Methods of recovery after compression fracture of the spine

The spine plays an extremely important role in the human body. Firstly, it supports the body, creates a framework for attaching muscles, so that people can move freely. Secondly, the spinal column contains the spinal cord, which is one of the most important organs in the body. It conducts impulses, regulates the functioning of internal organs, and is responsible for reflex movements. Serious spinal injuries can damage the spinal cord, which can have serious consequences, including disability or death. Another, milder, but still causing significant inconvenience, consequence of spinal injuries is osteochondrosis - pinching of intervertebral discs and nerve endings. If treated incorrectly and untimely, this disease can lead to serious consequences.

But no one is immune from spinal injuries. If a spinal fracture does occur, it is necessary to begin immediate treatment and strictly follow all the rules during the rehabilitation period.

Rehabilitation depending on the severity of spinal injury

Drawing up a rehabilitation program, and treatment in general, depends on how much the fracture affected the spine. Therefore, patients are divided into 3 groups.

First group

A minor compression fracture in the thoracic or lumbar region, without damage to the spinal cord, does not affect motor function. In such cases, the main objectives of rehabilitation are:

• elimination of pain syndrome;
• restoration of motor function;
• return of the patient to normal life.

The following rehabilitation methods are suitable for this group:

• drug therapy;
• physiotherapy;
• recovery in special sanatoriums;
• Exercise therapy.

The period for complete recovery ranges from 7 to 8 months.

Second group

It is distinguished by a more serious spinal injury with damage to the spinal cord in the lumbar or thoracic region. Rehabilitation tasks in the second group:

• eliminating problems in the functioning of organs;
• restoration of functions of the damaged spine;
• return of the patient to normal activities.

The rehabilitation program for group 2 includes the following activities:

• medicines;
• physiotherapy;
• acupuncture;
• physiotherapy;
• sanatorium.

The time for complete recovery will be about 1 year.

Third group

The third group includes patients with moderate or severe fractures in the thoracic and cervical spine. In such cases, the following tasks are set:

• since complete recovery is impossible, it is important to return at least some motor function to the patient;
• maintain mobility of the upper limbs;

Rehabilitation in this case takes at least 1.5 years, and sometimes more.

What is a vertebral compression fracture?

In order to understand what a compression fracture is, you need to understand a little anatomy. The vertebral bones that make up the spinal column include the body, two arches, and the root that holds them together.

It is shaped like a ring, inside which the spinal canal passes. During compression, the vertebrae are compressed among themselves, as a result of which their body is modified. The bodies of one vertebra or a group can be injured, both adjacent and located separately from each other.

In the thoracic region, the eleventh and twelfth vertebrae are most susceptible to fractures, since they bear the maximum load. In the lower section, the first vertebra is mainly affected, in case of deformation of which the spinal nerve roots are compressed.

The thoracic and lumbar vertebrae most often affected by compression fractures

Compression fractures of the vertebrae of the neck are often the result of falls from a height, accidents and other serious injuries.

Exercise therapy for the spine

Therapeutic exercise perfectly helps to restore the muscles of the back and chest, which have time to atrophy during the period while a person is in a supine position. Exercise therapy also activates metabolic processes, accelerates bone tissue regeneration, and restores the nervous system.

The use of physical education helps prevent the development of the following complications:

• blood clot formation;
• tissue necrosis;
• digestive problems;
• development of neuropsychiatric or general asthenic syndrome.

At the very beginning, physical education helps maintain tone, and only later you can move on to building muscle mass.

Exercise therapy is prescribed in 85% of cases of injury, since it is almost the main component of the rehabilitation process. It is allowed to begin if a person has noted the following improvements in his condition:

• normalization of body temperature;
• the appearance of positive results of drug therapy;
• all vertebrae are compared, and casts, wires and other elements are removed.

Stages of exercise therapy

There are 4 stages of physical therapy that are used for spinal fractures.

First stage

Physical education in the first 7-10 days makes it possible to increase the patient’s vitality, improve the functioning of the cardiovascular and respiratory systems, and prevent loss of muscle endurance.

