In this video I interview my patient, Brenda, about her experience with vertebral compression fractures. Her journey has been challenging. I think that there is something to learn from her and her spirit.
Wow! Our stories are so similar. I have been 6 years with 8 compression fractures in my back from a car accident. I however am 45 years old and pretty much bed ridden. I was in tears watching her story. It took them 1.5 years to diagnose my back being broken and that’s only because I took matters in my own hands to get answers. I just loved watching this video. Thank you for posting it
I am 52. I have CF at T12. I am 319lbs and now bedridden for 2 mo. I think I need a second opinion because the Dr I saw 2 weeks ago said the option of kygoplasty is not for me because the fracture is too close to the spinal cord. He is concerned about doing even a general surgery because I am morbidly obese and he says keeping me breathing during surgery is a concern. I have 2 special needs kids I care for and I do not know what to do. I have no family and no support no partner. It's me n my kids. I so understand the limits she is talking about. I am devastated too. Cry alot.
58 year old male, chronic compression fracture L1 since 07/2004. I'm on my 2nd spinal cord stimulator and going after a pain pump now. I understand what she is saying. . Thank you and God-bless
Hi my name is Deb, live in Nova Scotia. I'm 74. Problems began in 2021. I have 7 compression fractures plus 2 which were vertebroplastied Sept. 2023. Last xray indicated no new fractures. My back is absolutely killing me for the last few or so. I overdo constantly. Posture wants to go forward when I walk (with or without my walker). I have a whole body vibration machine, but unsure what settings to use or if I should use it at all with fractures. I can do a lot more than I could when first diagnosed about a year ago. I couldn't even get from the bed to the washroom. I even drove last week for the first time. I also have PMR in addition to the Osteoporosis. The steroids caused the loss of bone density. Still on steroids, but titrating down very slowly. It's been a real trial and this video was very helpful in terms of options to make life easier.
Thank you for sharing your story, Brenda. It was honest and inspirational. It take stamina, courage, commitment and faith that things will get better. Look how far you have come. You gave us all hope. Sending you positive energy and wishing you slow and steady improvement.
My story is very similar: I fractured and smashed three vertebrae in 2018. I was in horrible pain for three months before diagnosis, the Dr kept telling me it was peripheral neuropathy. No, it was not! I went for an X ray on my own and was shocked at how my spine looked: T6 and T9 were fractured and smashed but T10 had nearly disappeared!!! By the time I was in year 5 of Prolia. It took me a long time to be without pain all day long, nowadays only when I’ m cooking at the kitchen counter. It completely changes your life, you can’t do what you used to do , I was very active and still teaching. That means quite a lot of time standing. I do relaxing exercises all the time, still drive but with two cushions. I lost 3 inches height as well. And I do lots of more things for my bones. The is you feel very abandoned by your doctors and you have to do a lot of research. I do all that Margaret says.
This is the 2nd time I have watched this video as I recently had another fracture in addition to the previous 7 fractures. Her story is my story!!! It's the excrutiating pain that brings you down and makes you think you will never get through this but with the proper exercises you will improve.
@@missadventuresmotorcycledi2773 I know they will get better, but, when? I fractured T12 and L1 10 days ago. I'm wearing a very uncomfortable back brace whenever I'm not in bed. Currently, I can get out of bed, walk from one room to another, with great pain. I can use the toilet, get up from a sitting/laying down position. I can't stand for more than 20-30 seconds. I can only do these things with a walker. Can't bend, can't twist, can't lift anything. I can't even carry a cup of coffee, as both hands must always be on that walker. I barely made the walk up my driveway, up 3 steps, and into my house after I got out of hospital. They gave me low dose oxycodone, which I try not to use, but have to, near the middle/end of the day. I haven't started PT, I know I'm not ready. I've yet to see my regular doctor. I mostly sit, but walk every so often. I am afraid to take a shower. I have a chair in the tub, and safety bars, but showering is a lot of bending and moving. I'm afraid to risk it. I really should be taking more of the pain meds, but am afraid of getting addicted. Also, I've had severe constipation most of my life, and pain pills make that worse. Since I fell, I've only had a bm 3 times. I'm afraid I might fall again. I also got lower abdominal and bladder pain from the fall, even though I fell backwards. I still have that pain, and have trouble urinating. Very little pee comes out, even while I drink water all day. This just hurts. How long before you feel normal again. This is depressing and painful. What should I be doing, at this early stage? Thank you to anyone reading this. I wish everyone well. ❤
@@LDiamondz hi just wanted to say I am doi g dramatically better. I can walk now without pain. Not that I have gone for long walks but I can do my shopping and even carry a bag, impossible even 2 months ago. I was given oxy but wouldn't take it for the same reason as you. I didn't wear a back brace. I now see my local chiropractor offers a service decompression of vertebre but haven't been brave enough to try it. I was put on bone strengthening meds but it does make you down in the dumps when going through the pain. Thinking I would have to give up riding my motorbike makes me saddest. I drive a motorbike because I can't walk very far due to my knees. I hope you will feel better soon, sending you healing thoughts.
I understand yours & Brenda’s pain. It’s the worst pain & affects you both physically & mentally! I had 10 Compression fractures this year but they have all finally healed. Took them 2 yrs to completely heal. What kind of exercises do you do o help the pain & do you have Forward Head Posture as well? I have that.
I fell backwards in to a tiled floor and fractured T9&T10 and burst the discs. Pain excruciating That was 10 months ago! I am still in pain and can’t sit without a pillow behind me. I can now walk using an elbow crutch to ease the compression, but not for more than 30 minutes. I’m experiencing all the negative effects that Margaret Martins client spoke about. It’s life changing. I feel very depressed at my inability to do what I used to do.
I tried riding the pain out after compression fractures, but ultimately had to seek medical help. I cannot give medical advice, but can share things that helped ease my pain before and after my treatment. A walker will help take some pressure off your spine as well as a simple back brace. I also use Aspercreme with 4% lidocaine or lidocaine patches which give up to 8 hours relief. No bending, lifting or twisting. (BLT) Praying, which I'm sure you're doing. 🙏🙏🙏
I hope you are doing better now! I had a C4 fracture when I was 18yo. It didn't bother me too much but I fell in the kitchen just like you at 68yo and re-fractured it! I spent 6 months in bed. I'm now so afraid to do anything I basically sit or lay down all day. I take heart medication that makes me dizzy. I'm trying to adjust medications, etc so I haven't been to a physio yet, but I see how complicated this can be and I see physio in my future! I couldn't function at all without my family. Good luck
@@madinechaney3043 That's great advice. I fractured L1 and T12 right before Thanksgiving. I use a walker, back brace at all times, unless I'm in bed sleeping. I can't imagine ever walking for 30 minutes like the OP. Right now, I can walk about 50 feet, and can't go any further. I have a follow up xray and neurologist appt in 2 weeks. They mentioned starting PT, depending on the xray. I don't think I'm ready for that, though I am doing minor exercises the PT at the hospital gave me. She said, "And nothing else! Just what I told you." Curious, when did you start PT? (If you did.) No BLT, like you said. I can't even stand in one place, with a walker more than a minute. This is no joke. Hope you're doing better.
I was feeling somewhat isolated in my situation until you responded. I first compression fractures were over seven years ago. I was, and still do, take the advice I posted. However, this year I took the advice of my neighbor who is an anesthesiologist. He asked why I hadn't had the kyroplasty procedure done. Under anesthesia they insert a liquid with a needle into the injured spine. Within a few minutes that becomes hardened and the bone becomes solid again. Look it up online or RUclips. It helped me. I think outside of walking, exercising in a pool is very helpful. I feel for your situation. I heard the MedBeds are ready... can't wait. God bless you. Prayers 🙏🙏🙏
@@madinechaney3043 Hello. Thanks for the reply. I felt I had to back up your solid advice. Some things suggested by others didn't seem to make sense, especially for people recently injured. Glad you brought up the Kyroplasty. The neurologist at the hospital said if he doesn't like what he sees at my follow-up, he might do a 'procedure' where they inject 'cement' into your back. I was kind of shocked. Plus, they had me on morphine, so I said, "Cement? I don't know if I'd like that!" lol. He just told me to rest and not to worry. I'm so glad it worked for you! Some amazing things they can do these days. I wonder, after the procedure, can you still bend like before the fracture? Or is it just set to stay stiff, like when they use metal plates to fuse? Sorry for the late reply, I now have that RSV that's going around, and it is the worst! Hope you, and your back, are doing well. Happy, healthy 2023 to you! 🥳
Brenda's story is quite similar to mine. It began just days before I was to leave for a 6 month stay on an out-island in the Bahamas. It was mid-October, and I slipped on a patch of ice on my front step. By the time I reached the Island, I was in a lot of pain, which steadily worsened. It was a struggle to just get out of bed. There were no X-ray facilities on the Island, and a Dr. who visited once a week. He prescribed Voltaren and said I had sciatica. By the end of my stay, I was finally somewhat back to normal. When I returned home I saw my family doc who sent me for X-ray, which showed I had one active fracture and one healed fracture. I am now 3" shorter, and the household and gardening activities I used to enjoy are now difficult. I certainly relate with Brenda who had to rest her forearms on the counter while she prepared vegetables, and ironing is an absolute no-no. Putting on a fitted bed sheet is enough to finish me for the day!!
This really gives me hope. I have a compression fracture in my L1 and I refuse to have a surgery, I have had some X-ray and the Dr said my spine is going on the wrong direction, I just don’t understand how this can happen when I feel much better with no pain and no need to take pills. I’m wearing a brace for the remaining of the year and I really have Faith that I will be doing well.
Thank you so much. I am grateful to have found this video today. Patient sounds similar to my life after learning of t11 & t12 compression fractures. Good tips I will look into to help myself. I appreciate both of you!
I had 6 vertebrae fractures, October 2020, ( being on Prolia for 5 years) very, very painful. Difficult to walk, could only do baby steps, to shower was an ordeal, etc..could not leave the house for months. Was finally able to drive almost one year after. It took me 2 years to be able to finally start to go for short walks and do every day tasks. I am much better, but I accepted the fact that my life will never be same. I was very active, working, running 3 times a week etc..Now after I cook a simple meal, or do dishes, etc.. I have to rest my back, as I get pain on middle back that hurts in the front as well.
Dr Margaret, the way you communicated with the patient and the counselling knowledge🎉 you applied has made your patient to explain her exercise experiences to revitalize her physical health to satiety . By itself it remains a means for curing a fracture through shared case history. I sincerely thank both of you 🙏🙏
Here in BC I am lucky to have a general practitioner. Finding a new doctor is impossible and if you have a doctor , even if he isn’t a good one, you have no chance. My doctor is more interested in prescribing pills, and he actually said to me that because I’m old, I just have to get used to pain. So, I am looking for a therapist who is familiar with osteoporosis and stress fractures , to help me in the right way. These videos are very helpful. Thank you
I am in constant bad pain and barely sleep because of mine. Are there doctors that will do this procedure in a personal injury lawsuit? Spine surdeons don't want to operate on me since it is a lawsuit with an uninsured business.
My fractured back has changed my life so much. I also was like the energizer bunny. Now sitting standing ,laying walking, going to the bathroom, getting in or out of a car.
