Compression Fractures
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Recently we received the following email:
Dear Dr. Hauser, My name is Karen. I have heard so many wonderful things about you and I am wondering if you could let me know if you could possible help me with my medical problem. I suffered a compression fracture of my T12 Vertebrae from a snow tubing accident. Its a 20% compression fracture (anterior wedge). Unfortunately after it happened I very, very stupidly didnt go to the ER and didnt find out if was a fracture until a month later. So after the fracture I tried to work through the pain even went to the gym three days after the fracture, which Im sure was the worst thing for it.
Anyway, its now been about 5 months and Im in agony every single second of everyday. I feel like a pinching sensation on the right side of my T12. I have seen four different neurosurgeons who tell me my nerve doesnt look pinched. They dont know why Im in so much pain and only offer narcotic medications. The pain is just getting worse and worseI wear a TENS unit all the time. NO pain medications have helped AT ALL. They just had me on everything. The muscles from my T12 area are so sore and it feels like there are big knots in the area, the pain wraps around my abdomen and its now even spreading to my hip. No doctors have any ideas how to help me. I feel squished on my right side; thats the best way I can describe it. The bone is healing fine according to my MRI and CT scan but Im in constant agony and so so so sore, never mind the constant pinching feeling. It also hurts when I extend my back on the right side, it feels so weak.
At first just the fracture site hurt, but now its my entire right side of the abdomen and back area. Do you think you might be able to help me or any ideas. Im worried my life may be over and Im only 35 years old. Before this I was in perfect health. I saw a pain management specialist who offered me steroid shot into the intravertebral foramina on the right side of T12, but Im not sure if that will do more harm in the long run. It feels to me like my joint, I think its the facet joint, that is the source. I am hoping you can help me and hopefully get my life back. If you dont think you can help me an ideas would be hugely appreciated.
Sincerely,
Karen
from Massachusetts
What Karen Massachusetts needs is Prolotherapy. A compression fracture of the spine is common. It typically occurs when an external force is applied to the spine, such as from a fall or carrying of a sudden heavy weight, the forces may exceed the ability of the bone within the vertebral body to support the load. This may cause the front part of the vertebral body to crush forming a wedge shape. This is known as a compression fracture. Even if the fracture heals it still can be extremely painful. Why?
I am so happy you asked that question. Do you suppose that the traumatic force that was of such magnitude that it caused a fracture may have injured some other structures as well? You bet it did! It probably injured the spinal ligaments. These are the structures that provide the stability for the various vertebral bodies, so they dont move too much. If they are injured and the spinal bones have no stability, guess what is going to happen? Massive muscles spasms and boy are those painful! All you have to do is read Karens email and know she is suffering! What is Karen to do?
You ask another great question. What I believe she needs is Prolotherapy. Prolotherapy to the painful area typically will cause her symptoms to subside in three to six visits. The average patient gets pain relief even with the first treatment, but needs three to six visits to get the condition completely resolved.
Karen is only 35 years old, but compression fractures can happen at any age. Remember that when you have any fracture you probably injured a lot of other structures in the vicinity of the fracture. These structures could be ligaments, tendons, cartilage or menisci. So if you have continued pain after a compression fracture or another fracture even though the fracture is healed consider that the pain is coming from a different spot. It is helpful to realize that one of the worst treatments for ligaments is rest or immobility. Guess what happens when you have a fracture? Yes, you typically immobilize the arm or spine (wear a brace). This lack of movement makes it even more likely that your ligament or other soft tissues are not going to heal. Even more reason to go see a Prolotherapist quickly! Prolotherapy to the injured ligaments, tendons, cartilage and menisci is what the person needs. Generally the person is seen every month until resolution of their pain is reached. On average this takes between three and six visits. I hope Karen sees a Prolotherapist soon!
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