Hi I have 2 spinal fractures although i cant be sure one possibly happened 14 weeks ago (original back pain) the second aound 6 (a second round of acute pain). I have been to my own physio (who is mostly sports injuries specialist) who has identified that although the fractures will still be healing much of the pain I am now experiencing is coming from the big deep back muscle “guarding” to protect the spine. As well as causing pain this is causing me walking difficuty (poor balance). I am told this imbalance is preventing other muscles in core and glutes and superficial back muscles working properly. She thinks we can eventually get the dominant back muscle to relinquish its role and strengthen the other muscle groups to restore balance. Does anyone have experience of this issue and give an indication of how long it takes to resolve itself.
Yes, that’s what happened to me. I have just one spinal fracture which happened when I fainted but hit a chair as I fell.
It’s difficult to say how long, we are all so different and each vertebrae is a different size and in different positions in your back. So which vertebrae you have fractured makes a difference.
What I would say is a hands on physio who uses massage to unlock your muscles then gives you exercises to strengthen things like your calf muscles so your back isn’t taking all the strain definitely helped me recover. I also have some gentle stretches that helped.
Also, pace yourself, your muscles are trying to protect and will do so for a while. So don’t overdo things either. I’m fairly active so what I did was change activity. Gardening for example with all the bending would set mine off, so I’d do a bit of weeding then do something different like cut the grass that didn’t.
Good luck, you’ll find your way.
Arnica take orally can help with muscle pain.
Thank you DeniseYorks . Yes I am getting some physio who is trying to reduce the discomfort from the protective spasming which is causing other muscles to be contracted and not able to do their job too but as you say they are protecting the spine . You mention pacing yourself which is the difficult part and I find trying to do physio exercises without setting off spasms is extremely difficult, the same for household chores .i too was extremely active gym , walking etc (including gardening until this happened but wouldn’t attempt that at present) . Thank you for your response and good to hear the physio work has helped you .
Best wishes for a good recovery .
Thanks Tally - I have been using an Arnica massage oil which has helped a bit so will try that !
I struggled for the first few months as I frequently went into what I called Robot mode. My muscles would lock and I’d struggle to move. I used a chiropractor to start with, which would be great that day but revert back the next. I already went for acupuncture for knee problems. She agreed to needle for my back - it’s the best thing I did. I believe she is Chinese medicine type acupuncture rather than clinical. It’s been great for me and don’t think I’d be back fully active if I hadn’t had acupuncture. But conscious it’s less easy to find someone than it is a good physio.
That’s interesting about the acupuncture being helpful. I know a lady who i practices so will ask her about it. Thanks x
Just to add the needles I get are in my ears, but they target the back. Was the only thing that actually gave me any pain relief in the early days after my fracture.
I had a T12 fracture 20 months ago, which turned into a collapsed vertebra, and I still have back pain every day. I was on naproxen for a year and saw an osteopath weekly which helped enormously He used acupuncture initially then massage, gentle exercise and stretches. I also used heat packs and a neoprene back support when necessary. I saw a physio in my local rheumatology dept, who wasn’t very helpful but then found Margaret Martin online. She is a Canadian physio, based in California, who specialises in osteoporosis and arthritis. She has a range of resources including videos, books and exercise plans for all levels of fitness, and tips on how to adapt everyday movements to protect your back. I now manage the pain with extra strength voltarol gel, which is localised and doesn’t get into the bloodstream, the heat packs if I’ve over done it and the back support if I know I’m going to struggle with an activity, eg my three hour pottery class!
Thank you for your response RikL . I have indeed come across Margaret Martin and various resources she has produced although not her book . She seems to have much more experience in this area and it is surprising that our NHS has not learned more from her and incorporated it in their advice and physio support. I note you say you are on pain gel - but can I ask if you have any difficulty / pain walking as I am struggling in that area ?
I have not been doing much physio because of the pain ( pool work wearing a buoyancy jacket ) and i am very anxious about ongoing mobility .
I am also getting light tissue release for spasming muscles in back and core . Will think about acupuncture .
Thank you again for your feedback x