When carrying out exercise therapy, breathing and general developmental exercises are used, in which small and medium muscle groups, as well as joints, take part.

All movements should be performed lightly and alternately, since excessive muscle tension can lead to pain. You can lift your pelvis by focusing on your shoulder blades and feet. Classes are conducted individually and their duration should not exceed 15 minutes.

Second phase

The second stage helps to normalize the activity of internal organs and systems, as well as improve blood circulation in the damaged area, as this will have a positive effect on the recovery process and strengthens the muscles of the torso, pelvic and shoulder girdle.

A muscular corset is developed, exercises prepare a person for the subsequent expansion of motor activity. Exercises are carefully selected, the number of their repetitions is gradually increased, which allows for an increase in the total load.

After 2-3 weeks, the patient may be allowed to roll over onto his stomach. The patient must perform static and dynamic exercises that involve the arms, abs and back muscles.

To create the best conditions for correcting spinal deformities and strengthening the back muscles, patients should perform extension exercises.

Third stage

The third stage should help strengthen the muscles of the limbs, torso, and pelvic floor, and affect the coordination of movements and mobility of the spine. To increase physical activity, it is recommended to increase the duration and density of exercise, adding exercises with weights, resistance and isometric muscle tension to the complex.

A smooth transition to axial loads on the spine occurs due to the transition to exercises with the starting positions of “kneeling” and “standing on all fours”. The bed should be lowered during general developmental and special exercises.

Fourth stage

A set of exercises at the 4th stage develops the muscular system, walking skills and helps to form correct posture. It is important to increase the mobility of the spine to the state in which it was before the injury, to strengthen the muscular system so that you can perform any movements.

The exercises are performed lying down and standing, all this happens in the hospital, at the slightest manifestation of pain, the exercises should be stopped, after which the doctor should examine the patient and adjust the program.

Contraindications to physical therapy

Sometimes it is possible that the use of physical therapy needs to be postponed. This can happen due to the following points:

• the general condition of the patient is very serious;
• the temperature has risen;
• impaired sensitivity and motor activity in the limbs;
• constant pain that becomes stronger after performing the exercise;
• changes in blood pressure;
• weakness after performing the complex;
• intestinal diseases.

A set of exercises for spinal compression fractures

Classes must be individually designed by a doctor. Let's consider what gymnastics can be like for fractures of different parts of the spine.

Exercises for the cervical region

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The complex should include light movements of the arms and legs . All of them are performed slowly, with periodic pauses. Prohibited in the early stages

In further rehabilitation, the complex is supplemented with static exercises: turning and tilting the head, bending the body. It is important that the patient masters proper thoracic and abdominal breathing, especially if he has to wear a plaster half-corset.

Gymnastics includes general strengthening exercises for the body, arms and legs, which are performed in a lying, standing and sitting position . Simple balance and coordination exercises are also done. Sharp turns of the head and body, jumps, and leaps are excluded.

After removing the cast, exercises are done in static tension (when the head is tilted, the person himself or someone else provides counteraction with their hands). Light resistance is allowed during circular movements of the head with a small amplitude.

Exercises that involve holding your head elevated above the couch while lying on your side, back, or stomach are useful. You can also use exercises to strengthen your neck muscles . Raising the arms and shoulder girdles, abducting the arms to a right angle with light weights, and so on are done.

Exercises for the thoracic region

Exercises for the lumbar region

Back massage is also included in the recovery period after a vertebral fracture. When the patient can get out of bed independently, the complex can be supplemented with the following exercises:

• Tighten your back muscles for 5-7 seconds.
• Slight tilting of the pelvis back and forth.
• Rolling from toe to heel.
• Tighten your buttock muscles for 5-7 seconds.
• Perform half squats on your toes with a straight back.
• Move your leg back with resistance.
• Tighten your thigh muscles for 5-7 seconds.

Also useful in the last stages is massage, which helps improve blood circulation and normalize metabolic processes in the body. It must be performed by a professional .

Massage

The massage begins on the second day, after the patient is diagnosed with a sprain. In order to reduce reflexivity, prevent joint deformation and maintain the elasticity of the articular-ligamentous apparatus, spinal massage should be combined with passive movements.

