![]() ![]() In some medical conditions that require steroid therapy, other medications may be useful in reducing your steroid dosage.What are the Symptoms of a Compression Fracture? If you are on daily steroid therapy for another medical condition, discuss with your doctor methods of reducing the dosage of your steroid medication as possible because decreasing the doses reduces the chance of developing osteoporosis.They have also shown benefit in decreasing the rate of bone loss in those who already have osteoporosis. Medications, such as alendronate ( Fosamax) and risedronate ( Actonel), have been shown to reduce the development of osteoporosis when taken along with appropriate doses of calcium and vitamin D. In women past menopause, estrogen replacement therapy is likely indicated to prevent osteoporosis.All people at risk for osteoporosis should take calcium and vitamin D supplements.Tobacco smoke has been shown to weaken bone. Regular exercise, including weight-bearing and strength-training exercise, has been shown to increase the strength of bone.The most important method of preventing vertebral compression fractures is to prevent osteoporosis. How Can You Prevent a Vertebral Compression Fracture? See your doctor frequently to ensure that the bones are healing.Avoid strenuous and painful activities until approved by your doctor.Applying heat in the first few days after an injury draws more blood to the injury site, thus increasing swelling and pain. Apply the one that makes the injury feel better. After the first week, either ice or heat may be applied. A good rule of thumb is to place the ice in a bag, wrap the bag with a towel, and then apply the ice for 15-20 minutes every hour. Follow the instructions exactly as given by the doctor and ask questions if you are unsure what to do.Management of Vertebral Compression Fractures Exercise: On approval from the doctor, a stretching and strengthening program is important to decrease further osteoporosis and to strengthen muscles supporting the back.Admission to the hospital: Depending on severe pain, weakness, inability to urinate (retention), or inability to control your urine or stool (incontinence), you may be admitted to the hospital.Pain relief with opiates (hydrocodone or oxycodone ).Rest and ice to the area: Later use heat compresses on the area.What Is the Medical Treatment and Management of Vertebral Compression Fractures? Surgery is normally reserved for those with severe pain, weakness, or inability to feel their arms or legs. This may mean that you need surgery for the fracture. Spine surgery consultation: If you have a severe fracture, then the emergency doctor may call a specialist to examine you.You may need to be transferred to another hospital to get the MRI. MRI of spine: If you cannot hold urine or stool ( incontinence) or cannot urinate (retention), weakness in one or both arms or legs, or you are unable to feel your arms or legs, then an MRI may need to be performed.CT scan of spine: If a fracture (bone break) is discovered, then the doctor may want you to have a CT scan to determine the extent of the fracture.If you are younger than 65 years and do not have any medical problems or severe pain, then X-rays may not be necessary. X-rays: People older than 65 years, who have cancer, or who have had significant trauma may have X-rays performed.What Procedures and Tests Diagnose Vertebral Compression Fractures? Pathologic fracture can also occur with other diseases, such as Paget's disease of bone and infection of bone (osteomyelitis).Most commonly, this type of break is from cancer in the bone, which has often traveled from other sites in the body (called metastasis), such as from the prostate, breast, or lungs. ![]() ![]() Pathologic fracture is a fracture occurring in the vertebra due to preexisting disease at the fracture site.It can also occur in a person involved in a car accident. Trauma: Injury severe enough to cause a vertebra to break can occur with a fall from a tall height in which the person lands on his or her feet or buttocks.Osteoporosis most commonly occurs in women who have completed menopause, but it can also occur in elderly men and in people who have had long-term use of a steroid medication such as prednisone.Osteoporosis is a disease of bone in which bone density is reduced, which may increase the chance that a person could sustain a vertebral compression fracture with little or no trauma.Vertebral compression fractures can be caused by osteoporosis, trauma, and diseases affecting bone (pathologic fracture). What Causes a Vertebral Compression Fracture? ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |