What should I expect after having a significant L1 compression fract?

Posted by dasselmike @dasselmike, 2 days ago

6 months ago I sustained a significant L1 compression fracture from a fall. I do not have what i would consider severe or sharp pain but am definitely limited to what I use to do. I find that my lower back on the sides of my ribs and hips are fatigued easily from even 20 minutes of pulling weeds or similar tasks. Is this normal, should I be considering another doctor visit? It is not very often that I don't notice that my back is bothering me in some way, definitely stiff after sitting. Can I do damage or wear things out by maintain pre-accident lifestyle? i am 54 years young. 🙂 Thanks

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laura1970 | @laura1970 | 2 days ago

54 years of age is quite young. What happened 6 months ago to cause your fracture? Do u have osteoporosis?

Most compression fractures heal without surgery within 3 months. Since it’s been 6 months, it’s likely time to revisit the issue with your doc. Conservative, non surgical treatment includes things like rest, medications, physical therapy (especially core muscle strengthening).

If u choose a procedure, I personally favor kyphoplasty over vertebralplasty as it restores the bone mass, so lesser chance of a “hunched” back. My grandmother had a compression fracture that was very disabling. She lived very far out in the country, in a coal mining town. I brought her to my place, with a large regional hospital. The interventional radiologists did kyphoplasties daily (I think that it is key to ask how often your procedure is done). She breezed through it, took no time at all. She was almost immediately pain free and asking to return home.

Regardless of how you decide to treat this fracture, a compression fracture without serious trauma is enough to make the diagnosis of osteoporosis. So that means you are at risk for further fractures. Discuss treatment with your doctor. Learn about osteoporosis. Have blood work that includes a vitamin D level. Modify your diet. Ensure you are getting adequate calcium, vitamin D, vitamin K2. Weight bearing exercise is important. Quit smoking if u have this habit.These are just cursory recs. As you learn more about osteoporosis , you can adapt your strategy. I don’t want to overload you immediately lol

There are many posts here on mayo about osteoporosis.

Good luck