The massage technique is selected taking into account the severity of the injury, the number of damaged vertebrae and is divided into two periods. All techniques must be strictly dosed to avoid excitation of spastic muscles and the appearance of pain.

The beginning of the massage is the chest and the following techniques are used:

• stroking;
• squeezing;
• kneading.

After this, they proceed to the intercostal spaces - rubbing of various types is carried out there. Next comes an abdominal massage, which strengthens the abdominal muscles and normalizes intestinal perils.

On the hips, massage is performed by stroking, circular double kneading and stroking again. Next, a massage of the legs is performed, and the whole thing ends with a massage of the hands and forearms.

From 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., you are allowed to stand, sit, and walk, and wear a corset. The massage technique becomes more complex, the duration of the procedure increases. The patient is placed on his stomach and the back is massaged using the following techniques:

• squeezing and stroking;
• kneading with the base of the palm, phalanges of bent fingers and thumb when massaging long muscles;
• double ring kneading and “double bar” when massaging the latissimus muscles;
• rubbing on paravertebral areas, intercostal spaces and around the shoulder blades.

During this period, camphor alcohol can be used during massage, which helps prevent the occurrence of bedsores.

The second period of massage treatment begins from the moment the plaster is removed. This important factor greatly influences what the massage technique will be like now. The main goal will be to restore mobility to the cervical spine, without depriving attention to the collar area and shoulder girdle. The patient can either lie down or sit at this moment. Meanwhile, the specialist performs the following actions:

• stroking the back;
• squeezing;
• forceps and double ring kneading;
• another stroke;
• vertebral straight and spiral rubbing;
• rubbing the chest.

Massage also has contraindications that should be taken into account:

• diseases of the blood and hematopoietic organs;
• scurvy;
• acute inflammation, thrombosis and thrombophlebitis;
• high temperature, fever;
• skin diseases;
• fungal infections;
• purulent processes;
• mental illness;
• aneurysms of the heart, blood vessels and aorta;
• thromboangiitis;
• tuberculosis;
• blood pressure problems;
• swelling;
• sclerosis of cerebral vessels;
• nausea and vomiting.

What methods are used?

A spinal fracture requires only proven methods of treatment and rehabilitation. Among them:

• Physiotherapeutic procedures
  are carried out at all stages, from the very beginning of rehabilitation to its completion. Here they use electrophoresis, paraffin-ozokerite applications to influence muscle fibers, ultra-high-frequency therapy to relieve pain and normalize blood circulation. Myostimulation and diadynamic therapy (impact of pulsed electric current), cryotherapy (cold treatment) may also be prescribed.

• Therapeutic gymnastics and physical education
  are added to the rehabilitation plan when the patient is ready to put additional stress on the body: first breathing practices, then raising the legs, lying on the stomach, spreading the arms to the sides. After this, the patient can gradually move on to bending and turning. The entire set of exercises is thought out by the doctor based on the patient’s condition. This also includes activities in the last stage of rehabilitation - swimming and yoga, which should become a hobby for a person who has suffered an injury in order to consolidate the result and maintain the flexibility of the vertebrae. When performing physical exercises, the patient should wear a corset to protect the spine.

Corsets

An orthopedic corset for a compression fracture of the spine is a special device that can be used to ensure the correct position of the spinal column. The corset helps distribute the load on the spine evenly and the rehabilitation process goes faster.

There are two large groups of corsets, which include:

• corrective – they correct spinal curvatures;
• supporting – help securely fix the spinal column.

According to the degree of rigidity, there are the following types:

• Semi-rigid - help eliminate pain, are used for preventive purposes, and relieve local stress from the spine. Some models can even have a massage and warming effect.
• Hard – designed for fusion of bones. Such corsets guarantee complete relaxation and removal of stress from certain areas of the spine, which plays an important role in compression fractures. Typically, corsets contain from 2 to 6 stiffening ribs, depending on the degree of fixation needed.

