’ll keep you posted. Warm wishes E

Jump to this post

@eileenvan please let me know if you like the posture brace and what kind you chose. I’m considering one!

REPLY
2 replies
Profile picture for harryboy7
harryboy7 | @harryboy7 | Oct 23, 2025
In reply to @jennirdh "I feel for you!!! I am experiencing similar issues, have had a total of 4 compression..." + (show)
Profile picture for jennirdh @jennirdh

I feel for you!!! I am experiencing similar issues, have had a total of 4 compression fractures, T 12, L2,4,5. Am on Tymlos so far one year now. My body at 68 looks so different from even 2 years ago. I cannot stand up super straight like I used to, and my abdomen is not flat anymore. Partly due to not being able to take walks anymore bc of pain. Going to PT again soon to work on core, and another epidural in 2 weeks, I had a little bit of relief with that a few months ago. This is not how I pictured being in my early retirement years! I have had two kyphoplasties and they didn’t really do much for me, so not having more for now.
You are not alone! Hang in there

Jump to this post

@jennirdh I am so sorry, I get it. Compression fractures are super painful. I am 71. I had no idea this was going to happen. You know you do all the right things, and then WAM. Severe Osteoporosis and compression fractures. And the changes to our spine. My belly looks like I am pregnant. You really sound like me. Its hard isn't it? I am so tired of pain. Wore a brace for 4months. Still in a lot of pain, and wondering when will this go away.
I have started PT. I won't do the Kyphoplasty. My doctor does not recommend it. It is comforting that I am not alone.
Did you tolerate Tymlos? I am only doing 6 clicks. I get nauseated and my bad hurts really bad. Afraid to go to 70 mcg.
You hang in there too.

REPLY
1 reply
Profile picture for harryboy7
harryboy7 | @harryboy7 | Oct 23, 2025
In reply to @jennirdh "@eileenvan please let me know if you like the posture brace and what kind you chose...." + (show)
Profile picture for jennirdh @jennirdh

@eileenvan please let me know if you like the posture brace and what kind you chose. I’m considering one!

Jump to this post

@jennirdh My brace was not a posture brace. I had to wear a TLSO brace because my spine fractures were not stable.

REPLY
Profile picture for ricksgal
ricksgal | @ricksgal | Oct 24, 2025
In reply to @jennirdh "I feel for you!!! I am experiencing similar issues, have had a total of 4 compression..." + (show)
Profile picture for jennirdh @jennirdh

I feel for you!!! I am experiencing similar issues, have had a total of 4 compression fractures, T 12, L2,4,5. Am on Tymlos so far one year now. My body at 68 looks so different from even 2 years ago. I cannot stand up super straight like I used to, and my abdomen is not flat anymore. Partly due to not being able to take walks anymore bc of pain. Going to PT again soon to work on core, and another epidural in 2 weeks, I had a little bit of relief with that a few months ago. This is not how I pictured being in my early retirement years! I have had two kyphoplasties and they didn’t really do much for me, so not having more for now.
You are not alone! Hang in there

Jump to this post

@jennirdh

REPLY
Profile picture for ricksgal
ricksgal | @ricksgal | Oct 24, 2025
In reply to @jennirdh "I feel for you!!! I am experiencing similar issues, have had a total of 4 compression..." + (show)
Profile picture for jennirdh @jennirdh

I feel for you!!! I am experiencing similar issues, have had a total of 4 compression fractures, T 12, L2,4,5. Am on Tymlos so far one year now. My body at 68 looks so different from even 2 years ago. I cannot stand up super straight like I used to, and my abdomen is not flat anymore. Partly due to not being able to take walks anymore bc of pain. Going to PT again soon to work on core, and another epidural in 2 weeks, I had a little bit of relief with that a few months ago. This is not how I pictured being in my early retirement years! I have had two kyphoplasties and they didn’t really do much for me, so not having more for now.
You are not alone! Hang in there

Jump to this post

@jennirdh I have had five surgeries for compression fractures. The first one seen miraculous and I didn’t have another for many years but this past year I’ve had four additional surgeries. I don’t know what I would’ve done without them though, although my recuperation was much more difficult, unlike the first one I feel like my whole spine is cement. I also notice the difference in my posture. I am very thin, but I’m definitely hunched over and my stomach protrudes. I am now able to exercise, but I’m not sure it’s affecting my pasture or my stomach issues. unfortunately this severe osteoporosis is making a big change in my lifestyle. I don’t know if I had been exercising more in the past if it would’ve helped. I am taking Evinity now and we’ll see what my bone density test shows after the year is up. At least for the past eight months, I have not had
another compression fracture and at last time not in constant pain.

REPLY
1 reply
Profile picture for laura1970
laura1970 | @laura1970 | Oct 24, 2025
In reply to @ricksgal "@jennirdh I have had five surgeries for compression fractures. The first one seen miraculous and I..." + (show)
Profile picture for ricksgal @ricksgal

@jennirdh I have had five surgeries for compression fractures. The first one seen miraculous and I didn’t have another for many years but this past year I’ve had four additional surgeries. I don’t know what I would’ve done without them though, although my recuperation was much more difficult, unlike the first one I feel like my whole spine is cement. I also notice the difference in my posture. I am very thin, but I’m definitely hunched over and my stomach protrudes. I am now able to exercise, but I’m not sure it’s affecting my pasture or my stomach issues. unfortunately this severe osteoporosis is making a big change in my lifestyle. I don’t know if I had been exercising more in the past if it would’ve helped. I am taking Evinity now and we’ll see what my bone density test shows after the year is up. At least for the past eight months, I have not had
another compression fracture and at last time not in constant pain.

Jump to this post

@ricksgal can you get accurate DEXA scsns of the spine after so many kyphoplasties?

REPLY
1 reply
View MoreView Less
Please sign in or register to post a reply.