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Have Back And Pelvic Area Pain. Had Lumbar Fracture, Stable Fracture. How Long For Healing Process?
Hi My name is Jane, I had a lumbar fracture 2wks ago, ER doctor said it is a stable fracture. I have tried to be in bed as much as possible.But I can still walk around in my house with mild to moderate pain on my low back and pelvic area.
ER doctor told me to walk around every hour as long as the pain is tolerable. I'm worried if I am moving around too much and the healing process is going to be prolonged. Can you give me clear definition of immobilization to promote healing? I am taking Morphine5mg and Ketorolac 1tab once daily. Thank you!
ER doctor told me to walk around every hour as long as the pain is tolerable. I'm worried if I am moving around too much and the healing process is going to be prolonged. Can you give me clear definition of immobilization to promote healing? I am taking Morphine5mg and Ketorolac 1tab once daily. Thank you!
Fri, 23 Aug 2013
Hi, thanks for writing to HCM.
A stable lumbar vertebral fracture may heal uneventfully within 2-3 months with adequate rest.
A Lumbosacral corset is usually sufficient to provide support to the injured area.
Absolute bed rest is not necessary after initial few days. You should always sit with a straight back and avoid bending forwards as this may cause the fracture to collapse further.
Regular use of calcium supplements is mandatory till the fracture consolidates.
Hope this information is helpful. Good day
A stable lumbar vertebral fracture may heal uneventfully within 2-3 months with adequate rest.
A Lumbosacral corset is usually sufficient to provide support to the injured area.
Absolute bed rest is not necessary after initial few days. You should always sit with a straight back and avoid bending forwards as this may cause the fracture to collapse further.
Regular use of calcium supplements is mandatory till the fracture consolidates.
Hope this information is helpful. Good day
I find this answer helpful
Hi
Thank you for your question.
From what you have described it sounds like a compression fracture which is common in with age related osteoporosis. Treatment for this fracture is directed towards bed rest for a day or two till the pain is acute followed by early mobilization. A lumbar brace is commonly prescribed for this and helps support your back. The brace gives overall support to your back without particularly treating a fracture. In other words, if someone is uncomfortable with brace, no need to wear it. Broadly the expectations after this should be
few days- walking around in the house. May need cane/walker support initially because of pain.
2-4 weeks- walking outside. Usually 0-4 blocks. Pain decreases gradually.
6-8 weeks- more advanced activity like lifting 15-20 lbs by the side of the body.
Walking at any time will not cause any harm to a stable fracture. In fact it expedites healing process. Oral calcium supplementation is recommended to treat osteoporosis and decrease the chances of fracture in future.
Please let me know if you have any more questions.
Thank you for your question.
From what you have described it sounds like a compression fracture which is common in with age related osteoporosis. Treatment for this fracture is directed towards bed rest for a day or two till the pain is acute followed by early mobilization. A lumbar brace is commonly prescribed for this and helps support your back. The brace gives overall support to your back without particularly treating a fracture. In other words, if someone is uncomfortable with brace, no need to wear it. Broadly the expectations after this should be
few days- walking around in the house. May need cane/walker support initially because of pain.
2-4 weeks- walking outside. Usually 0-4 blocks. Pain decreases gradually.
6-8 weeks- more advanced activity like lifting 15-20 lbs by the side of the body.
Walking at any time will not cause any harm to a stable fracture. In fact it expedites healing process. Oral calcium supplementation is recommended to treat osteoporosis and decrease the chances of fracture in future.
Please let me know if you have any more questions.
I find this answer helpful
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