I got two severe wedge fractures in March this yr I was told the pain was muscle pain because I have severe emphysema and had respiratory failure and pneumonia then I got covid whilst in hospital I was X-rayed on admission After 3 wks I was discharged Then in the Aug I was admitted again with my gallbladder They couldn’t find the stone and was given a Ct scan On that scan it showed my fractured spine at T 6/7 severe wedge fractures it says and also states were present on X-ray in the March ? I couldn’t believe they didn’t tell or maybe the doctors that looked at my X-ray was half blind ? So me thinking this pain was muscular I wasn’t taking care on how I bent twisted etc I was treating myself with heat pads and tiger balm I’m still in pain now So it’s possible I could have another fracture? I live in the uk so our nhs is terrible and waiting list are very long to see a specialist Iv asked to see private and only just got an application for jan next Surely I should of been advised on what I should and not do or Possibly even wear sone type of brace with physio No nothing If I had of gone back in with my gallbladder I wouldn’t of known that I even had two fractures Now I’m sat waiting trying to research as much as I can about osteoporosis kyphosis because I know have that to which is possibly due to the fractures? My head is spinning with all the researching as I’m trying to research severe emphysema to Any advise anybody Should I be doing excersize ? Wearing a brace and which one because I believe they can do more harm than good if not fitted correctly and how long do you wear them ? So many questions that I just don’t have answers for
I was thrown of my handlebars, while on a bicycle ride. It may of been debris,tossed in my spokes of my front tire. I went head first into a ditch with alot of rebar, and various other protruding metals. I broke my back in two places, c9 and c10. I suffered many lacerations, and a broken clavicle as well. My left upper arm muscles, were down to my elbow, and my artery in my right leg was nicked. I was alone on the trail, and the weather turned nasty. I managed to crawl up out of the ditch, after i freed my upper arm ( i was impaled in 3 places) my inner leg wound, would was spraying blood across the trail, so i sat, took off my shirt, and tied off my leg, until help would come. I was seriously injured, and for the firzt time in my life. Im a 59 yr old woman, and i was in great shape. Im grateful to be here, as i thought i might not survive the crash. Thats what went through my thought process as i was being sling shotted over the handlebars. Its been 10 months since the accident, and im not up to par. I suffer depression, and ive put on weight. I am not active anymore, and im worried i will never be the same. I never went to a back surgeon, due to lack of medical ins, but i was faithful wearing my back brace everyday for 3 mos. It was a special brace with the support bar in the front. I have been suffering in silence, so thank you for this post. I dont feel so alone anymore. I would appreciate any thoughts, and i pray for your recoveries, all those who shared. Thanks again
Honestly, Margaret, I did find another video that led me to a forum/blog where so many women were talking about their hysterectomy, total abdomen hysterectomy TAH or the vaginal, whatever. They went thru that without knowing ( as I did!!) about all the consequences of it , the taken away of the ovaries, ending so their hormones for the bones, which led to this, my severe osteoporosis. I will go thru all your video content to find out if you are providing ALL the info it is needed for unnecessary surgeries end for good. Thank you.
I relate to everything Brenda said except taking bone meds. I don't want to do that! I'm 72 and have 6 fractures, 3 of them new (and so painful). Has Brenda gone back on meds? This video is 7 years old, any updates on her here in 2024? Thank you.
Thank you for this excellent video! Important content to all of those concerned about their bone health! I keep wondering why we're not educated on such important topic from an early age...
Interesting and helpful. Since this is 6 years old, I wonder whether either woman is aware that discontinuing Prolia medication can cause non traumatic spinal fractures? That is what happened to me, and it struck me that the patient also discontinued Prolia before her fractures. I have three of them. [She broke hers on safari, I broke mine at the bottom of the Grand Canyon!] Similar to her, I was not diagnosed properly at first and suffered severe pain for 6 weeks. Now I'm getting a kyphoplasty, but might be outside the proper window for effectiveness. Was hoping to see specific exercises, but I'm sure there are other videos. I think I will still have a long journey back to health. Thanks.
I have 4 compression fractures in my back, my L2, L4, L5 and T12 are all fractured. I underwent chemotherapy and was on large doses of prednisone for stage 4 large b cell lymphoma which caused osteoporosis. I'm still in considerable pain at times, but I'm pretty much able to function thanks to a stretching and walking routine. I stretch 4 to 5 times a day and I walk 30-50 minutes daily on a treadmill. I would prefer to walk outside, but the risks of falling and fracturing my hips or wrists due to my osteoporosis are preventing me from doing that. My doctor can't put me on the standard osteoporosis treatment because it can cause ulcers and bleeding which is not good considering I'm on blood thinners. Those of you who are struggling, you have to find a way to stay active. The worse thing you can do is become sedentary.
I'm in the same boat. Multiple fractures of the spine in my 20's after my 3rd child then slowly felt I was getting better, than with a vengeance in my late 30s, I'm 37 now and it's still old fractures from God knows when I'm guessing it's non union fractures. I'm also on eliquis (blood thinners) since I was in my early 20's as well. We back then I was on warfarin, the lovonox, now eliquis and they still want me on fosamax 😢 staying active, knowing when to rest, and keeping from not getting depressed because I have still in the house a 13 year old girl and 11 year old girl. I often cry thinking my grandkids will never get the full of me. I'm wondering if wearing a bone stimulater will work? But I agree I'm doing tredmill and I can't do extreme activities like jumping, going on adventures risky and fun activities with my children. I just subscribed ☺️
Inspiring. Thank you so much for sharing. Your coping journey, your positive, proactive mindset, the devices you use, arming ourselves with informed Healthcare Professionals & being our own Calcium Conscience. God Bless 🙏🌹
Where you can you find the weighted vest for kypho orthosis that counters the forward lean?? I have had a couple of compression fractures and am struggling with the forward lean now because my back is so weak. Like her I’m the past, I am struggling with leaning on the counter to prepare meals. Thank you for all of the information and the willingness of the lady to share her experiences and information!
Thank you for the video. She describes much of what I am experiencing. I just found out today I have compression fractures and my biggest problem is what to do about a new dog I rescued because she jumps on me a lot. I really hate to lose her because her life depends on me and my husband. My household chores were sufffering before my back injury because I was recovering first from loosing knee function then knee surgery which I need another but probably will need to postpone.
I started my journey 6 weeks ago. I'm feeling really fortunate after watching this video. Initially they said I would be bedridden for a month but I was up and moving around 4 days after my car accident. Once the initial swelling went down my fractures (T12, L1) haven't hurt me at all but I know better than to do something foolish while they heal properly. My biggest concern is over the whiplash injury lower in my spine where I hope to make a full recovery. While my doctors haven't allowed me to resume exercise yet they do feel it's great that I have been doing proper supplementation, heat therapy and stretching exercises on my own.
I fractured the same 2 vertebrae landing after skydiving. T12 & L1. And fractured my tailbone. I’m on day 5. I can walk usually ok. But there is some pain getting in & out bed. Thanks for any reply.
@@JohnnieV My fractures are healed up now but the joint pain from lower down is still there for me. My sleeping and sitting posture is the only thing I need to worry about for a pain free day. Outside of that muscle guarding causes me to be really stiff and slower than I would like to be but I'm in a really good place now. I have resumed a normal daily life but I don't have the endurance in my back I used to I hope to have it back by October.
@@marcacurso7756 awesome. Good to Hear. I’m in day 4 or 5. Still really bad pain even with pain meds. Thanks for the reply. I am now concerned with an overactive bladder.
@@anumsultana1985 On the fourth day the initial swelling went down to the point I could do something other than lay down. I had to wear my back brace more than recommended to avoid back spasms that would ruin my day. After two weeks I found out I was doing more harm than good wearing it all the time so I started weening myself off it it and that's when it started to heal much faster because you need to keep a joint mobile to heal it otherwise it will just freeze up on you and take longer to recover. I made it a point to work on my flexibility (bending forward and backwards, no twisting) and mobility. I did everything with baby steps and stopped the second I felt pain. I was in amazing shape when I got in my accident so it helped me recover quicker.
Very informative video. My Dr seemed to be unaware that a 64 yr old male could have Osteoporosis. I also had to insist that I go for a MRI & DXA scan. Guess what??, I have a fracture, & a spine that's not in good condition. You & your guest have given me something to progress to instead of sitting through the rest of my Life.
Thank you for sharing your experience. I've been going through the same. So far, I've had 9 kyphoplasties. The doctors and surgeons haven't been able to provide any alternatives, telling me that my back is not "fixable".
No back brace for Brenda at all? How long would you have to wear one? How long until do you have to use the walker? I can't do anything without the brace and walker. I can't do much at all and it's been 2 months. Taking a shower is SO painful. I can't wash my face at the sink. I can't stand or walk around more than a few minutes, then have to sit. I need help dressing/undressing, putting on shoes, is this my life, now? The things we take for granted, like bending down and twisting, picking things up, carrying a coffee cup from the kitchen to the living room. No can do. What all are people doing to get through this? This is 2 months. It's so discouraging.
@@Chauncey89898 I just saw your comment now! No notification. Thank you for the reply, I appreciate it. Sorry to hear you've had many fractures and are bedridden.❤ These fractures are horrible. I'm not in 'severe' pain, now, not like in the beginning. But, still can't bend, lift, or walk without a walker. Still painful. My activities are very limited, still. Docs keep telling me it takes time. I don't know about you, but it's very draining, depressing, and really getting old! I've also developed a fear of falling. Guess I should just get used to this new life. And keep giving it time, like the doc says. What do your doctors say? Are you still healing? I hope you will get some relief from it, and feel better. Thank you for replying. I'll keep you in my prayers. ❤
This was my first time learning about compression fractures. I learned I had one by reading my bone scan! Your video was extremely helpful. I wondered about an activity that wasn’t mentioned - sexual intimacy?
Thank you so much for this video. I got my first compression fracture on L3 in the hospital after a heart surgery. I am lost with words. But I do have osteoarthritis, I’m going to get bone density test done today. I am in so much pain.
I have looked at the Spinomed brace, mine is a long story & too much to write here. I have learned so much from Margaret's videos as well as a couple of yours that I viewed on another channel. I get enormous pain relief from another brand of firm lumbar brace worn only when I am attempting exercise, but wonder would the spinomedhelp with the forward motion of my upper back? The angle of my kyphosis is becoming much worse since a long fusion that ends at T4. I wish now that I had never had it done. I am living in Australia.
I had multiple back fractures. Went to ER they did absolutely nothing for me. I was given no pain pills. What is wrong with DRS these days? I had to sleep on our recliner sofa for about 3 months. I couldn't lay in bed with this pain. I lived on Advil and Tylenol for 3-4 months. Always putting heat and ice packs on my back. I went from very active person to a non active person, it sucked! I had to leave my job and stay home home and thought it was the end of my world. I could barely get out of the recliner to use the bathroom and shower! No one knew what happened. I went to oncology, tons of extensive blood work! Very expensive! Did a bone marrow biopsy, they were thinking I had bone cancer. Nope! Test was negative. I have what's called hypercalcemia. I was losing my calcium. Bones weren't absorbing my calcium. So now almost 2 years later I'm doing good! 😊 I'm only working very part time now and enjoying it😅 I've been taking boniva now for 1.5 hrs. Specialist did blood work and there is improvement. October I do my bone density test, I can't wait to see how much my bones have improved. I had 2 bones that was -4.2 and the rest was -2.5
I was waiting to see the actual brace that she used - you mentioned you'll show it later - and I don't think it was shown. If there is a link or something, can you post it please? I'm trying to help my partner who had a thoracic compression fracture in a car accident. He has become very kyphotic and I think a good brace will be very helpful. Thank you!
Thank you so much to both of you!.I'm really grateful! Dis I understand well that the Prolia treatment did nothing to prevent any further compression fractures?
Kyproplasty worked for my L5 compression fracture. Earlier diagnosis within first 4-6 weeks is needed to have better outcome. I am a retired physician associate who was lifting empty full sized mattress only 2 inches up…was not straining and felt like someone hit me with heavy metal rod that it knocked me on the ground. I went to Urgent Care (UC) run by only ‘ER docs. With no radiating pain into lower extremity, compression fracture was top of my differential diagnosis. The ER doc did not examine me, never laying one finger on me. I asked for lumbar X-ray series and he said I didn’t need X-ray cause this was a strain…,again…he didn’t lay one finger on me for symptoms. He said 50mg prednisone and PT for back strain. I told him I wanted the X-ray and he said, ‘you think you have lytic vertebrae. I said no I didn’t think I had metastatic pain at lower lumbar vertebrae.’ But I wanted to rule out compression fracture. He would not order it. I went home, trying the medicine prescribed but nothing helped. I then went to a different UC….not run by ER docs but general practice doctors and PA’s. Film showedLumbar 5 was ‘weirdly’ looking. I was sent to get MRI which showed 30 percent compression. Had the kyphopkasty a week later but it was outside 6 weeks. I got some relief in pain, but not as helpful as could have been if done within the 4-6 week window for optimal outcome.
