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Had Fracture L-1. Wearing Coset Back Brace. Taking Pain Pills And Muscle Relaxers. Safe To Return To Work?
I fell out a window falling 15ft. two weeks ago. I fractured L-1. I was in ICU for only two day, there is no paralysis, just lots of pain. they released me with pain pills and muscle relaxers. I am wearing the coset back brace 24-7. I keep a heating pad on it through out the day since thats what makes it feel better. My boss is asking me to return to work. I am a back office medical assistant for a very busy endocrinologist. Is this safe?/ I did get a referrral to a back specialist but cant get in for another week or so.
Tue, 9 Jul 2013
Hi, thanks for writing to HCM.
As per the description ,it seems that you have a STABLE fracture of L1 without any neurological deficit.
Your treatment with pain killers and Lumbar corset is going in the right direction but I also suggest you to take Calcium supplementation to hasten the process of bony consolidation.
It is advisable to keep the brace on for atleast 8 weeks. If you can bear the pain arising out of movements during your daily activities, then I think attending your work is not a contraindication.
Avoiding forward bending as it will worsen the condition.
Hope this information is helpful
As per the description ,it seems that you have a STABLE fracture of L1 without any neurological deficit.
Your treatment with pain killers and Lumbar corset is going in the right direction but I also suggest you to take Calcium supplementation to hasten the process of bony consolidation.
It is advisable to keep the brace on for atleast 8 weeks. If you can bear the pain arising out of movements during your daily activities, then I think attending your work is not a contraindication.
Avoiding forward bending as it will worsen the condition.
Hope this information is helpful
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