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Spinal compression fractures

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Sunflower26
Sunflower26

I started with severe pains in my back at the beginning of 2014.  I had osteopathic treatment for over 4 months with ho relief.  I contacted my GP who sent me for a spinal X-ray.  To my horror I had severe osteoporosis and 4 spinal compression fractures.  I have tried several pain relief medications but none agreed with me.  I am difficult to prescribe for as I am allergic to anti-inflammatories and codeine and most pain meds contain one or other.  I have had an Aclasta infusion to prevent any further fractures (Aclasta is similar to Fossemax tablets).  My main concern is my current spinal compression fractures,  When I requested a referral to an orthopaedic specialist but she does not consider this necessary.  Has anyone else suffered from spinal compression fractures and if so, how were these treated?  Any guidance would be appreciated.

 

1 like, 8 replies

8 Replies

  • hanora69589
    hanora69589 Sunflower26

    Posted

    Hi..I too have severe osteoporosis and only found out when I went to docs with a "pulled muscle" only to discover I had 3 spine fractures..T8,T10 and T12..they offered me surgery but I declined..and instead started with the usual treatment of calcium D3 and alendronic acid...these did not agree with me and they changed treatment several times..now, four years later with 10 spinal fractures , the doctor has finally referred me to a specialist who has applied for a new treatment that has become available but it costs a lot of money and I have now been waiting four months for the funding...I have also been advised to have surgery again. My advice to you is to try to find a suitable treatment to prevent your bones becoming more fragile ( my bone density score is 5.1)...and in the meantime find a pain killer..I take codeine,8 a day, but have also had tramadol and liquid morphine. The pain from the fracture does subside a great deal, possibly 6 months, but you are left with a residual pain that you can live with....with pain killers. But please find a suitable treatment for your bone density. Wishing you well.xx
    • Sunflower26
      Sunflower26 hanora69589

      Posted

      Hi - I am sorry to hear that your spinal compression fractures have increased.
    • Sunflower26
      Sunflower26

      Posted

      Hi - I live in NZ and I wondered what alendronic acid tablets were, on checking them on the internet we call them Fosamac - I didn't want to take them as you have to take them every day and then sit for an hour upright which I didn't think I could manage.  I have had an Aclasta infusion and will have one each year, to strengthen my bones, but I don't think it will heal my compression fractures.  I asked my GP for a referral to the Orthopaedic Dept at my local hospital but they refused as my case was not severe enough.  I am allergic to anti-inflammatories and codeine, have tried Tramadol which relieved the pain well,, but after one week caused my ankles to swell and I couldn't get my feet into my shoes. My dosage of Gabapentine has been increased from 6 tablets to 8 tablets per day, which helps a little.  I have an appointment on 8/12/14 with the pain specialist I have seen before for a different problem.  He knows me well and hopefully willl be able to help.  My fractures are T10, T11,  L1 and L4.  Good luck hanora69589. 
    • kathleen65757
      kathleen65757 hanora69589

      Posted

      That is very severe osteoporosis with a -5.1 t score. Mine is -3,4 and I think that is bad. I am to start fosamax soon. I get niggly pains in my back so I think you can feel the osteoporosis without breaks. I use a wheeled walker for fear of falling especially as I have vertigo as well.
    • alison28608
      alison28608 kathleen65757

      Posted

      I can sympathise. My score is 3.5 and I had 2 miss diagnosed fractures. T7 and L4, done seperately. Only recently diagnosed but last year it was discovered I had a brain tumour on my balance nerve. Feel dizzy with head pressure and cant afford another fall. I loved running but cant do that now. Difficuilt to exercise when your frightened of falling. I am sure I can feel pain where there are no fractures. If I lean 1 calf on top of the other they lower one aches. Good luck with your new treatment.
    • georgeGG
      georgeGG hanora69589

      Posted

      Thank you for that advise. I am encouraged to stick with the Alendronic Acid and cal D3 despite the frightening side effects.
  • kathleen65757
    kathleen65757 Sunflower26

    Posted

    What is your t score Sunflower26? With fractures like that I am guessing it is pretty bad. Sorry you have to suffer this condition.
  • chris00938
    chris00938 Sunflower26

    Posted

    HiHi Sunflower26, I've been told I have osteoporosis and some spinal compression fractures but find out the extent in a phone call from the doctor tomorrow.  However, I did buy a TENS machine.  The pharmacist told me it might not work at all or I'd have to use it all the time for relief of pain of muscle spasms caused byt he crushed discs.  This wasn't true.  A few days of using it stopped the pain long term!  I hope htis might work for you!
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