Can you use these exercises and techniques if you have a compression fracture due to injury? I was cleaning the side of my camper on the four foot step ladder and suddenly lost my balance and fell backwards on to my sacrum and very low back. I have a doctor who wants to go forward with surgery right away but said I could do PT and restrictions to start out with which is where I am. Trying to stay off the couch and trying to stay out of that bad posture that I've had most of my life. ER did a CT scan and said I had a mild compression fracture of L2. Complicate things I had a disabling neck surgery 15 years ago and one thing I miss is gardening also. I live alone with a dog with the washer and dryer in the basement so I am not sure what my next step is. My fall was just two weeks ago a lot of pain and problem of stiffness getting out of bed and repositioning in bed It's actually a little better and it was initially.. I don't know about driving but I have a pickup truck that I have to step up and into and always very sore at the end of the day with like an iron band around my low belly and hips. Thank you for letting me vent It was very helpful and I look forward to seeing other videos. Brings on a lot of sadness 66 years old and a new Harley-Davidson and almost ready to head south for the winter in my travel trailer. Also I wanted to mention that I had a herniated disc in the l4 l5 area that I had surgery on in 1998. I didn't have fusion but a microdiscectomy that really helped with the pain. Yesterday was payday so it was kind of my first time out but I am very thankful for Walmart pickup service and delivery is available but I haven't used that yet. I do have meas on wheels. Additionally I hesitate to drive I have kind of like off balance dizziness still I guess from the fall and trauma. Kind of like a non-impact concussion like syndrome. Thanks again
What is the long spongy item called, the one Brenda shows at 19:30 please? I have ongoing discomfort from a T8 compression fracture last year, and one of these would be a godsend.
i’m 22 and have received a fracture at a Loss of 50% in my mid to lower back and was wondering how long will my recovery be it’s ben 4 months and i will be receiving physical therapy starting tomorrow i was wondering how long until i’m 100% again I feel weak and can barely walk for extended periods of time without feeling back pain
When I was 18 I went sledding and had a compression fracture on L1 and L2. Not even 6 months later I was living in a boat and mountain biking all the time. I personally loved having my family help me when I needed it. When I was in bed for 2 months my aunt, uncle, boyfriend, and mother all came and helped me. After the fact I really went after life. Now, 5 years later I still feel the effects. I get worried that I’m going to be in a lot of pain when I’m older. I am okay with the fact that it happened, but why do young people always get pushed under the rug? “You’re going to fully heal” no I’m not! I never have! What do I do?!
Also, almost every time I take a deep breath my spine pops/cracks. My doctors don’t take me seriously. They do X-rays and say “everything looks the same, so you’re fine”…. If everything looks the same as it did when it first happened that terrifies me.. I don’t know who to trust, I don’t know what to do, and I have the whole rest of my life to deal with it. I don’t like medication. I should just go back to physical therapy.. I’ve also felt sciatica down my left leg into my left heel. Numbness and so on.
@@Gabzpipe same here did my L2 vertebral fracture in 2019 at 22 and i can barely put my socks on for work… but can’t find the right help without doing surgery
So sorry to hear about this Gabzpipe. I wonder if Feldenkrais exercises might be helpful for you. Even though the exercises themselves work very subtly, they can have a profound effect. There are several youtube videos about Feldenkrais and the lower back.
I just have a L1 compression also it's only been two weeks the doctor said by the end of the eight weeks I should be back to work and on my way to normal life again hope this is true
Erub Shirmee hey Iam 2 weeks in same thing compacted fracture L1 in a brace for 6 weeks need physio then but all going well should be good in 8 weeks hopefully just looking for info here
I have L1 fracture too. It's been 12 weeks now and I am a bit discouraged. Although the pain is significantly better, I am still very limited in my activities.
Erub Shirmee how are you feeling right now? i have an L2 compression fracture, saw a neurosurgeon 2 weeks after the incident and told me that I can return to work in 6 weeks. I still have an appointment with him though. How much weight can you lift after 12 weeks of healing?
Hi Martin! I have DDD and Par Defects L5 & L4. My Doctor advise me to get Surgery so the fracture can heel. I heard that Surgery is the last option if physical therapy and medication doesn't help. Please let me know is Surgery good option for my case? Thank you
I have had a compression fracture and osteoporosis. No surgery is recommended. I am 80 and also have bad knee. I have had the fracture for 2 years, have lots of the same problems, but not as bad as she was. I am caving and have started doing some of your exercises. I was wondering about the weighted vest that would help my posture and keep me from getting so tired? What should I try, weight wise? I wear a brace sometimes and it helps hold me up but is not comfortable. . Thanks for any info you could give me.. thank you
I recently had a bone dexe scan, it was confirmed I had osteoporosis also the operater told me that I had four compression fractures on my spine, on the report sheet it says lumber spine L1-L4 Zscore=-5.3 Tscore=-5.7 BMD =0.536 I would like to know what this means, is lumber spine L1 to L4 mean the fractures, the only thing I have been given is calcium supp's and Allendronic asid tablets one a week it can take a year to have any affect at all plus side effect ,it can kill the nerves in the jaw bone, scary stuff, I have c,o,p,d, so I have been on three diff, innhalers for years they contain steroid, I am told that is likely to have caused my osteoporosis, no health person ever told me to get calcium supp's or any preventative measure which makes me mad, I am 64 men don't usually get osteoporosis I should sue my Quack.
i have a compression fracture in my T-11. i need a brace, but my insurance is taking their time approving it. there is 30% loss on my vertebrae. it hurts to stand for more than five minutes. if I stand any longer my spine gets all wobbly.
Hi Margaret, Thank you so much for all you share! I am near Ottawa and suffering with four fractures, one severe (80%) and in chronic pain. I know you are not taking new clients, but can you recommend someone in Ottawa who can help me?
Hi Catherine. I am seeing new osteoporosis clients via telehealth. Leave your contact information here and someone will get back to you with details. melioguide.com/contact/
Thank you so much for this instructive video. Can a compression fracture heal completely sith time and proper treatment? And is physical therapy advised before complete healimg ?
yes they can completely heal. i had 10 Compression fractures starting in 2020 till 2022 but they all finally healed 4 months ago. i didn’t start physical therapy until mine had healed. Not sure if you can go to PT before they heal.
I have a T-6 compression fracture that was an Incidental Finding on a chest X-Ray I had in 2007 after a car accident. The radiologist noted the fracture was old and of "indeterminate" age so I could 't claim it as an injury from the accident according to my attorney. He also noted I had mild scoliosis which I never knew. I don't understand why the radiologist couldn't say how old my T-6 compression fracture was. I also had an MRI of my back to see if there was other damage but there was only normal degenerative changes for my age at the time (39). I am 53 now and my back problems are getting worse. I have a dull ache in the middle of the back and I wonder if they are related to my t-6 fracture or if I have developed other fractures. I am waiting to see my PCP so I could get another X-Ray and/or MRI.
You can find more information on vertebral compression fractures on my blog post. Thank you. melioguide.com/osteoporosis-treatment/treat-compression-fracture/
Hi Margaret. I know this video was made quite a few years ago, but do you know if Brenda know what her DEXA t-scores were at the time of the compression fracture? TIA
@@margaretmartinpt I understand, and I thought about that after I sent the message and was on my way to work. I have much to learn! I am enjoying your course so far, the MelioGuide free course that is emailed! Thanks for all you do!
I have 4 compression fx between T2-T9, lost 2” in height, it is now 3.5 yrs since injury, and I am still bedridden, my GP had just retired at time of injury, I don’t know what to do. Pain is awe full, like Brenda, my life went from white to black. I was only 59 yrs at time of injury, now I’m 63, I am on Disability, also have seizures due to TBI, that happened at time of injury. I live alone and don’t know where to find help.
The blog post covers this in more detail. You will have to google search the brand to locate it. Best of luck! melioguide.com/osteoporosis-treatment/treat-compression-fracture/
How about trauma? I have an L3 fracture from a fall . I cannot live my life incapacitated. It seems I am now sagitally unstable- spine falling forwards with gravity and life of pain is unacceptable.
@@paraskumar6367 don't know how it happened. I was pregnant with 9 months. And i was unable to wake up from bed once lies down without someone's help. But i thought it is related pregnancy. Later delivery also same thing happened. So i consulted an orthodontics and found my t11 t12 mild vertebrae compression. 3 months treatment is over now. But still i didn't back to normal.
Margaret, do you know of a physical therapist in the San Diego area who knows a lot about osteoporosis and spinal fractures like you do? I have previous compression fractures and would love to find someone with your knowledge!
Hey Margaret my name is Austin im only 24 I’m going on 2 months of my back vertebrae comprehension fractures which were caused by a seizure are t5 t6 and t7 and I have lost 50 % and I had been bed rested for the the first 40 days and I still have horrible pain. All my family care doctor does is try and prescribe me pain killers but I refuse to take them because I don’t like the anything to do with pain killers , is there anything you can recommend to help me as going forward ? My back specialist is apparently so far booked out I can’t get a call back so I’m just in pain and it’s super discouraging.
Nice video if the person with the fractures has the money to hire others to do gardening work and cleaning and whathaveyou. As she is in Canada, the additional therapies probably cost zip compared to what they would cost with US insurance and with US insurance denials of coverage.
Thank you. Your statement that "additional therapies probably cost zip (in Canada)" is not quite true. Brenda has to pay for physiotherapy services. She has private insurance that coves that cost.
I have several posts on weighted vests on my site. Here is one you might want to check out. melioguide.com/osteoporosis-exercise-equipment/hyper-vest-elite/
It is the fatigue & loss of strength & now new tingling sensations burst compression fracture of L1 7/4/2019. Lost 1 inch in height so far started noticing inability to reach as high not long after compression fracture. I don't understand how I could walk & move on the fourth day & drove myself to the ER but now I am having new issues with my gut & my gallbladder has been gone sine October 2000 but a nurse brought in noodles & meat for me & I thought the meat was great gobbled it down not realizing that it was pork & that brought on some kind of flare & now I am wondering how much of this involves L1. I am currently under a tremendous amount of stress.
When my doctor found compression fractures he did nothing. I had been through two hip replacements in 2015 and 2016. The fractures were found in 2018. I ended needing my cane and finally a walker. On my own I started doing “Classical Stretch” and started getting relief and I was doing about 3000 steps a day with my walker. I also started to make sure my shoulder blades were close together and making sure when seating that I am straight. It took me a couple of years to go outside and walk on my own. Walking poles work well if I go for longer walks. My journey with my back started at age nine when I crushed a disc. When I was 19 I was in a car accident that separated my sacroiliac joint among other things and there were other back injuries through the years. My determination to overcome things has been my guardian angel. I should change doctors but he did find my lung cancer in 2019 at a very early stage. The doctors need more knowledge about what can be done to strengthen things as soon as they notice things.
Can anyone share if they developed kyphosis and height lost because of fractures I had two undiagnosed wedge fractures at T6/7 I was told the pain was muscular A Ct scan 5 months later for another condition picked them up and also state they were present on X-ray where they told me it was muscular I am so angry because maybe kyphosis could of been avoided if the doctors had acted and not told me to carry on as normal My osteoporosis is severe and taking alendrate at the moment but I’m wondering if they are making my pain worse Not only is my back very painful I’m also having lots of pain in my abdomen hips and groins I get a burning tingling pain that goes down the front of my legs almost up to m knee I do have dengerative disk disease to and cys along my spine , maybe the pain is from my lumbar spine ? I was given a brace over 12 months after but can’t wear it It makes the pain worse If I stand up my lower back pain does ease of a little but I can’t stand for long I lay in a reclining position most of time with a v shape pillow to cushion m back The murphine I try not to take as like others have said it causes really bad constipation so I just take a small amount for my breathlessness because I also hav very severe emphysema and at end stage My rheumatologist wants me to change to zoldronate infusion 1 every 3 yrs and I keep putting it off It might mark the pain worse and can’t just stop it if I have a yrs worth pumped into plus Iv read others have still re fractured So can’t move much can breath but still here to tell my story but extremely depressed and lonely When I read the amount of fractures some here have had Iv sat with m mouth open and this is possibly going to happen to me to Hugs for all that are are suffering My heart goes out to each and everyone of you I was going to ditch the alendronic acid and try just with diet but maybe I should put up with what I’m on I’m also given calci-d 1000 Doctors here in my country won’t touch m back and surgery with m emphysema is a hugh risk so lung transplant now because of m bones isn’t an option
i am is so much pain, i was running down my star, getting my husband help, as he was having heart attack. in some My doctor said surgery not for me, mines in #3 lumbar. please i can’t this king of live. i need help. would like some information on it, want this pain gone. thank youn
I feel you. I just fractured my L1, 10 days ago. The pain is horrific. I can't do anything. Only pain killers help. I can only walk from one room to another, and have to sit. No PT, yet, due to pain. I fell, hard, on my back. I wish you well. Are you a little better? I hope so. ❤ Right now, I just want to cry.