When choosing a corset, you should consider several nuances:

• Belt size . It is selected individually, especially when choosing for children or if you have a non-standard figure, tall height or excess weight.
• Material. Now corsets are made from two materials - plaster and metal-plastic. The second is less heavy and more aesthetically pleasing, easier to use. Although from a medical point of view they act approximately the same.
• Individual characteristics - for example, allergies to the material.

A corset can only be selected by a doctor, since independent actions in this matter will lead to hernias, swelling, muscle spasms and severe pain. There may also be contraindications to wearing a corset:

• some chronic diseases;
• mental illness;
• heart failure;
• pregnancy;
• skin diseases.

The effect of the corset on the spine is the manifestation of the following therapeutic effects:

• since the bones of the vertebral sections are in an immobilized normal state, they get used to this position and remain so for a long time;
• since the heaviness of the back is transferred to the corset, the back muscles become lighter;
• the back warms up due to active blood flow;
• the pain goes away, as spasms of the back muscles disappear, and the nerve fibers are not pinched by the bones that have been displaced due to the fracture;
• blood flow increases, which affects the supply of tissues with nutrients and oxygen.

If you have a spinal fracture, you should wear a corset for at least 4 months, and if complications arise, this can last for several years. The corset is worn only over underwear to avoid discomfort.

The daily regimen for wearing the corset is determined by the doctor - some patients need to wear it for 4-6 hours, taking breaks of 15 minutes, others almost around the clock - from 16 to 18 hours. You can't sleep in a corset.

When choosing a corset, you should understand that its cost will be rather high and even the prices of the most budget options will start from 15 thousand rubles. The following factors affect the cost:

• Material . Synthetic material is more expensive, but it has more advantages, as it allows the skin to breathe.
• Manufacturer company . Large brands always cost more, due to their popularity and good reviews. If these prices seem too high to you, turn your attention to a lesser-known company that also has good reviews.
• Individual order . If the standard shape of the corset does not suit the patient, then it needs to be made separately, which naturally increases the cost.
• Complexity of the fracture . In some cases, the patient needs to select a simplified version of the corset or, on the contrary, add stiffeners. Thus, making changes to the corset configuration will cost more.

Prices

Based on the results of the consultation, diagnosis and/or treatment will be prescribed.
*Prices in different regions may vary; current information on the cost of services can be obtained from the center manager.

Sleep pattern after spinal injury

In order for the body to recover, it needs complete rest, devoid of worries. Therefore, it is extremely important for the patient to calm down and maintain a proper sleep schedule.

During rest, the process of restoration of damaged tissue occurs, while insomnia significantly reduces the effectiveness of treatment. If you have emotional experiences, depression and bad thoughts, you can practice the following methods:

• meditation;
• autogenic training;
• reading affirmations.

All this helps you relax and fall asleep.

Treatment

Treatment of compression fractures of the thoracic region is possible conservatively and surgically. Moreover, the choice of tactics depends not on the wishes of the patient, but on the degree of the fracture and the presence of neurological complications. In both cases, the doctors’ tasks are to eliminate pain, restore the anatomically correct position of the vertebra and accelerate regeneration processes.

Conservative treatment of thoracic spine fractures

Compression fractures of the thoracic spine of the 1st degree are successfully treated conservatively. In such situations, skeletal traction is usually initially prescribed. The goal of the procedure is to stretch the spine, allowing the vertebrae to return to their anatomically correct position.

After this, be sure to apply a plaster cast or put on a reclinator. This orthopedic device is a type of corset. It contains a hard platform designed to protect the injured area of ​​the spine. Semi-rigid and at the same time elastic straps are attached to its corners, supporting the spine in the desired position and reducing the load on it.

Initially, all patients must adhere to strict bed rest. At the same time, they need a hard orthopedic mattress or shield. Also mandatory components of conservative treatment are:

• drug therapy;
• exercise therapy;
• massage;
• physiotherapy.

Drug therapy

From the very first day of treatment, the patient is prescribed medications. The initial goal is effective pain relief. For this purpose, analgesics from various pharmacological groups, including narcotic ones, are prescribed. To quickly relieve pain, novocaine blockades are performed.

Also assigned:

• calcium and vitamin D preparations;
• chondroprotectors;
• corticosteroids;
• immunostimulants.

