Have you suffered a fractured vertebra? In this article we will talk about what type of rehabilitation exercises can help recover from a vertebral fracture.
The spine serves as the axis of our body. It is a functional and flexible system that can be damaged by forceful injury, or even mild injury and excessive stress. The most common symptoms of a vertebral fracture are pain in the lower or middle back, difficulty performing normal, low-intensity activities, and other symptoms due to nerve involvement.
The breaking or fracture of any of the parts that form a vertebra is considered a vertebral fracture, and it can occur anywhere along the spine, from the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spine, to the sacrum or coccyx.
X-ray technology has long been the most widely used method for identifying fractures and broken bones. In the case of vertebral fractures, it is essential to complete the x-ray study with tests that will help classify the fracture and know which treatment is best.
More information about vertebral fractures here
Causes of vertebral fracture
No matter your age or physical condition, anyone can suffer a broken vertebra. Suffering a strong impact or an accident are the most common causes of this type of injury, but there are several other conditions that can lead to a vertebral fracture:
- Injury
- Osteoporosis, related to bone metabolism
- Other pathologies, such as tumors
- Long-term treatment with corticosteroids, radiotherapy and chemotherapy
Rehabilitation exercises for a vertebral fracture
Treatment of vertebral fractures can vary depending on the type, cause, location, and characteristics of the fracture, as well any related neurological symptoms.
It is important to get help from a physical therapist as soon as possible after the doctor has determined that the fractured vertebra is stable. Getting the right physical therapy will reduce pain in your back, improve your posture, strength, and flexibility, and decrease the risk of falling or possible future fractures.
According to Iria Rabell, physical therapist at Instituto Clavel Rehabilitation, "We usually find that patients who have suffered a vertebral fracture stop being active after having it, and even block the movement of that area because of the misconception that the fractured vertebra should not be overexerted. This is a big mistake.”
Once the fracture has reached the consolidation stage of healing, the whole body must be worked to recover full mobility. This is done through gentle but thorough exercises which reproduce the natural movements of the body. "Whether for it is for osteoporosis, muscle weakness, improving your mood or to prevent falls, physical activity can be a great ally. As long as the activity is appropriate for us," says the expert.
At Instituto Clavel Rehabilitation, our center for comprehensive physical therapy for the spine, you can work on your recovery from a vertebral fracture with physical therapists and osteopaths specialized in the spine.
- Flexibility exercises. Gentle range-of-motion activities for the neck, middle and lower back, and hip and shoulder area.
- Strengthening exercises. Gentle activities to help stimulate bone strength and straighten the curve of the middle back. These may include muscle-strengthening exercises of the upper and lower body, back, and stomach.
- Stretching and posture exercises. These will teach you to use good posture and positions that are safe for your spine, to protect your vertebrae from undue stress when you sit, stand, walk, and even while sleeping. You'll also learn the best way to bend and lift weight so that you can perform activities of daily living more easily.
- Movement guidelines. Instruction on gentle exercises you can do, and learn which exercises are not recommended for your case. Avoiding certain postures and movements will promote healing and help prevent future vertebral fractures.
- Fall prevention. Rehabilitation exercises that will improve your balance. A walker or cane may be used for temporary support as you recover.
- Home exercise program. Finally, the physical therapist will design a personalized exercise program to carry out on your own. Continuing the exercises at home after you have completed the physical therapy sessions is imperative if you want to stay strong and avoid further injury.
We work with vertebral fracture patients from the very beginning to achieve a functional recovery. Our professionals will adapt the treatment to your needs, with the aim of improving the health of your back and improving your quality of life.
Fortunately, in most cases, surgery is not required for treating a fractured vertebra. When surgery is performed, it is usually because the patient has been suffering intense, incapacitating pain for more than two months and their condition has not improved despite being in treatment.
“And how long will it take to recover?" This is one of the most frequently asked questions from patients. But when it comes to a vertebral fracture, talking about a specific recovery time is complicated, as it depends on how each patient reacts to treatment. Recovery will also vary depending on the age of the patient. Young patients may heal in 6 weeks to a month, while older adults may need 8 to 10 weeks.
If you want to know more about it, we recommend reading Recovery time after a spinal fracture.
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Categories: Spine treatments, Wellness, Rehabilitation