Im 29 and I have an L1 compression fracture from jumping a 45 ft falls.. I'll be having my balloon kyphoplasty in two days.. I hope it will reduce my pain and return to my normal activities.. I'll update you guys soon..I'm hopeful and praying it will be a success..😄💪🏻
I have 1 compress vertebra fracture (accident walking my crazy dog) after 6 weeks I'm feeling better but the Neuro surgeon said I need to have a kyphplasty surgery ... I'm very close to the limit to do it otherwise will be impossible ....
Actually I don't know, the Dr. show me the image but didn't tell me the percentage and I didn't ask for ignorance about this. Guessing I would said around 25%.
Yes, I suspended my surgery I'm not sure this is the right treatment for me after all the pain is gone i feel like a pressure ....all surgeries have risk and the traditional way is, apparently, working. I'm doing some exercise of stretching that are working good.
Sometimes I have a little pain nothing unbearable, normally I'm pain free, I don't take any pain medication at all. I do my streching exercises many, many times during the day....I explained this situation to the Dr today (at the hospital) and I have to see him in a month to see my evolution. He explained to me this surgery can be done in 6 or more month after the trauma.
Yes. In her thirties Brenda realized that she needed to look after her bones. Her mom had fractured both of her hips as well as her pelvis. Brenda’s genetics and family history of osteoporosis were red flags indicating that she might have some issues with her bones sometime in the future. A routine DEXA (Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry) test and FRAX score, in 2011, showed that Brenda had some bone loss. She was diagnosed with osteopenia. She became more careful, watched the calcium in her diet, her vitamin D levels, and continued her exercise classes. Her General Practitioner recommended bisphosphonates, but she couldn’t tolerate them. He switched her to Prolia. She was on Prolia for four years. A repeat DEXA showed that she had improved, so she discontinued her Prolia injections in the spring of 2015. She was excited because she felt she had turned the corner. Brenda concluded that her bones were healthy because of her exercises, diet and Prolia injections. It turned out that Brenda came to this conclusion prematurely.
@@helenrussell1434 Hi Helen. For confidentiality reasons, I cannot disclose any further details on Brenda, other than what she authorized in the video and on the blog post on my site. I am sure you can appreciate her situation. She felt it is important that others learn from her experience but we must respect her needs. Thank you for your cooperation.
My friend is 67 he fell 30 ft from his tree stand last Saturday afternoon and fractured T11-12 I feel so bad for him. Today he says he is feeling less pai, needing less pain meds, and moving more freely. Praise God! I am so hopeful for him. If anyone has any suggestions I am all ears. ❤️
I am laying in a hospital bed atm with a compression fracture 😢from lifting a cement birdbath 😢. I am 70 years old and was told they were old fractures. 😢😢😢
My mum have mild compression fracture of d12 vertebral body with no posterior osseous bulge or fracture extension to the posterior cortex.. is it danger? What is the cure and solution I can had and the nutrition for her give me some idea madam I am from Nepal
Afraid of calcium for fear it will damage the heart since costochondritis feels like a 24 hour heart attack to start with, especially when violent spasms make it sometimes nearly impossible to inhale for several minutes at a time.
Follow your own doc's advice but my endocrinologist said calcium supplements unnecessary if dietary intake is adequate. Also advised to get my Vit D in the upper range of normal & to take regular magnesium tabs but best to get bloods done to ascertain how you;re tracking before dosing up. Be well.
I have found pool exercise has been best for a crummy back, backwards as well as forward, and building up strength sometimes using a spare top to lift flexibly through the water. That said my condition is nothing like this lady's.
Thank you for sharing your experience. I am not sure what a "crummy back" is but I think you are not dealing with the issues that Brenda describes. Vertebral compression fractures are serious and need appropriate medical attention from a qualified health professional.
@@margaretmartinpt I have osteopinea and get spasms from certain twisting movement and forward movement in daily life. I respect professional advice as a pointer to take control of health.
@@followyourdreams6851 A few minutes ago I wrote quite a lengthy reply but it has not shown up. In essence I am doing well and strongly recommend pool work, maybe with a bit of guidance for those starting out.
Poor thing what a horrible thing to change your life. I was pushing a dresser like pushing a car position. Stupid. I have ocfrd. Obsessive compulsive furniture rearranging disorder. Lol. I get my thoracic mri this week. X-ray looked ok but possibly a tiny fracture in 11-12. Orthopedic doctor just ordered the lumbar mri and said facet joints. I insisted on thoracic mri because pain is up a little higher but possibly the first lumbar. Praying not fracture. I have strong bones but osteoporosis. So glad dear you are healing enough to be able to do some things and do your exercises.
Almost a week now and my lower back pain has softened and doesn't hurt after I do warm up exercises and stretches. I think my main problem with pain is that I was sleeping on the floor, now I've added padding, camp pads, and the pain has gone away after I wake up each morning. I had a slip and fall last weekend, landed on my arse, didn't feel pain until later the next day, then for 3 days after my fall, the pain was constant.
I'm suffering from L1 compression fracture since 9 months and still with a deep pain! Doing everything one need to do. Physiotherapy, pain medication, etc. Nothing shown progress.. Any extra suggestions Please?
Im 29 and I have an L1 compression fracture from jumping a 45 ft falls.. I'll be having my balloon kyphoplasty in two days.. I hope it will reduce my pain and return to my normal activities.. I'll update you guys soon..I'm hopeful and praying it will be a success..😄💪🏻
If u still have pain ,please bed rest for 2 weeks .get up only for eating and toilet use ( this is what my doctor suggested me). Resting will heal ur fracture . not masturbate for 30 days . sperm retention makes ur bones stronger
@@paraskumar6367 don't worry bro. Please tell me the vertebrae. I had compression in t12. Consult doctor fast. My doctor told me to take bed rest for 6 months. I was in bed for 6 months. I was given calcium tablets. Calcium is good for bones, helps it to heal. our body has enourmous power to heal. So don't think negative. Don't think you are done. Staying positive is essential. Compressions can cure if you take bed rest. Wake up only for toilet uses. After 6 months start doing yoga. I did yoga because i was having muscle pain after long bed rest. Overall take rest, stay positive. It will go away brother. I am really good now (i had it in august 2018) . Now i can run, do exercises and all. No problem.
First young people get compression fractures. Im 26 now fractured at 22. Secondly anger and her thoughts are what come with pain that you didn't want her to talk about! Suicide rates are ridiculous with chronic back pain so her talking about her anger can benefit others. The thing you chose to not let her talk about. Being in pain is not fucking rainbows so stop diluting what it is.
Sarah Veley hello, first of all, you poor girl!! I felt your pain through your words. Yes, definitely, suicidal thoughts and depression are your worst enemy with not only physical pain, but the emotional pain that follows with it. There’s nothing worse than feeling worthless. Plus living in a world where women have to struggle to make a living and can’t just say I quit my job and do something else... etc I’m also struggling with a lot of pain and misconceptions on what I should do and not do. However I did find her video encouraging. I’m 50 now and been suffering with these compound fractures in my lower since I was 23 years old. Listen to your body and try to find someway to rest or lifestyle change before you become worse. I know, it’s not easy to do, I feel like hypocrite giving you this suggestion. Because I’m struggling with quitting a job that is physically killing me. I’m laying on bed crying and depressed feeling worthless these pasted few days. I hate life right now too. However, I’m trying to look for some hope to all of this... I wish you all the best in your endeavors to find a solution to your problems as well. Hang in there!
Sarah Veley truly different pain than I ever had takes my breath away sometimes Iam 2 weeks in to a L1 compacted fracture dozed up for last two weeks stoped takin them fewe days ago and Iam back on them again with the pain I hope it stops soon just here for info
Sarah Veley what helped for you because im also in my 20's and I have 3 compression fractures and I cant seem to cope with a regular lifestyle. I'm at my breaking point where i think my back pain will never allow me to live a normal life. School, work, socializing etc.
If you dont already have compressiin fractures, Beware of lifting weights at the gym. you put too much weight on those bench press's or overhwad presses and its very easy to get compressiin fractures.
I have total of 15 lower back 3 upper back I was even In I C U -rehab Couldn't walk 17 mon.i worked my body since june 1970 walked lift weight's,swam.my 8 the Medication no help. I have my mother's gene Who had same problem
In this video I interview my patient, Brenda, about her experience with vertebral compression fractures. Her journey has been challenging. I think that there is something to learn from her and her spirit.
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Wow! Our stories are so similar. I have been 6 years with 8 compression fractures in my back from a car accident. I however am 45 years old and pretty much bed ridden. I was in tears watching her story. It took them 1.5 years to diagnose my back being broken and that’s only because I took matters in my own hands to get answers. I just loved watching this video. Thank you for posting it
I am 52. I have CF at T12. I am 319lbs and now bedridden for 2 mo. I think I need a second opinion because the Dr I saw 2 weeks ago said the option of kygoplasty is not for me because the fracture is too close to the spinal cord. He is concerned about doing even a general surgery because I am morbidly obese and he says keeping me breathing during surgery is a concern. I have 2 special needs kids I care for and I do not know what to do. I have no family and no support no partner. It's me n my kids. I so understand the limits she is talking about. I am devastated too. Cry alot.
Btw
. Hugs you are not alone
58 year old male, chronic compression fracture L1 since 07/2004. I'm on my 2nd spinal cord stimulator and going after a pain pump now. I understand what she is saying. . Thank you and God-bless
How is Brenda today 2023? I would love to know how she is doing and if she continues to improve with exercise etc...
Hi my name is Deb, live in Nova Scotia. I'm 74. Problems began in 2021. I have 7 compression fractures plus 2 which were vertebroplastied Sept. 2023. Last xray indicated no new fractures. My back is absolutely killing me for the last few or so. I overdo constantly. Posture wants to go forward when I walk (with or without my walker). I have a whole body vibration machine, but unsure what settings to use or if I should use it at all with fractures. I can do a lot more than I could when first diagnosed about a year ago. I couldn't even get from the bed to the washroom. I even drove last week for the first time. I also have PMR in addition to the Osteoporosis. The steroids caused the loss of bone density. Still on steroids, but titrating down very slowly. It's been a real trial and this video was very helpful in terms of options to make life easier.
Thank you for sharing your story, Brenda. It was honest and inspirational. It take stamina, courage, commitment and faith that things will get better. Look how far you have come. You gave us all hope. Sending you positive energy and wishing you slow and steady improvement.
Thank you so much!
My story is very similar: I fractured and smashed three vertebrae in 2018. I was in horrible pain for three months before diagnosis, the Dr kept telling me it was peripheral neuropathy. No, it was not! I went for an X ray on my own and was shocked at how my spine looked: T6 and T9 were fractured and smashed but T10 had nearly disappeared!!! By the time I was in year 5 of Prolia. It took me a long time to be without pain all day long, nowadays only when I’ m cooking at the kitchen counter.
It completely changes your life, you can’t do what you used to do , I was very active and still teaching. That means quite a lot of time standing. I do relaxing exercises all the time, still drive but with two cushions. I lost 3 inches height as well. And I do lots of more things for my bones. The is you feel very abandoned by your doctors and you have to do a lot of research. I do all that Margaret says.
Thank you, Brenda, and, Margaret. Your experiences and your voyage through this terrifically painful time are good to know about. Thank you!
