Is a back brace necessary for compression fracture?

Is a back brace necessary for compression fracture?

Your doctor may recommend a back brace to support and stabilize the spine while a compression fracture heals. He or she may recommend that you wear the brace every day until the fracture heals.

How do you fix a compression fracture in your back?

How is a compression fracture treated?

  1. Pain medicine to relieve your back pain.
  2. Bed rest for a short time, followed by limited activity while your bones heal.
  3. Wearing a back brace.
  4. Physical therapy to help you move better and strengthen the muscles around your spine.

Is it OK to wear a back brace all the time?

It is important to note, that back braces are not meant to be worn all the time. Listed below are some activities which maybe appropriate to wear a brace however it is not meant to be worn more than about 2 hours daily. Excessive use of a back brace can actually lead to muscle atrophy and weakening of your core.

When is a back brace needed?

A back brace can add stability when the low back is unstable due to injured or weakened spinal structures. By holding the torso in a safe, supportive posture, a back brace can help provide a healthy healing environment for the current injury and prevent additional injuries. Reduce pressure on the spinal structures.

What is the best treatment for a compression fracture?

Compression fractures usually heal on their own in about 3 months. While that happens, your doctor may suggest you try some things at home that can make you feel better, such as pain medicines, rest, physical therapy, or a back brace. You can often get relief with an over-the counter drug like ibuprofen or acetaminophen.

How to treat spinal compression fractures without surgery?

Healing Spinal Fractures Without Surgery. A good physical therapy program started six to eight weeks after the fracture is often enough to treat the injury and prevent further problems. Therapies such as ice, electrical stimulation, rest or gentle stretching can relieve pain and inflammation.

What you should know about spinal compression fractures?

Pain at the site of the fracture,usually in the lower back.

  • Patient may also have pain in the hips,buttocks or thighs.
  • Numbness,tingling and weakness indicate compression of the nerves.
  • Bladder or bowel incontinence or inability to pass urine is an indication that the fracture is also compressing the spinal cord.
  • Can a fractured vertebrae heal on its own?

    For some, a spinal fracture is not necessarily as serious as it sounds — it’s just painful. A compression fracture only leads to back pain and needs to be stabilized so that it can heal on its own. Only in the event of serious trauma and debilitating symptoms is spine surgery a recommended treatment.

    author

    Back to Top