Hi, I'm Margaret Martin and today my topic is fractures of the spine, also known as compression
fractures, also known as vertebral fractures, and the importance of not taking them lightly.
A recent study looked at how 12% of my listeners, 12% of people that are post menopausal, are
going to have a vertebral fracture in their lifetime.
But only one-third, so less than 4% of those fractures, are brought to the attention of
the doctor and therefore are brought to the attention of the individual.
Now this is to me really striking because not only am I seeing people with one vertebral
fracture or two vertebral fractures, but by the time they come to see me, by the time
they're first diagnosed, they actually have five vertebral fractures.
This is really terrible because it so affects their quality of life.
Then they become fearful of moving and it's a vicious circle.
Now what are some of the symptoms?
So if you are wondering, "Do I have a vertebral fracture?"
What are the symptoms?
These are the, if you have any of these symptoms, especially a combination of these symptoms,
you should ask your doctor to assess you for a vertebral fracture.
So what were the six predictors?
The six predictors are you are over the age of 60.
Two, you have a history of a previous fracture, whether that is a wrist fracture, a toe fracture.
You have a shorter duration of back pain.
Don't disregard back pain that only lasts a couple of weeks.
You find that your back pain might not be sharp but a lot of people with vertebral fractures
will describe their back pain as crushing in nature.
The fifth thing is that your back pain actually gets better when you lie down.
And the sixth thing, unlike people with sciatica, your back pain most likely will not be, if
it's from a vertebral fracture, will not be going into the leg.
So if you have especially more than two of these predictors, then do get a workup because
you need to know whether or not you have a vertebral fracture.
My clients come to see me after they have been diagnosed, sometimes months, and no one's
told them that their vertebral fractures can get worse.
Just because your spine has compressed 70%, it doesn't mean that it can't keep compressing.
If you have a compression fracture, it is so important for you to be really meticulous
about your alignment because those fractures will get worse.
And not only will the actual fractures themselves get worse but you are at a higher risk of
fracturing more and more levels.
So that's one thing, but all is not lost.
Number two is a recent study, and older studies but they weren't as carefully done or as long,
looking at the impact of exercise, very specific exercise, on bone and on vertebral fractures.
Recent studies showing 12 month duration of exercise had a very positive effect for people
who had experienced vertebral fractures.
The outcome being that after 12 months they had a significant improvement in quality of
life.
They had an easier outcome of doing their tasks of daily living, so their functional
mobility was improved and their balance was improved.
All of which to say that even though you have been diagnosed with a vertebral fracture and
if you are not sure, have it investigated and if you are investigated, do intelligent
exercises, avoid all forward flexion, follow the guidelines that I have on my blogs and
in my book and play it safe and know that you can still improve your quality of life
and you can still be stronger.
Thanks for tuning in.