This is the 2nd time I have watched this video as I recently had another fracture in addition to the previous 7 fractures. Her story is my story!!! It's the excrutiating pain that brings you down and makes you think you will never get through this but with the proper exercises you will improve.
This gives me hope - my life is in ruins right now.
@@feranaja things will get better.
@@missadventuresmotorcycledi2773 I know they will get better, but, when? I fractured T12 and L1 10 days ago. I'm wearing a very uncomfortable back brace whenever I'm not in bed. Currently, I can get out of bed, walk from one room to another, with great pain. I can use the toilet, get up from a sitting/laying down position. I can't stand for more than 20-30 seconds. I can only do these things with a walker. Can't bend, can't twist, can't lift anything. I can't even carry a cup of coffee, as both hands must always be on that walker. I barely made the walk up my driveway, up 3 steps, and into my house after I got out of hospital. They gave me low dose oxycodone, which I try not to use, but have to, near the middle/end of the day. I haven't started PT, I know I'm not ready. I've yet to see my regular doctor. I mostly sit, but walk every so often. I am afraid to take a shower. I have a chair in the tub, and safety bars, but showering is a lot of bending and moving. I'm afraid to risk it. I really should be taking more of the pain meds, but am afraid of getting addicted. Also, I've had severe constipation most of my life, and pain pills make that worse. Since I fell, I've only had a bm 3 times. I'm afraid I might fall again. I also got lower abdominal and bladder pain from the fall, even though I fell backwards. I still have that pain, and have trouble urinating. Very little pee comes out, even while I drink water all day. This just hurts. How long before you feel normal again. This is depressing and painful. What should I be doing, at this early stage? Thank you to anyone reading this. I wish everyone well. ❤
@@LDiamondz hi just wanted to say I am doi g dramatically better. I can walk now without pain. Not that I have gone for long walks but I can do my shopping and even carry a bag, impossible even 2 months ago. I was given oxy but wouldn't take it for the same reason as you. I didn't wear a back brace. I now see my local chiropractor offers a service decompression of vertebre but haven't been brave enough to try it. I was put on bone strengthening meds but it does make you down in the dumps when going through the pain. Thinking I would have to give up riding my motorbike makes me saddest. I drive a motorbike because I can't walk very far due to my knees.
I hope you will feel better soon, sending you healing thoughts.
I understand yours & Brenda’s pain. It’s the worst pain & affects you both physically & mentally! I had 10 Compression fractures this year but they have all finally healed. Took them 2 yrs to completely heal. What kind of exercises do you do o help the pain & do you have Forward Head Posture as well? I have that.
Thank you so much for this interview. I wish all the best and fast recovery to Brenda.
This is most helpful thank you. At 55 I'm recovering from a lumbar compression fracture. The details discussed here are brilliant!
I fell backwards in to a tiled floor and fractured T9&T10 and burst the discs. Pain excruciating That was 10 months ago! I am still in pain and can’t sit without a pillow behind me. I can now walk using an elbow crutch to ease the compression, but not for more than 30 minutes. I’m experiencing all the negative effects that Margaret Martins client spoke about. It’s life changing. I feel very depressed at my inability to do what I used to do.
I tried riding the pain out after compression fractures, but ultimately had to seek medical help. I cannot give medical advice, but can share things that helped ease my pain before and after my treatment. A walker will help take some pressure off your spine as well as a simple back brace. I also use Aspercreme with 4% lidocaine or lidocaine patches which give up to 8 hours relief. No bending, lifting or twisting. (BLT) Praying, which I'm sure you're doing. 🙏🙏🙏
I hope you are doing better now! I had a C4 fracture when I was 18yo. It didn't bother me too much but I fell in the kitchen just like you at 68yo and re-fractured it! I spent 6 months in bed. I'm now so afraid to do anything I basically sit or lay down all day. I take heart medication that makes me dizzy. I'm trying to adjust medications, etc so I haven't been to a physio yet, but I see how complicated this can be and I see physio in my future! I couldn't function at all without my family. Good luck
@@madinechaney3043 That's great advice. I fractured L1 and T12 right before Thanksgiving. I use a walker, back brace at all times, unless I'm in bed sleeping. I can't imagine ever walking for 30 minutes like the OP. Right now, I can walk about 50 feet, and can't go any further. I have a follow up xray and neurologist appt in 2 weeks. They mentioned starting PT, depending on the xray. I don't think I'm ready for that, though I am doing minor exercises the PT at the hospital gave me. She said, "And nothing else! Just what I told you." Curious, when did you start PT? (If you did.) No BLT, like you said. I can't even stand in one place, with a walker more than a minute. This is no joke. Hope you're doing better.
I was feeling somewhat isolated in my situation until you responded. I first compression fractures were over seven years ago. I was, and still do, take the advice I posted. However, this year I took the advice of my neighbor who is an anesthesiologist. He asked why I hadn't had the kyroplasty procedure done. Under anesthesia they insert a liquid with a needle into the injured spine. Within a few minutes that becomes hardened and the bone becomes solid again. Look it up online or RUclips. It helped me. I think outside of walking, exercising in a pool is very helpful. I feel for your situation. I heard the MedBeds are ready... can't wait. God bless you. Prayers 🙏🙏🙏
@@madinechaney3043 Hello. Thanks for the reply. I felt I had to back up your solid advice. Some things suggested by others didn't seem to make sense, especially for people recently injured. Glad you brought up the Kyroplasty. The neurologist at the hospital said if he doesn't like what he sees at my follow-up, he might do a 'procedure' where they inject 'cement' into your back. I was kind of shocked. Plus, they had me on morphine, so I said, "Cement? I don't know if I'd like that!" lol. He just told me to rest and not to worry. I'm so glad it worked for you! Some amazing things they can do these days. I wonder, after the procedure, can you still bend like before the fracture? Or is it just set to stay stiff, like when they use metal plates to fuse? Sorry for the late reply, I now have that RSV that's going around, and it is the worst! Hope you, and your back, are doing well. Happy, healthy 2023 to you! 🥳
Brenda's story is quite similar to mine. It began just days before I was to leave for a 6 month stay on an out-island in the Bahamas. It was mid-October, and I slipped on a patch of ice on my front step. By the time I reached the Island, I was in a lot of pain, which steadily worsened. It was a struggle to just get out of bed. There were no X-ray facilities on the Island, and a Dr. who visited once a week. He prescribed Voltaren and said I had sciatica. By the end of my stay, I was finally somewhat back to normal. When I returned home I saw my family doc who sent me for X-ray, which showed I had one active fracture and one healed fracture. I am now 3" shorter, and the household and gardening activities I used to enjoy are now difficult. I certainly relate with Brenda who had to rest her forearms on the counter while she prepared vegetables, and ironing is an absolute no-no. Putting on a fitted bed sheet is enough to finish me for the day!!
Got a fractured back and 2 compression fractured on my spine
😢
This really gives me hope. I have a compression fracture in my L1 and I refuse to have a surgery, I have had some X-ray and the Dr said my spine is going on the wrong direction, I just don’t understand how this can happen when I feel much better with no pain and no need to take pills. I’m wearing a brace for the remaining of the year and I really have Faith that I will be doing well.
I am glad that you found the video informative and hopeful.
hi mam,how are you today?i have same fracture like you,me i know if what kind of treament or medication you do?thank you so much for the response.
Thank you so much. I am grateful to have found this video today. Patient sounds similar to my life after learning of t11 & t12 compression fractures. Good tips I will look into to help myself. I appreciate both of you!
My husband has same problem. Did you find exercises for back pain?
@zulfiyasuleymanova3775 my husband is on the same boat any advice?
I had 6 vertebrae fractures, October 2020, ( being on Prolia for 5 years) very, very painful. Difficult to walk, could only do baby steps, to shower was an ordeal, etc..could not leave the house for months. Was finally able to drive almost one year after. It took me 2 years to be able to finally start to go for short walks and do every day tasks. I am much better, but I accepted the fact that my life will never be same. I was very active, working, running 3 times a week etc..Now after I cook a simple meal, or do dishes, etc.. I have to rest my back, as I get pain on middle back that hurts in the front as well.
When did you start to sit with support? Pls reply my mother had a t12 compression fracture on 2nd January
Dr Margaret, the way you communicated with the patient and the counselling knowledge🎉 you applied has made your patient to explain her exercise experiences to revitalize her physical health to satiety . By itself it remains a means for curing a fracture through shared case history. I sincerely thank both of you 🙏🙏
Here in BC I am lucky to have a general practitioner. Finding a new doctor is impossible and if you have a doctor , even if he isn’t a good one, you have no chance. My doctor is more interested in prescribing pills, and he actually said to me that because I’m old, I just have to get used to pain. So, I am looking for a therapist who is familiar with osteoporosis and stress fractures , to help me in the right way. These videos are very helpful. Thank you
Thank you
I have 5 compression fractures, I would love to see the photos of the brace, support tools that Brenda uses, where can I get that information?
I am in constant bad pain and barely sleep because of mine. Are there doctors that will do this procedure in a personal injury lawsuit? Spine surdeons don't want to operate on me since it is a lawsuit with an uninsured business.
My fractured back has changed my life so much. I also was like the energizer bunny. Now sitting standing ,laying walking, going to the bathroom, getting in or out of a car.
Thank you! For this blog . Had procedure for compression fracture of L2 . Now looking for health practitioner to exercise with.
I got two severe wedge fractures in March this yr
I was told the pain was muscle pain because I have severe emphysema and had respiratory failure and pneumonia then I got covid whilst in hospital
I was X-rayed on admission
After 3 wks I was discharged
Then in the Aug I was admitted again with my gallbladder
They couldn’t find the stone and was given a Ct scan
On that scan it showed my fractured spine at T 6/7 severe wedge fractures it says and also states were present on X-ray in the March ?
I couldn’t believe they didn’t tell or maybe the doctors that looked at my X-ray was half blind ? So me thinking this pain was muscular I wasn’t taking care on how I bent twisted etc I was treating myself with heat pads and tiger balm
I’m still in pain now
So it’s possible I could have another fracture?
I live in the uk so our nhs is terrible and waiting list are very long to see a specialist
Iv asked to see private and only just got an application for jan next
Surely I should of been advised on what I should and not do or
Possibly even wear sone type of brace with physio
No nothing
If I had of gone back in with my gallbladder I wouldn’t of known that I even had two fractures
Now I’m sat waiting trying to research as much as I can about osteoporosis kyphosis because I know have that to which is possibly due to the fractures?
My head is spinning with all the researching as I’m trying to research severe emphysema to
Any advise anybody
Should I be doing excersize ? Wearing a brace and which one because I believe they can do more harm than good if not fitted correctly and how long do you wear them ? So many questions that I just don’t have answers for
@@RamonaServin247how are you doing since you posted have you found any relief yet
Love to know about Brenda's Vest and also what exercises she does And does she take medication Thanks Jen
More information on the weighted vest please.
I was thrown of my handlebars, while on a bicycle ride. It may of been debris,tossed in my spokes of my front tire. I went head first into a ditch with alot of rebar, and various other protruding metals. I broke my back in two places, c9 and c10. I suffered many lacerations, and a broken clavicle as well. My left upper arm muscles, were down to my elbow, and my artery in my right leg was nicked. I was alone on the trail, and the weather turned nasty. I managed to crawl up out of the ditch, after i freed my upper arm ( i was impaled in 3 places) my inner leg wound, would was spraying blood across the trail, so i sat, took off my shirt, and tied off my leg, until help would come. I was seriously injured, and for the firzt time in my life. Im a 59 yr old woman, and i was in great shape. Im grateful to be here, as i thought i might not survive the crash. Thats what went through my thought process as i was being sling shotted over the handlebars. Its been 10 months since the accident, and im not up to par. I suffer depression, and ive put on weight. I am not active anymore, and im worried i will never be the same. I never went to a back surgeon, due to lack of medical ins, but i was faithful wearing my back brace everyday for 3 mos. It was a special brace with the support bar in the front. I have been suffering in silence, so thank you for this post. I dont feel so alone anymore. I would appreciate any thoughts, and i pray for your recoveries, all those who shared. Thanks again
Honestly, Margaret, I did find another video that led me to a forum/blog where so many women were talking about their hysterectomy, total abdomen hysterectomy TAH or the vaginal, whatever. They went thru that without knowing ( as I did!!) about all the consequences of it , the taken away of the ovaries, ending so their hormones for the bones, which led to this, my severe osteoporosis. I will go thru all your video content to find out if you are providing ALL the info it is needed for unnecessary surgeries end for good. Thank you.
