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Treatment, rehabilitation, exercise therapy for compression fractures of the lumbar spine

In the case if there was a compression fracture of the lumbar spine, the treatment should be assessed by the doctors, as this is a dangerous state that can cause many complications.

the Risk of a compression fracture of the spine

What is a compression fracture of the spine?

Fractures of the vertebral column are classified according to the direction of action of the traumatic force. Along with flexion-distraction and rotational injuries there compression. A compression fracture is a fracture resulting from compression of the spine, deformation, compression, crushing, cracking in one or more vertebrae.

Often, when such fractures front flattens and the vertebrae become wedge-shaped. The destroyed vertebral body may compress the nerve roots.

With a serious fracture of the deformed back part of the vertebra may intrude into the spinal canal and pressure on the spinal cord, causing damage. Often this process happens gradually, so the neurological symptoms may not occur immediately after the injury.

How to get injured?

Distinguish between complicated and uncomplicated spinal fracture. Uncomplicated different just noticeable signs: the patient may experience pain non-intensive nature, which, in his opinion, require treatment to the doctor.

Trauma is the cause of fracture

A Compression fracture of the lumbar spine can be obtained from:

  1. Injuries in an accident.
  2. Falling from a height.
  3. Sports injuries.
  4. of a Gunshot wound.
  5. the Presence of osteoporosis, spinal tumors and other pathologies that affect the strength of bone and may cause fracture in the normal course of action.

The Following actions, motions and injuries can cause fractures in the lumbar spine:

  1. Small sharp blow.
  2. Jump or a fall landing on the feet or on the buttocks.
  3. Improper loading during sports activities.

Clinical manifestations

But then such damage, if not carried out the necessary treatment, may cause serious consequences. It's a compound fracture is characterized by the fact that the damaged vertebrae have an impact on the spinal cord, intervertebral disc, blood vessels.

X-rays to diagnose fractures

Reliably detect the presence of a fracture can only be in the hospital, conducting hardware research. But when one is injured you have to be careful and to follow the rules of first aid is recommended if you suspect a fracture if the following symptoms appears:

  1. Pain in the damage of different nature and intensity, aggravated by movement.
  2. Numbness and weakness, loss of sensation in the extremities.
  3. In children can be difficulty breathing and pain in the abdomen caused by muscle tension.

Impact compression of fragments of the vertebrae

The consequences of compression fracture of the lumbar spine:

  1. the Observed instability of the vertebrae in the lumbar spine.
  2. Develops a curvature of the spine, radiculitis, osteochondrosis.
  3. Complicated fracture could lead to stenosis (narrowing) of the spinal canal, causing spinal cord compression with radiating roots that is the cause of neurological disorders such as pain and burning radiating to the buttock and leg, numbness and weakness, impaired motor function, sensation of the lower extremities, disorders of excretory functions bowel and bladder paralysis.

Consultation

damage to the spine is always dangerous and can cause post-traumatic complications. Even uncomplicated fracture that may not be detected immediately afterwards, especially if it is not treated, can cause pathologies such as sciatica and degenerative disc disease.

First aid and diagnosis

Methods of diagnosis of compression fracture:

  1. To confirm the diagnosis it is necessary to conduct x-rays.
  2. For a more thorough examination of the damaged Department computerized tomography.
  3. to exclude or conrm spinal cord injury, a careful neurologic examination and conducting myelography – x-ray study litwareproposal tracts of the spinal cord.
  4. Magnetic resonance imaging is indicated for the damage of the vertebra.

Upon confirmation of the diagnosis the doctor prescribes the necessary treatment.

In Any case cannot engage in self-treatment of such a serious condition, otherwise you can make irreversiblecomplications.

Therefore, the necessary and qualified.

Methods of therapy and recovery

Once diagnosed and issued all necessary in the treatment recommendations, the patient can be discharged. Further treatment and recovery can be performed at home.

What are the techniques used in the treatment of compression fractures? Compression fractures of the lumbar spine requires a comprehensive approach to treatment.

  1. In the presence of significant pain syndrome prescribed analgesics.
  2. Certain period the patient must comply with bed rest.
  3. To fixation of the spine and maintain the stillness and quiet (to avoid displacement of the vertebrae, lesions) need a corset. It is made individually for each patient.

The Course of treatment is approximately 3 months. The period of full recovery depends on the degree of fracture and the individual characteristics of the organism. On average, if the fracture was subjected to proper treatment, full recovery is 1.5-2 years. In children this process is a bit faster and easier, as in the body of the child there is a constant formation of new tissue and the regeneration processes are faster and more efficient than in adults.

Recovery procedures include:

  1. After you have implemented treatment of a fracture, may be designated by the wearing of reclinator – means to correct posture, to prevent post-traumatic spinal deformities.
  2. Therapeutic massage is indicated for muscle strengthening, subject to prolonged bed rest prevent the development of bedsores.
  3. physiotherapy (physical therapy) is one of the most important components of the recovery process after fractures. Exercise therapy is recommended in a specialized institution under the supervision of a qualified physical therapist, to achieve more efficient and rapid effect.
  4. Physiotherapy (magnetotherapy, phonophoresis, electrical stimulation of muscle).

If you suspect a fracture the first thing to do is fix the injured spine. The patient must be at rest before the arrival of doctors. You need to call an ambulance for admission and accurate diagnosis.

If the fracture of the formed bone fragments, they can cut the nerve roots – then neurological damage will be irreversible. Therefore, you should know that any damage to the spine needs adequate and timely treatment.

surgical treatment

In some cases, complicated compression fracture of the lumbar there is a need to subject patients to surgical treatment. The surgical procedure is called "vertebroplasty", used in violation of the integrity of the vertebra. During the operation local anesthesia is used. Is held under constant radiological surveillance.

Technology: on the patient's skin in the area of the damaged vertebra is punctured. Through it introduces a special metallic conductor. With it into the cavity of the vertebra is injected with a solution which serves to strengthen the vertebra. Vertebroplasty is an effective (90%) treatment of compression fractures.

Another method of surgical treatment is kyphoplasty. The skin incision is performed 2 through which the cavity in the vertebra is injected the cylinder. After placement into the vertebra, the balloon is inflated and fill it with a solution to fixing the position and size of the vertebra. Treatment is necessary if you need full or partial restoration of vertebral height or correct its position.