The length of time you take each drug varies from case to case. Some of them can be administered parenterally to accelerate the onset of the therapeutic effect and increase its severity with the same dose of the drug.

Exercise therapy

If the doctor has allowed the patient to stand up and walk, this should definitely be done, even if adopting a vertical body position causes discomfort. This is due to the fact that in a supine position, calcium is washed out of the body more actively, so walking contributes to a faster recovery after a fracture.

Massage

It is impossible to activate blood flow and maintain muscle tone during a forced sedentary lifestyle without a properly performed therapeutic massage. But it is important that the sessions are conducted by a qualified specialist, whose actions would not provoke a deterioration in the patient’s condition and displacement of the injured vertebrae.

Physiotherapy

Physiotherapeutic procedures potentiate other components of conservative treatment for compression fractures of the thoracic spine. Patients are prescribed courses of 10–12 procedures:

• UHF;
• reflexology;
• ultrasound therapy;
• Sollux;
• paraffin and ozokerite wraps.

Ultraviolet irradiation and electrophoresis with the introduction of calcium and phosphorus preparations are considered especially effective. The duration of each procedure is on average 10–15 minutes.

Surgical treatment of thoracic spine fractures

Today, neurosurgeons have many minimally invasive techniques in their arsenal for treating compression fractures. They make it possible to return a broken vertebra to its normal position without serious tissue injury and give it the necessary strength. All manipulations are carried out through a special thin needle or cannula, so after the operation there are no rough scars left, and recovery proceeds quickly. Such minimally invasive interventions used for fractures of the thoracic spine include vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty.

But they can only be used for uncomplicated fractures. If there are signs of damage to nerve structures, spinal cord compression, or spinal instability, neurosurgeons resort to other surgical techniques. In such situations, open operations are indicated, during which the anatomy of the spine is restored with special plates, meshes and other fixing elements. Most often, transpedicular fixation is performed, the technique of which is now 100% proven.

In the most difficult cases, when the vertebra cannot be restored or seriously threatens the integrity of the spinal cord, it is partially or completely removed, i.e., a laminectomy is performed. If necessary, the removed vertebra is replaced with artificial implants or autografts.

Verterbroplasty

Vertebroplasty is a microsurgical operation during which a compression fracture of the spine is eliminated by injecting a special composition – bone cement – ​​into the body of the injured vertebra. This substance is supplied to neurosurgery centers in the form of two components, which are mixed immediately before injection into the vertebra.

Vertebroplasty is highly effective and always leads to an improvement in the patient’s condition. Since the vertebrae are formed by porous spongy bone tissue, filling the natural pores with bone cement leads to a manifold increase in their strength. But since the procedure is not able to “straighten” a broken vertebra, they are performed only for those compression fractures that are accompanied by a decrease in the height of the vertebral body by less than 70%.

The essence of the operation is to insert a thin needle into the vertebral body under X-ray control (usually CT or image intensifier). Bone cement is then prepared. Initially it looks like a paste that easily fills all the natural voids of the bone, but within 8-10 minutes it hardens, turning the vertebra into a high-strength conglomerate and eliminating the risk of its fracture in the future. The needle is removed from the patient's body after the bone cement has hardened, and the remaining puncture is covered with a sterile dressing.

Since the bone cement contains an X-ray contrast agent, the neurosurgeon fully controls the process of filling the vertebra with it and avoids the composition leaking beyond its boundaries. The presence of an antibiotic in the composition eliminates the risk of developing an infectious and inflammatory process, therefore vertebroplasty is considered a safe and highly effective operation.

It takes about 40 minutes and is often performed under local anesthesia. But vertebroplasty cannot be performed if you are allergic to the components of bone cement and if you have malignant tumors or metastases in the spine.

Kyphoplasty

Kyphoplasty is a more advanced percutaneous surgery technique that does not have some of the disadvantages of vertebroplasty. The essence of both operations is similar, but with kyphoplasty, an empty balloon is initially inserted into the vertebral body, into which saline solution is injected.