Thanks for letting me know. Take care.
I relate to everything Brenda said except taking bone meds. I don't want to do that! I'm 72 and have 6 fractures, 3 of them new (and so painful). Has Brenda gone back on meds? This video is 7 years old, any updates on her here in 2024? Thank you.
Thank you for this excellent video! Important content to all of those concerned about their bone health! I keep wondering why we're not educated on such important topic from an early age...
Interesting and helpful. Since this is 6 years old, I wonder whether either woman is aware that discontinuing Prolia medication can cause non traumatic spinal fractures? That is what happened to me, and it struck me that the patient also discontinued Prolia before her fractures. I have three of them. [She broke hers on safari, I broke mine at the bottom of the Grand Canyon!] Similar to her, I was not diagnosed properly at first and suffered severe pain for 6 weeks. Now I'm getting a kyphoplasty, but might be outside the proper window for effectiveness. Was hoping to see specific exercises, but I'm sure there are other videos. I think I will still have a long journey back to health. Thanks.
I have 4 compression fractures in my back, my L2, L4, L5 and T12 are all fractured.
I underwent chemotherapy and was on large doses of prednisone for stage 4 large b cell lymphoma which caused osteoporosis.
I'm still in considerable pain at times, but I'm pretty much able to function thanks to a stretching and walking routine. I stretch 4 to 5 times a day and I walk 30-50 minutes daily on a treadmill.
I would prefer to walk outside, but the risks of falling and fracturing my hips or wrists due to my osteoporosis are preventing me from doing that.
My doctor can't put me on the standard osteoporosis treatment because it can cause ulcers and bleeding which is not good considering I'm on blood thinners.
Those of you who are struggling, you have to find a way to stay active. The worse thing you can do is become sedentary.
When did you start to sit with support? Pls reply my mother had a t12 compression fracture on 2nd January
I'm in the same boat. Multiple fractures of the spine in my 20's after my 3rd child then slowly felt I was getting better, than with a vengeance in my late 30s, I'm 37 now and it's still old fractures from God knows when I'm guessing it's non union fractures. I'm also on eliquis (blood thinners) since I was in my early 20's as well. We back then I was on warfarin, the lovonox, now eliquis and they still want me on fosamax 😢 staying active, knowing when to rest, and keeping from not getting depressed because I have still in the house a 13 year old girl and 11 year old girl. I often cry thinking my grandkids will never get the full of me. I'm wondering if wearing a bone stimulater will work? But I agree I'm doing tredmill and I can't do extreme activities like jumping, going on adventures risky and fun activities with my children. I just subscribed ☺️
Inspiring. Thank you so much for sharing. Your coping journey, your positive, proactive mindset, the devices you use, arming ourselves with informed Healthcare Professionals & being our own Calcium Conscience. God Bless 🙏🌹
Thank you
Where you can you find the weighted vest for kypho orthosis that counters the forward lean??
I have had a couple of compression fractures and am struggling with the forward lean now because my back is so weak. Like her I’m the past, I am struggling with leaning on the counter to prepare meals. Thank you for all of the information and the willingness of the lady to share her experiences and information!
Thank you for the video. She describes much of what I am experiencing. I just found out today I have compression fractures and my biggest problem is what to do about a new dog I rescued because she jumps on me a lot. I really hate to lose her because her life depends on me and my husband. My household chores were sufffering before my back injury because I was recovering first from loosing knee function then knee surgery which I need another but probably will need to postpone.
I started my journey 6 weeks ago. I'm feeling really fortunate after watching this video. Initially they said I would be bedridden for a month but I was up and moving around 4 days after my car accident. Once the initial swelling went down my fractures (T12, L1) haven't hurt me at all but I know better than to do something foolish while they heal properly. My biggest concern is over the whiplash injury lower in my spine where I hope to make a full recovery. While my doctors haven't allowed me to resume exercise yet they do feel it's great that I have been doing proper supplementation, heat therapy and stretching exercises on my own.
I fractured the same 2 vertebrae landing after skydiving. T12 & L1. And fractured my tailbone. I’m on day 5. I can walk usually ok. But there is some pain getting in & out bed. Thanks for any reply.
@@JohnnieV My fractures are healed up now but the joint pain from lower down is still there for me. My sleeping and sitting posture is the only thing I need to worry about for a pain free day. Outside of that muscle guarding causes me to be really stiff and slower than I would like to be but I'm in a really good place now. I have resumed a normal daily life but I don't have the endurance in my back I used to I hope to have it back by October.
@@marcacurso7756 awesome. Good to Hear. I’m in day 4 or 5. Still really bad pain even with pain meds. Thanks for the reply. I am now concerned with an overactive bladder.
When did you start to sit with support? Pls reply my mother had a t12 compression fracture on 2nd January
@@anumsultana1985 On the fourth day the initial swelling went down to the point I could do something other than lay down. I had to wear my back brace more than recommended to avoid back spasms that would ruin my day. After two weeks I found out I was doing more harm than good wearing it all the time so I started weening myself off it it and that's when it started to heal much faster because you need to keep a joint mobile to heal it otherwise it will just freeze up on you and take longer to recover. I made it a point to work on my flexibility (bending forward and backwards, no twisting) and mobility. I did everything with baby steps and stopped the second I felt pain. I was in amazing shape when I got in my accident so it helped me recover quicker.
Very informative video. My Dr seemed to be unaware that a 64 yr old male could have Osteoporosis. I also had to insist that I go for a MRI & DXA scan. Guess what??, I have a fracture, & a spine that's not in good condition. You & your guest have given me something to progress to instead of sitting through the rest of my Life.
Thanks for sharing!
Thank you for sharing your experience. I've been going through the same. So far, I've had 9 kyphoplasties. The doctors and surgeons haven't been able to provide any alternatives, telling me that my back is not "fixable".
Why isn’t your back fixable?
No back brace for Brenda at all? How long would you have to wear one? How long until do you have to use the walker? I can't do anything without the brace and walker. I can't do much at all and it's been 2 months. Taking a shower is SO painful. I can't wash my face at the sink. I can't stand or walk around more than a few minutes, then have to sit. I need help dressing/undressing, putting on shoes, is this my life, now? The things we take for granted, like bending down and twisting, picking things up, carrying a coffee cup from the kitchen to the living room. No can do. What all are people doing to get through this?
This is 2 months. It's so discouraging.
Hi, I have 4 fx since 2020, it is now 2023. I am bedridden unfortunately. Wish I could give you encouragement. Do the best you can, take care.
@@Chauncey89898 I just saw your comment now! No notification. Thank you for the reply, I appreciate it. Sorry to hear you've had many fractures and are bedridden.❤ These fractures are horrible. I'm not in 'severe' pain, now, not like in the beginning. But, still can't bend, lift, or walk without a walker. Still painful. My activities are very limited, still. Docs keep telling me it takes time. I don't know about you, but it's very draining, depressing, and really getting old! I've also developed a fear of falling. Guess I should just get used to this new life. And keep giving it time, like the doc says. What do your doctors say? Are you still healing? I hope you will get some relief from it, and feel better. Thank you for replying. I'll keep you in my prayers. ❤
This was my first time learning about compression fractures. I learned I had one by reading my bone scan! Your video was extremely helpful. I wondered about an activity that wasn’t mentioned - sexual intimacy?
Thank you so much for this video. I got my first compression fracture on L3 in the hospital after a heart surgery. I am lost with words. But I do have osteoarthritis, I’m going to get bone density test done today. I am in so much pain.
😞
I would like info on the vest
Hi Margaret:
I am wondering if you ever considered the Spinomed for her. Quite a story and a very motivated lady.
Sara Meeks
I have looked at the Spinomed brace, mine is a long story & too much to write here. I have learned so much from Margaret's videos as well as a couple of yours that I viewed on another channel.
I get enormous pain relief from another brand of firm lumbar brace worn only when I am attempting exercise, but wonder would the spinomedhelp with the forward motion of my upper back?
The angle of my kyphosis is becoming much worse since a long fusion that ends at T4. I wish now that I had never had it done. I am living in Australia.
I had multiple back fractures. Went to ER they did absolutely nothing for me. I was given no pain pills. What is wrong with DRS these days? I had to sleep on our recliner sofa for about 3 months. I couldn't lay in bed with this pain. I lived on Advil and Tylenol for 3-4 months. Always putting heat and ice packs on my back. I went from very active person to a non active person, it sucked! I had to leave my job and stay home home and thought it was the end of my world. I could barely get out of the recliner to use the bathroom and shower! No one knew what happened. I went to oncology, tons of extensive blood work! Very expensive! Did a bone marrow biopsy, they were thinking I had bone cancer. Nope! Test was negative. I have what's called hypercalcemia. I was losing my calcium. Bones weren't absorbing my calcium. So now almost 2 years later I'm doing good! 😊 I'm only working very part time now and enjoying it😅 I've been taking boniva now for 1.5 hrs. Specialist did blood work and there is improvement. October I do my bone density test, I can't wait to see how much my bones have improved. I had 2 bones that was -4.2 and the rest was -2.5
I was waiting to see the actual brace that she used - you mentioned you'll show it later - and I don't think it was shown. If there is a link or something, can you post it please? I'm trying to help my partner who had a thoracic compression fracture in a car accident. He has become very kyphotic and I think a good brace will be very helpful. Thank you!
Thank you so much to both of you!.I'm really grateful! Dis I understand well that the Prolia treatment did nothing to prevent any further compression fractures?
Kyproplasty worked for my L5 compression fracture. Earlier diagnosis within first 4-6 weeks is needed to have better outcome.
I am a retired physician associate who was lifting empty full sized mattress only 2 inches up…was not straining and felt like someone hit me with heavy metal rod that it knocked me on the ground.
I went to Urgent Care (UC) run by only ‘ER docs. With no radiating pain into lower extremity, compression fracture was top of my differential diagnosis. The ER doc did not examine me, never laying one finger on me. I asked for lumbar X-ray series and he said I didn’t need X-ray cause this was a strain…,again…he didn’t lay one finger on me for symptoms. He said 50mg prednisone and PT for back strain. I told him I wanted the X-ray and he said, ‘you think you have lytic vertebrae. I said no I didn’t think I had metastatic pain at lower lumbar vertebrae.’ But I wanted to rule out compression fracture. He would not order it.
I went home, trying the medicine prescribed but nothing helped. I then went to a different UC….not run by ER docs but general practice doctors and PA’s. Film showedLumbar 5 was ‘weirdly’ looking. I was sent to get MRI which showed 30 percent compression. Had the kyphopkasty a week later but it was outside 6 weeks. I got some relief in pain, but not as helpful as could have been if done within the 4-6 week window for optimal outcome.
