A compression fracture of the spine is called a fracture of one or more vertebrae under the influence of strong pressure. Most often occurs in the lumbar or lower thoracic.
Reasons for fracture:
- Osteoporosis.
- Strong load on the spinal column.
- Metastasis of cancerous tumors in the spine.
Compression fracture of the spine - consequences:
- the instability of the vertebrae of the department in which a fracture occurred is developing;
- the vertebral column is curved (kyphoscoliosis);
- develops osteochondrosis;
- further development of sciatica is possible.
Compression fracture of the spine - symptoms
Fracture of the vertebrae is accompanied by an audible crunch and the instant appearance of certain symptoms. Naturally, the final diagnosis can be made only after the X-ray.
Signs of a compression fracture of the spine:
- sharp pain in the fracture site;
- pain syndrome in the extremities, close to the department of the phonetic, in which a fracture occurred;
- with damage to the nerve endings - weakness, numbness of the limbs;
- visible displacement of vertebrae;
- considerable pressure on the spinal cord;
- With osteoporosis and metastases, the pain syndrome has a gradually increasing character.
Methods of treatment:
- Restriction of patient activity. It is assumed that the load on the spine decreases, it is preferable to lie in the supine and sitting position.
- Fixation of the position of the vertebrae. The orthopedic corset is applied at a compression fracture of a backbone, made individually for each patient. This fixation reduces the burden on the vertebral column and facilitates the rapid union of the damaged vertebra.
- Elimination of pain. Anti-inflammatory and analgesic agents are used in the form of injections and tablets.
- Operative treatment. To cure an unstable compression fracture of the spine, surgery may be required. First, decompression of the vertebrae is performed, during which fragments of fragments that put pressure on the spinal cord or damage the nerve endings are removed. Then a metal implant is installed for internal fixation.
There are minimally invasive surgical methods, which consist in the introduction into the vertebra of special bone cement. Thus, pain is reduced during movement and the strength of the vertebra is increased.
Compression fracture of the spine - rehabilitation
The period and complexity of recovery after a compression fracture depends on the severity of the lesions. Usually used physical therapy and massage.
1. Extension. Rehabilitation after a compression fracture of the spine, first of all, begins with the extension of the spinal column:
- the patient is placed on a plane with a small angle of inclination;
- the upper part of the trunk is fixed with soft axillary straps;
- the angle of inclination gradually increases.
The procedure is performed first under the influence of the patient's own weight, then it is possible to use weighting agents.
2. LFK with a compression fracture of the spine. Classes of curative physical culture are prescribed in the period from 3 to 5 days after stretching and last an average of 12 weeks. Exercises for compression fracture of the spine include:
- stimulation of regeneration processes in the damaged vertebra;
- formation and strengthening of the muscular corset;
- breathing exercises;
- Gymnastics for general muscle tone;
- training of the vestibular apparatus;
- restoration of mobility of the spine;
- gradual adaptation of the spinal column to the vertical position and withstand the loads.
3. Mending massage with a compression fracture of the spine. This procedure contributes to:
- strengthening the muscles of the back;
- giving them a tone;
- prevention of pressure sores.
Compression fracture of the spine requires a long period to restore efficiency. The complex of all necessary measures is carried out for almost 4 months.