This allows you to “straighten” the vertebra and completely restore its natural size and position. X-ray contrast barium sulfate is dissolved in advance in the injected solution, so the neurosurgeon can accurately see its position and the degree of restoration of the parameters of the vertebral body on the X-ray machine monitor. As soon as it is possible to achieve its normal size, the fluid and balloon are removed, and bone cement is injected into the vertebral body, as with vertebroplasty.

An additional advantage of kyphoplasty is the ability to eliminate kyphotic deformity of the spine, often observed with compression fractures of the thoracic spine. With it, the risks of bone cement getting outside the vertebra are sharply reduced, and the achieved result allows you to avoid not only repeated fractures, but also restore normal posture, and also avoid limitation of mobility.

Unlike vertebroplasty, kyphoplasty can be performed even with compression fractures accompanied by a decrease in vertebral height by more than 70%. But it is performed under general anesthesia, so it requires more serious preparation.

Transpedicular fixation

This type of surgery involves fixing damaged vertebrae with special titanium screws and rods. They are produced in different types and sizes, which allows you to select the optimal type of screws for each patient with vertebral fractures at any level.

Transpedicular fixation is performed for unstable fractures. During the operation, an incision is made over the injured vertebra. The neurosurgeon then separates the spinous processes and vertebral arches. Direct fixation of the vertebra occurs by screwing screws into the intersection points of the transverse and articular processes.

Once all the titanium screws are installed, rods are passed through the holes in them, designed to evenly distribute the load on the entire system. Ultimately, the created structure reliably holds the vertebra in a given position and is not subject to distortion. The postoperative wound is sutured in layers and covered with a sterile bandage.

When performed correctly, transpedicular fixation does not lead to the development of undesirable consequences and complications. But it cannot be performed for certain diseases, including bleeding disorders, decompressed diabetes mellitus, pregnancy and others.

Laminectomy

In some cases, it is necessary to perform one of the most traumatic operations on the spine - laminectomy. It involves making a large incision in the projection of the damaged vertebra and carefully separating the soft tissues from the elements of the spine.

During a laminectomy, the surgeon can remove the spinous processes, vertebral arches, sharp fragments, and the vertebral body. Sometimes it is necessary to remove the entire spinal motion segment, which is subsequently replaced with an artificial implant or graft.

Laminectomy is used for compression and fragmentation fractures complicated by damage to the spinal cord and nerve fibers. But it requires long and complex rehabilitation.

Nutrition and vitamins

Full recovery after such a serious injury is impossible without the necessary amount of nutrients. Even if a person has a complete lack of appetite, he will be forcibly given food and water, because this is the only way nutrients will enter the body.

All useful elements, such as protein, fats, carbohydrates, minerals and vitamins are needed by the body in order for tissue to be restored and to ensure the full functioning of all internal organs and systems.

If the patient does not receive food or water, this reduces the effectiveness of treatment. Water can enter the body in the following ways:

• with food;
• through drinking;
• through intravenous injections.

Every day, the human body should receive up to 2.5 liters of liquid, 2/3 of which is pure water. The more clean water, the easier it is for organs to perform their functions.

In case of spinal injuries, the following food restrictions are prohibited:

• therapeutic fasting;
• vegetarianism;
• raw food diet.

Since the patient is in a lying position all the time, this will contribute to excess weight gain, which, however, is not a reason for food restrictions. To prevent the development of obesity you should:

• eat food in small portions;
• increase the number of meals;
• give up fast carbohydrates;
• 60% of the diet should be vegetables and fruits;
• The last meal should be no later than 19:00.

You need to chew more often - up to 32 times. Only this rule will help you satisfy your hunger with small portions of food.

Consequences

The consequences of a compression fracture of the spine can be very serious. Their severity depends on the severity of the injury, the extent of damage to the spine, and the adequacy of the therapy performed. Complications after a spinal fracture can occur due to severe trauma, improper transportation of the victim, or the provision of unprofessional assistance to him. Therefore, if you suspect a spinal fracture, you must call an ambulance and not touch the victim (of course, if his situation is not life-threatening).