Omg this could have been me x can you send links to brenda stretching exercises
Can you use these exercises and techniques if you have a compression fracture due to injury? I was cleaning the side of my camper on the four foot step ladder and suddenly lost my balance and fell backwards on to my sacrum and very low back. I have a doctor who wants to go forward with surgery right away but said I could do PT and restrictions to start out with which is where I am. Trying to stay off the couch and trying to stay out of that bad posture that I've had most of my life. ER did a CT scan and said I had a mild compression fracture of L2. Complicate things I had a disabling neck surgery 15 years ago and one thing I miss is gardening also. I live alone with a dog with the washer and dryer in the basement so I am not sure what my next step is. My fall was just two weeks ago a lot of pain and problem of stiffness getting out of bed and repositioning in bed It's actually a little better and it was initially.. I don't know about driving but I have a pickup truck that I have to step up and into and always very sore at the end of the day with like an iron band around my low belly and hips. Thank you for letting me vent It was very helpful and I look forward to seeing other videos. Brings on a lot of sadness 66 years old and a new Harley-Davidson and almost ready to head south for the winter in my travel trailer. Also I wanted to mention that I had a herniated disc in the l4 l5 area that I had surgery on in 1998. I didn't have fusion but a microdiscectomy that really helped with the pain. Yesterday was payday so it was kind of my first time out but I am very thankful for Walmart pickup service and delivery is available but I haven't used that yet. I do have meas on wheels. Additionally I hesitate to drive I have kind of like off balance dizziness still I guess from the fall and trauma. Kind of like a non-impact concussion like syndrome. Thanks again
What is the long spongy item called, the one Brenda shows at 19:30 please? I have ongoing discomfort from a T8 compression fracture last year, and one of these would be a godsend.
i’m 22 and have received a fracture at a Loss of 50% in my mid to lower back and was wondering how long will my recovery be it’s ben 4 months and i will be receiving physical therapy starting tomorrow i was wondering how long until i’m 100% again I feel weak and can barely walk for extended periods of time without feeling back pain
How's you doing now??
What was youre fracture type?
When I was 18 I went sledding and had a compression fracture on L1 and L2. Not even 6 months later I was living in a boat and mountain biking all the time. I personally loved having my family help me when I needed it. When I was in bed for 2 months my aunt, uncle, boyfriend, and mother all came and helped me. After the fact I really went after life. Now, 5 years later I still feel the effects. I get worried that I’m going to be in a lot of pain when I’m older. I am okay with the fact that it happened, but why do young people always get pushed under the rug? “You’re going to fully heal” no I’m not! I never have! What do I do?!
Also, almost every time I take a deep breath my spine pops/cracks. My doctors don’t take me seriously. They do X-rays and say “everything looks the same, so you’re fine”…. If everything looks the same as it did when it first happened that terrifies me.. I don’t know who to trust, I don’t know what to do, and I have the whole rest of my life to deal with it. I don’t like medication. I should just go back to physical therapy.. I’ve also felt sciatica down my left leg into my left heel. Numbness and so on.
@@Gabzpipe same here did my L2 vertebral fracture in 2019 at 22 and i can barely put my socks on for work… but can’t find the right help without doing surgery
So sorry to hear about this Gabzpipe. I wonder if Feldenkrais exercises might be helpful for you. Even though the exercises themselves work very subtly, they can have a profound effect. There are several youtube videos about Feldenkrais and the lower back.
Very good, we need more!
Thank you.
I just have a L1 compression also it's only been two weeks the doctor said by the end of the eight weeks I should be back to work and on my way to normal life again hope this is true
Erub Shirmee hey Iam 2 weeks in same thing compacted fracture L1 in a brace for 6 weeks need physio then but all going well should be good in 8 weeks hopefully just looking for info here
I have L1 fracture too. It's been 12 weeks now and I am a bit discouraged. Although the pain is significantly better, I am still very limited in my activities.
I have a L3 fracture of 10%
Erub Shirmee how are you feeling right now? i have an L2 compression fracture, saw a neurosurgeon 2 weeks after the incident and told me that I can return to work in 6 weeks. I still have an appointment with him though. How much weight can you lift after 12 weeks of healing?
I have L1 L2 and L3 fracture I m really scared how much time it will take for me to recover fully
Hi Martin! I have DDD and Par Defects L5 & L4. My Doctor advise me to get Surgery so the fracture can heel. I heard that Surgery is the last option if physical therapy and medication doesn't help. Please let me know is Surgery good option for my case? Thank you
I have had a compression fracture and osteoporosis. No surgery is recommended. I am 80 and also have bad knee. I have had the fracture for 2 years, have lots of the same problems, but not as bad as she was. I am caving and have started doing some of your exercises. I was wondering about the weighted vest that would help my posture and keep me from getting so tired? What should I try, weight wise? I wear a brace sometimes and it helps hold me up but is not comfortable. . Thanks for any info you could give me.. thank you
You should only consider a weighted vest if you have, and can maintain during exercise, a perfect posture. ruclips.net/video/TM8cpV7Hw6Q/видео.html
@@margaretmartinpt not sure which vest would be right for me
I recently had a bone dexe scan, it was confirmed I had osteoporosis also the operater told me that I had four compression fractures on my spine, on the report sheet it says lumber spine L1-L4 Zscore=-5.3 Tscore=-5.7 BMD =0.536 I would like to know what this means, is lumber spine L1 to L4 mean the fractures, the only thing I have been given is calcium supp's and Allendronic asid tablets one a week it can take a year to have any affect at all plus side effect ,it can kill the nerves in the jaw bone, scary stuff, I have c,o,p,d, so I have been on three diff, innhalers for years they contain steroid, I am told that is likely to have caused my osteoporosis, no health person ever told me to get calcium supp's or any preventative measure which makes me mad, I am 64 men don't usually get osteoporosis I should sue my Quack.
i have a compression fracture in my T-11. i need a brace, but my insurance is taking their time approving it. there is 30% loss on my vertebrae. it hurts to stand for more than five minutes. if I stand any longer my spine gets all wobbly.
Wondering if there was nerve damage associated with your fractures and some of the symptoms you experienced?
Hi Margaret, Thank you so much for all you share! I am near Ottawa and suffering with four fractures, one severe (80%) and in chronic pain. I know you are not taking new clients, but can you recommend someone in Ottawa who can help me?
Hi Catherine. I am seeing new osteoporosis clients via telehealth. Leave your contact information here and someone will get back to you with details. melioguide.com/contact/
Thank you so much for this instructive video. Can a compression fracture heal completely sith time and proper treatment? And is physical therapy advised before complete healimg ?
yes they can completely heal. i had 10 Compression fractures starting in 2020 till 2022 but they all finally healed 4 months ago. i didn’t start physical therapy until mine had healed. Not sure if you can go to PT before they heal.
I have a T-6 compression fracture that was an Incidental Finding on a chest X-Ray I had in 2007 after a car accident. The radiologist noted the fracture was old and of "indeterminate" age so I could 't claim it as an injury from the accident according to my attorney. He also noted I had mild scoliosis which I never knew. I don't understand why the radiologist couldn't say how old my T-6 compression fracture was. I also had an MRI of my back to see if there was other damage but there was only normal degenerative changes for my age at the time (39). I am 53 now and my back problems are getting worse. I have a dull ache in the middle of the back and I wonder if they are related to my t-6 fracture or if I have developed other fractures. I am waiting to see my PCP so I could get another X-Ray and/or MRI.
Good luck with your physician. I am sure you are in good hands.
Where are pix you mentioned.. like vest.
You can find more information on vertebral compression fractures on my blog post. Thank you. melioguide.com/osteoporosis-treatment/treat-compression-fracture/
Hi Margaret. I know this video was made quite a few years ago, but do you know if Brenda know what her DEXA t-scores were at the time of the compression fracture? TIA
For confidentiality reasons, I am unable to share that data.
@@margaretmartinpt I understand, and I thought about that after I sent the message and was on my way to work. I have much to learn! I am enjoying your course so far, the MelioGuide free course that is emailed! Thanks for all you do!
Hi very nice , if I have 25% spine fracture , can I go to phisical Therapist to take Therapy OR Cn do at home some exercises. Please suggest🙏😀🌺
I would like rro see the devices that have helped
Thank you
Very informative!!
What kind therapies work really well? Can men benefit also from these kinds of therapys ??? & Exercises k8nds???
Muscle soreness. Relief. ??
I have 4 compression fx between T2-T9, lost 2” in height, it is now 3.5 yrs since injury, and I am still bedridden, my GP had just retired at time of injury, I don’t know what to do. Pain is awe full, like Brenda, my life went from white to black. I was only 59 yrs at time of injury, now I’m 63, I am on Disability, also have seizures due to TBI, that happened at time of injury. I live alone and don’t know where to find help.
What is that weighted vest Brenda wears when she walks & cooks? To keep her from going forward? Where can I buy it?
The blog post covers this in more detail. You will have to google search the brand to locate it. Best of luck! melioguide.com/osteoporosis-treatment/treat-compression-fracture/
Thank you. Very helpful. I recently fell and have compression fracture in three discs and was diagnosed with osteoporosis.
Hi Elizabeth. You are welcome. Thank you for following my channel.
How about trauma? I have an L3 fracture from a fall . I cannot live my life incapacitated. It seems I am now sagitally unstable- spine falling forwards with gravity and life of pain is unacceptable.
Is taking calcium good for fractures?
There are different Calcium supplements to take for Osteopenia, not sure which one to take
I'm trying to be prepared.in case.
Would those vests and picker uppers be found on Amazon?
Yes, as well as Walmart and occasionally in thrift stores
My life changes. Dreams broken. Im thinking of option of dying. Everyday i pray for strenght in mind.
I am sorry to hear this. I encourage you to get appropriate medical attention.
How are you now? Im suffering same
@@paraskumar6367 don't know how it happened. I was pregnant with 9 months. And i was unable to wake up from bed once lies down without someone's help. But i thought it is related pregnancy. Later delivery also same thing happened. So i consulted an orthodontics and found my t11 t12 mild vertebrae compression. 3 months treatment is over now. But still i didn't back to normal.
@@paraskumar6367 i got little forward bend also. (kyphosis).
My height also got reduced. So tensed and depressed
i hope you are healing well:)
prayers
Margaret, do you know of a physical therapist in the San Diego area who knows a lot about osteoporosis and spinal fractures like you do? I have previous compression fractures and would love to find someone with your knowledge!
Hey Margaret my name is Austin im only 24 I’m going on 2 months of my back vertebrae comprehension fractures which were caused by a seizure are t5 t6 and t7 and I have lost 50 % and I had been bed rested for the the first 40 days and I still have horrible pain. All my family care doctor does is try and prescribe me pain killers but I refuse to take them because I don’t like the anything to do with pain killers , is there anything you can recommend to help me as going forward ? My back specialist is apparently so far booked out I can’t get a call back so I’m just in pain and it’s super discouraging.
😞
I started grow bone, and algae cal. Hopefully in a year it will help my osteoporosis. Fortunately I’ve had strong bones.
Nice video if the person with the fractures has the money to hire others to do gardening work and cleaning and whathaveyou. As she is in Canada, the additional therapies probably cost zip compared to what they would cost with US insurance and with US insurance denials of coverage.
Thank you. Your statement that "additional therapies probably cost zip (in Canada)" is not quite true. Brenda has to pay for physiotherapy services. She has private insurance that coves that cost.
Can you direct me to a discussion on the weighted vest?
I have several posts on weighted vests on my site. Here is one you might want to check out. melioguide.com/osteoporosis-exercise-equipment/hyper-vest-elite/
It is the fatigue & loss of strength & now new tingling sensations burst compression fracture of L1 7/4/2019. Lost 1 inch in height so far started noticing inability to reach as high not long after compression fracture. I don't understand how I could walk & move on the fourth day & drove myself to the ER but now I am having new issues with my gut & my gallbladder has been gone sine October 2000 but a nurse brought in noodles & meat for me & I thought the meat was great gobbled it down not realizing that it was pork & that brought on some kind of flare & now I am wondering how much of this involves L1. I am currently under a tremendous amount of stress.
When my doctor found compression fractures he did nothing. I had been through two hip replacements in 2015 and 2016. The fractures were found in 2018. I ended needing my cane and finally a walker. On my own I started doing “Classical Stretch” and started getting relief and I was doing about 3000 steps a day with my walker. I also started to make sure my shoulder blades were close together and making sure when seating that I am straight. It took me a couple of years to go outside and walk on my own. Walking poles work well if I go for longer walks. My journey with my back started at age nine when I crushed a disc. When I was 19 I was in a car accident that separated my sacroiliac joint among other things and there were other back injuries through the years. My determination to overcome things has been my guardian angel. I should change doctors but he did find my lung cancer in 2019 at a very early stage. The doctors need more knowledge about what can be done to strengthen things as soon as they notice things.
