Newly diagnosed in November after two vertebral fractures ( T5 and T7). I have been started Alendronic Acid weekly tablets and calcium/VitD. I am still getting pain and having to pace myself, but my main issue pain-wise is my ribs, especially on the left side at the back. Sleeping is tricky as the pain wakes me. I try to sleep on my back, and I use a pillow under my knees, but if I turn on to my side it wakes me up. My assumption is that the rib pain is because of the different position of my ribs (I have lost an inch in height due to the compression fractures) as it also hurts a bit when I breathe deeply sometimes. Any tips to help me get a good night’s sleep? I am so tired all the time!
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Sorry to hear that Jax. Suffered similar but it did gradually improve so don’t despair. I found a warm hot water bottle helped. You can get extra long hot water bottles on Amazon that drape around your torso or just stick with the standard rectangular. The consultant told me that compression fractures do permanently change the shape and architecture of your spine but over time the nerves and muscles readjust so pain gets less. Important to keep as mobile as you can during the day with whatever you enjoy and can manage.
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Hi Jax, welcome to the community. I like SamW idea of the hot water bottle.. I have also seen long pillows by JML that could stop you rolling over, or perhaps help you sleep on your side eventually, as you ‘cuddle’ in to it.
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Hi Jax. I fractured my L1 just over two years ago. My pain has subsided over time. I was told that it takes a while for the bruising to go, but as you say everything has to re-adjust to the change. I was told it would be about 6 months for the pain to go. I use to take pain relief just before going to bed, I slept on my back (I’m normally a side sleeper) and stacked a pillow down my side to help keep me there. I also had acupuncture which was a huge help - I was already having acupuncture for knee issues but also had needles focused on my back.
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Hello Jax,
I’m newly diagnosed, this week actually. I have three lower L fractures, which I didn’t know about, I’ve been having pain for 10 weeks, sleeping is the worst. I find laying on my back and slightly elevated with a pillow under my knees has done the trick.
for me, I found the lack of help from the medical professionals the hardest, this isn’t just physical it’s emotionally draining and depressing, I just keep being offered more pain killers, which don’t help at all.
I’m only 55 and thankfully have a good support system, but nonetheless I can’t look far into the future as it’s too overwhelming. I’m going to take stock in the next week and start to plan ways to get my body stronger and more resilient for future events.
I’m glad I found this community!
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Hi Jax,
Compressed Vertebrate & rib fractures are unbearably painful, sleeping was difficult had to be prompt up by 3 pillows and a soft pillow down my back. Day time I used an electric heat pad which I found helped, also strong painkillers.
Once the fractures are healed the pain gets better.
Keep moving as much as you can, it’s extremely painful but it does improve over several weeks.
Take care, Maryann
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Hi,
I’m 65, and have recently found out i have a wedge compression fracture at T5, following an MRI for something else. Looking back, I did it in October, having lifted a heavy suitcase. I had intense/unbearable pain for weeks, until I went to my GP, who put me on Pregabalin. We thought it was my fibromyalgia kicking off. When I found out about the compression fracture I was quite shocked. Its my first Osteoporosis fracture. I wanted to say how, reading these community messages, and people’s experiences, makes me feel I’m not alone and not to panic.
Also, I’ve had trouble sleeping for a couple of years due to pain around my chest wall, even before my fracture. I now feel it could be related to my osteoporosis rather than fibromyalgia. Fortunately, the Pregabalin really helps. I know it’s a drug solution, but I would get way too hot with a hot water bottle, and have tried so many pillows in various positions.
Now I’m just waiting for my referral to see a rheumatologist in order to go on an osteoporosis drug which I can tolerate.
Gently hugs to anyone who needs one
Jac x
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