The consequences of a spinal fracture include:

• Instability of the vertebrae in the spinal column;
• Impaired conduction of nerve fibers as a result of compression of the nerve roots of the spine;
• Radiculitis;
• Rachiocampsis;
• Formation of kyphosis (hump);
• Constant back pain;
• Breathing disorders;
• Callus;
• Intervertebral hernia;
• Infection of the damaged area;
• Inflammation and suppuration;
• Paralysis of limbs.

Urological consequences of a spinal fracture include disruption of urination and the functioning of the urinary system. In some cases, patients experience erectile dysfunction.

Physiotherapy for recovery

Physiotherapy is prescribed to the patient already at the second stage of treatment, when doctors allow him to gradually restore motor functions. Such procedures help restore muscles, bone tissue and nerves. During rehabilitation, the following methods are used:

• UHF is used to reduce pain, relieve swelling and improve blood circulation.
• Electrophoresis – helps to introduce medications into the body for better effect.
• Myostimulation is muscle contraction using electrical current pulses. Helps relieve stress, pain, and muscle tension.
• Paraffin-ozokerite sessions are the application of different types of energy to a diseased area of ​​the body (in this case, thermal energy). The method helps improve muscle condition.
• Kinesiotherapy using the Exart apparatus is a treatment method consisting of physical exercises necessary to strengthen muscle groups. Performing these exercises on a special device helps get rid of joint pain and normalizes blood circulation.
• Carboxytherapy is a treatment with carbon dioxide, one of the new methods of therapy, very effective for degenerative diseases of the joints and spine.
• Ural rays are used to destroy harmful microflora.
• Balneotherapy – treatment with mineral waters improves blood circulation and reduces muscle tension.
• Magnetic therapy – relieves pain and speeds up recovery.

What problems does rehabilitation help solve?

First of all, rehabilitation programs help stabilize the spinal column

. When a fracture occurs, the vertebrae are displaced and sometimes destroyed, causing the entire system to lose stability. That is, the spine ceases to fulfill its main function - to serve as a frame, a support for the body. Spinal stabilization procedures firmly reconnect damaged or misaligned vertebrae.

Also, restorative measures are designed to relieve pain

. Pain, unfortunately, is a companion to any spinal fracture. To begin moving and gradually return to a normal lifestyle, the patient needs to feel comfortable and be ready to walk and exercise.

The global goals that are pursued during rehabilitation therapy are to return the patient to previous activity, and the body to its previous performance.

. Timely and high-quality rehabilitation helps achieve this within a reasonable time.

Features of rehabilitation in children

Treatment of children with compression fractures is conservative. The first therapeutic measures are aimed at relieving the damaged areas, relieving pain and restoring impaired blood circulation.

A sick child's mobility is limited to prevent complications from developing. It is necessary to remain in an upright position to a minimum, avoid lifting weights and sudden movements.

Functional traction, physiotherapeutic procedures, physical therapy and breathing exercises are prescribed. A little later, back massage and physical exercise are added, the action of which is aimed at strengthening the muscles of the back, abs and shoulder girdle. The child is prescribed to wear a special corset and continue the recovery period of treatment.

Even such a serious diagnosis as a compression fracture is not always a death sentence. The situation can be corrected if you approach the issue of patient rehabilitation competently and responsibly. There are a huge number of techniques and procedures that will help restore damaged areas. It is only important to strictly follow all the doctor’s requirements in order to see the result.

Basic methods of rehabilitation and its need after fractures

The body of an elderly person is considered “worn out”, and it is more difficult for it to recover than a young person. Therefore, treatment after a fracture must begin immediately. It can be conservative, and in severe cases surgery is required. The next important stage is rehabilitation. It is necessary so that the patient can return to his normal lifestyle and avoid future injury as much as possible. You can recover either in a hospital or at home, but under the mandatory supervision of a doctor.

The most popular methods include:

1. Physiotherapy . If there are no contraindications, you can visit the pool, as swimming strengthens the spine. Simple walking tours are also shown.
2. Physiotherapy.
3. Massage and manual therapy.
4. Diet . A proper diet will make up for the deficiency of vitamins and microelements necessary for the body, for example, calcium, protein, zinc, vitamin D, etc.
5. Treatment of osteoporosis . By strengthening your bones, you can avoid relapses.