Prayers 🙏🙏🙏
Can anyone share if they developed kyphosis and height lost because of fractures
I had two undiagnosed wedge fractures at T6/7 I was told the pain was muscular
A Ct scan 5 months later for another condition picked them up and also state they were present on X-ray where they told me it was muscular
I am so angry because maybe kyphosis could of been avoided if the doctors had acted and not told me to carry on as normal
My osteoporosis is severe and taking alendrate at the moment but I’m wondering if they are making my pain worse
Not only is my back very painful I’m also having lots of pain in my abdomen hips and groins
I get a burning tingling pain that goes down the front of my legs almost up to m knee
I do have dengerative disk disease to and cys along my spine , maybe the pain is from my lumbar spine ?
I was given a brace over 12 months after but can’t wear it
It makes the pain worse
If I stand up my lower back pain does ease of a little but I can’t stand for long
I lay in a reclining position most of time with a v shape pillow to cushion m back
The murphine I try not to take as like others have said it causes really bad constipation so I just take a small amount for my breathlessness because I also hav very severe emphysema and at end stage
My rheumatologist wants me to change to zoldronate infusion
1 every 3 yrs and I keep putting it off
It might mark the pain worse and can’t just stop it if I have a yrs worth pumped into plus Iv read others have still re fractured
So can’t move much can breath but still here to tell my story but extremely depressed and lonely
When I read the amount of fractures some here have had Iv sat with m mouth open
and this is possibly going to happen to me to
Hugs for all that are are suffering
My heart goes out to each and everyone of you
I was going to ditch the alendronic acid and try just with diet but maybe I should put up with what I’m on
I’m also given calci-d 1000
Doctors here in my country won’t touch m back and surgery with m emphysema is a hugh risk so lung transplant now because of m bones isn’t an option
I thought with compression fractures you had to not injure them more and wear braces. This is good to know that exercises help.
i am is so
much pain, i was running down my star, getting my husband help, as he was having heart attack. in some My doctor said surgery not for me, mines in #3 lumbar. please i can’t this king of live. i need help. would like some information on it, want this pain gone. thank youn
I feel you. I just fractured my L1, 10 days ago. The pain is horrific. I can't do anything. Only pain killers help. I can only walk from one room to another, and have to sit. No PT, yet, due to pain. I fell, hard, on my back. I wish you well. Are you a little better? I hope so. ❤ Right now, I just want to cry.
Im 29 and I have an L1 compression fracture from jumping a 45 ft falls.. I'll be having my balloon kyphoplasty in two days.. I hope it will reduce my pain and return to my normal activities.. I'll update you guys soon..I'm hopeful and praying it will be a success..😄💪🏻
I'm going to have a kyphplasty surgery how is your recovery so far??
I have 1 compress vertebra fracture (accident walking my crazy dog) after 6 weeks I'm feeling better but the Neuro surgeon said I need to have a kyphplasty surgery ... I'm very close to the limit to do it otherwise will be impossible ....
Actually I don't know, the Dr. show me the image but didn't tell me the percentage and I didn't ask for ignorance about this. Guessing I would said around 25%.
Yes, I suspended my surgery I'm not sure this is the right treatment for me after all the pain is gone i feel like a pressure ....all surgeries have risk and the traditional way is, apparently, working. I'm doing some exercise of stretching that are working good.
Sometimes I have a little pain nothing unbearable, normally I'm pain free, I don't take any pain medication at all. I do my streching exercises many, many times during the day....I explained this situation to the Dr today (at the hospital) and I have to see him in a month to see my evolution. He explained to me this surgery can be done in 6 or more month after the trauma.
Please where can you direct me to the WEIGHTED vest?????
This is the one I recommend for most patients. melioguide.com/osteoporosis-exercise-equipment/hypervest-weight-vest/
I have vertebral compression fracture pain from one month
Did you say your client was on osteoporosis medication?
Yes.
In her thirties Brenda realized that she needed to look after her bones. Her mom had fractured both of her hips as well as her pelvis. Brenda’s genetics and family history of osteoporosis were red flags indicating that she might have some issues with her bones sometime in the future.
A routine DEXA (Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry) test and FRAX score, in 2011, showed that Brenda had some bone loss. She was diagnosed with osteopenia. She became more careful, watched the calcium in her diet, her vitamin D levels, and continued her exercise classes.
Her General Practitioner recommended bisphosphonates, but she couldn’t tolerate them. He switched her to Prolia. She was on Prolia for four years. A repeat DEXA showed that she had improved, so she discontinued her Prolia injections in the spring of 2015. She was excited because she felt she had turned the corner. Brenda concluded that her bones were healthy because of her exercises, diet and Prolia injections. It turned out that Brenda came to this conclusion prematurely.
@@margaretmartinpt so in truth the prolia didn’t help her bones.
Is she now taking prolia again?
Thank you
@@helenrussell1434 Hi Helen. For confidentiality reasons, I cannot disclose any further details on Brenda, other than what she authorized in the video and on the blog post on my site. I am sure you can appreciate her situation. She felt it is important that others learn from her experience but we must respect her needs. Thank you for your cooperation.
@@helenrussell1434 Prolia has a devastating rebound effect - when you stop the cure it can cause multiple vertebral fractures
Prolia has devastating rebound effects when stopped- it can cause multiple vertebral fractures
My friend is 67 he fell 30 ft from his tree stand last Saturday afternoon and fractured T11-12
I feel so bad for him.
Today he says he is feeling less pai, needing less pain meds, and moving more freely.
Praise God! I am so hopeful for him.
If anyone has any suggestions I am all ears. ❤️
I am laying in a hospital bed atm with a compression fracture 😢from lifting a cement birdbath 😢. I am 70 years old and was told they were old fractures. 😢😢😢
I thought you will show the extercises u were talking about? Just a talk?
I encourage you to read the blog post. Have a good day. melioguide.com/osteoporosis-treatment/treat-compression-fracture/
My mum have mild compression fracture of d12 vertebral body with no posterior osseous bulge or fracture extension to the posterior cortex.. is it danger? What is the cure and solution I can had and the nutrition for her give me some idea madam I am from Nepal
I encourage you to consult with your physician for guidance.
Afraid of calcium for fear it will damage the heart since costochondritis feels like a 24 hour heart attack to start with, especially when violent spasms make it sometimes nearly impossible to inhale for several minutes at a time.
I wonder if I will know the difference...is it my costochondritis or a heart attack. My costo is always on my left side...always.
Follow your own doc's advice but my endocrinologist said calcium supplements unnecessary if dietary intake is adequate. Also advised to get my Vit D in the upper range of normal & to take regular magnesium tabs but best to get bloods done to ascertain how you;re tracking before dosing up. Be well.
Have a fractured back and 2 compression fractured on my spine i n to 7 weeks could be 9 to 13 weeks🥰 into
I have found pool exercise has been best for a crummy back, backwards as well as forward, and building up strength sometimes using a spare top to lift flexibly through the water.
That said my condition is nothing like this lady's.
Thank you for sharing your experience. I am not sure what a "crummy back" is but I think you are not dealing with the issues that Brenda describes. Vertebral compression fractures are serious and need appropriate medical attention from a qualified health professional.
@@margaretmartinpt I have osteopinea and get spasms from certain twisting movement and forward movement in daily life.
I respect professional advice as a pointer to take control of health.
How are you now...
@@followyourdreams6851 A few minutes ago I wrote quite a lengthy reply but it has not shown up. In essence I am doing well and strongly recommend pool work, maybe with a bit of guidance for those starting out.
@@chrisruss9861 do you feel side muscle strain while waking up from bed....
Poor thing what a horrible thing to change your life. I was pushing a dresser like pushing a car position. Stupid. I have ocfrd. Obsessive compulsive furniture rearranging disorder. Lol. I get my thoracic mri this week. X-ray looked ok but possibly a tiny fracture in 11-12. Orthopedic doctor just ordered the lumbar mri and said facet joints. I insisted on thoracic mri because pain is up a little higher but possibly the first lumbar. Praying not fracture. I have strong bones but osteoporosis. So glad dear you are healing enough to be able to do some things and do your exercises.
Cow' s milk had caused me severe osteoporosis - and my niece breast cancer.
Now I' m whole food plant based.
Raw cow milk would likely be helpful. Pasteurized is the problem.
Almost a week now and my lower back pain has softened and doesn't hurt after I do warm up exercises and stretches. I think my main problem with pain is that I was sleeping on the floor, now I've added padding, camp pads, and the pain has gone away after I wake up each morning. I had a slip and fall last weekend, landed on my arse, didn't feel pain until later the next day, then for 3 days after my fall, the pain was constant.
I'm suffering from L1 compression fracture since 9 months and still with a deep pain! Doing everything one need to do. Physiotherapy, pain medication, etc. Nothing shown progress.. Any extra suggestions Please?
nick kurseja ive been having the same prob and im 14... How are u now healing wise
Im 29 and I have an L1 compression fracture from jumping a 45 ft falls.. I'll be having my balloon kyphoplasty in two days.. I hope it will reduce my pain and return to my normal activities.. I'll update you guys soon..I'm hopeful and praying it will be a success..😄💪🏻
If u still have pain ,please bed rest for 2 weeks .get up only for eating and toilet use ( this is what my doctor suggested me). Resting will heal ur fracture . not masturbate for 30 days . sperm retention makes ur bones stronger
Cranio sacral work helped me so much. I still have pain but I can get up and in and out of bed without having painful spasms.
@@paraskumar6367 don't worry bro. Please tell me the vertebrae.
I had compression in t12. Consult doctor fast. My doctor told me to take bed rest for 6 months. I was in bed for 6 months. I was given calcium tablets. Calcium is good for bones, helps it to heal.
our body has enourmous power to heal. So don't think negative. Don't think you are done. Staying positive is essential.
Compressions can cure if you take bed rest. Wake up only for toilet uses. After 6 months start doing yoga. I did yoga because i was having muscle pain after long bed rest.
Overall take rest, stay positive. It will go away brother.
I am really good now (i had it in august 2018) . Now i can run, do exercises and all. No problem.
First young people get compression fractures. Im 26 now fractured at 22. Secondly anger and her thoughts are what come with pain that you didn't want her to talk about! Suicide rates are ridiculous with chronic back pain so her talking about her anger can benefit others. The thing you chose to not let her talk about. Being in pain is not fucking rainbows so stop diluting what it is.
Sarah Veley
hello, first of all, you poor girl!!
I felt your pain through your words. Yes, definitely, suicidal thoughts and depression are your worst enemy with not only physical pain, but the emotional pain that follows with it.
There’s nothing worse than feeling worthless. Plus living in a world where women have to struggle to make a living and can’t just say I quit my job and do something else... etc
I’m also struggling with a lot of pain and misconceptions on what I should do and not do. However I did find her video encouraging.
I’m 50 now and been suffering with these compound fractures in my lower since I was 23 years old.
Listen to your body and try to find someway to rest or lifestyle change before you become worse. I know, it’s not easy to do, I feel like hypocrite giving you this suggestion. Because I’m struggling with quitting a job that is physically killing me. I’m laying on bed crying and depressed feeling worthless these pasted few days. I hate life right now too. However, I’m trying to look for some hope to all of this...
I wish you all the best in your endeavors to find a solution to your problems as well. Hang in there!
Sarah Veley truly different pain than I ever had takes my breath away sometimes Iam 2 weeks in to a L1 compacted fracture dozed up for last two weeks stoped takin them fewe days ago and Iam back on them again with the pain I hope it stops soon just here for info
Sarah Veley how are u doing nowadays
Sarah Veley what helped for you because im also in my 20's and I have 3 compression fractures and I cant seem to cope with a regular lifestyle. I'm at my breaking point where i think my back pain will never allow me to live a normal life. School, work, socializing etc.
If you dont already have compressiin fractures, Beware of lifting weights at the gym.
you put too much weight on those bench press's or overhwad presses and its very easy to get compressiin fractures.
I have total of 15 lower back 3 upper back
I was even In I C U -rehab
Couldn't walk 17 mon.i worked my body since june 1970 walked lift weight's,swam.my 8 the Medication no help.
I have my mother's gene
Who had same problem
What kind of fitness guru have you got? Physiotherapist gym instructor, chiropracter... Do you get accupuncture?
I am a Physiotherapist.
Pl does Brenda take bone drugs now. . And how is she now.?