With timely treatment and proper rehabilitation, an elderly patient will be able to return to their normal lifestyle in 1.5-2 years.

Signs of illness and first aid

As already noted, in most cases only a doctor can determine the presence of a spinal fracture. The latter prescribes the patient an X-ray of the spine, computed tomography (sometimes X-ray is sufficient, but if not, CT can confirm or refute the diagnosis), MRI (this is needed if damage to the nerve endings of the spine is suspected). The doctor also conducts 2 more studies on the patient: a neurological examination and densitometry (if the development of osteoporosis is suspected).

As you know, every injury can be mitigated if qualified first aid is provided to the victim in a timely manner. When you receive a compression fracture of the spine, it is important not to hesitate to call an ambulance, and then to properly transport the victim. The transfer of the patient, as well as his transportation in transport, must be carried out with the utmost care, thanks to which it is quite possible to avoid the displacement of fragments.

Symptoms

The following symptoms typically occur for a lumbar spine fracture:

• aching, severe or moderate pain at the site of injury, spreading to surrounding tissues, legs, buttocks and intensifying with movement;
• back muscle tension;
• limitation of mobility, manifested by the patient’s efforts to avoid straining the damaged area;
• local swelling of soft tissues;
• flatulence, bloating;
• nausea and vomiting;
• constipation.

At the time of injury, there may be a delay in breathing.

In case of fractures resulting from external mechanical impact, redness of the skin and hematoma are observed at the site of impact. If there is a fracture of the lumbar spine complicated by damage to the nervous structures, the corresponding symptoms arise:

• decreased sensitivity;
• weakening of reflexes;
• convulsions;
• muscle weakness, up to complete paralysis;
• urinary disturbance;
• erectile disfunction.

Compression fractures that occur due to osteoporosis, especially in older people, are often asymptomatic or the symptoms are so minor that patients do not attach due importance to them and do not seek medical help. In such cases, complications may occur as a result of compression of the nerves or spinal cord. Although there are cases when compression fractures of the lumbar spine are discovered, so to speak, after the fact.

Compression fractures most often occur in women over 50 years of age.

With comminuted fractures, the clinical picture is more vivid and leaves no doubt about the nature of the injury. Patients complain of abdominal pain, stool retention, nausea, and vomiting. In this case, traumatic shock is often present, in which circulatory disturbance occurs at the site of injury due to strong spastic muscle tension provoked by pain.

Often, fractures of the lumbar vertebrae are accompanied by injuries to the vertebrae of other parts of the spine, as well as fractures of the pelvis, limbs, blunt abdominal trauma, kidney damage and rupture of the bladder. In such cases, there is a combination of symptoms of spinal fractures with signs of other injuries.

Possible complications

If you receive a back injury or just sudden pain, you should immediately consult a doctor, especially older people and those who are forced to regularly lift heavy objects as part of their job. Only timely, well-chosen treatment for a compression fracture can minimize the risks of complications and subsequent disability.

Since the spinal cord passes between the vertebral bodies and their arches, damage to it is the most dangerous complication of a compression fracture. It is he who is responsible for a person’s ability to fully move.

With compression fractures, especially when combined with the separation of fragments, it is possible that the nerve roots of the spinal cord, the blood vessels that feed it, and also the spinal cord itself may be pinched. In more severe cases, contusion or even rupture of the spinal cord is possible, leading to irreversible paralysis.

If treatment is not started in time, injury can provoke secondary degenerative and neurological disorders:

• segmental vertebral instability;
• curvature of the spine or the formation of a hump (kyphotic deformity), which is especially typical for older people;
• persistent movement disorders;
• protrusion and herniation of intervertebral discs;
• scoliosis, radiculitis;
• formation of bone structure calluses;
• disruption of the functioning of internal organs, including the genitourinary system, which can provoke urinary and fecal incontinence, and in men, additionally, erectile dysfunction;
• osteochondrosis and the formation of intervertebral hernias.

They tend to progress gradually and also lead to paralysis. Therefore, it is better not to hesitate and immediately contact a traumatologist or vertebrologist.