Compression fractures with RA
Has anyone had a compression fracture in your back? About four years ago, I had T 7,8 just crush like a soda can, as my dr put it. They did the cement, Vertiboplasty,a couple months later and many injections in the back for pain, over the years. I still sit my chair with a heating pad, every night, once I’ve been standing in the kitchen. Does anyone go thru this and do you have a remedy?
Hi,
!
First off, I am sorry you are dealing with chronic back pain in addition to your RA. While not the same as your injury, one of our contributors shared about her experience with a herniated disc and the subsequent surgery and recovery that the injury required -- https://rheumatoidarthritis.net/living/coping-difficult-recovery. I'm kind of surprised we don't have more community stories on spinal injuries, fractures, and compressions, as bone loss is not unusual with RA. Also, if you are a post menopausal woman, the risk for bone fracture and compression goes up even more! Also, when we do our annual RA in America surveys, back and/or hip pain always rank in the top ten symptoms our members are experiencing, so the lack of conversations on back pain specifically is a little weird to me.
That said, one of our contributors shared about finding a seat cushion that helped with her chronic pain and allowed her to sit at her desk more comfortably -- https://rheumatoidarthritis.net/living/memory-foam-seat-cushion. And, while I don't know if a TENS unit would be appropriate for your injury, the contributor that wrote about her spinal surgery also wrote about using a TENS unit to help with her chronic back pain -- https://rheumatoidarthritis.net/living/tens-unit. Do you find you are still dealing with significant pain and/or stiffness each day? Is the pain getting in the way of you doing the things you want to do? And, if so, has your doctor offered any solutions?
Just checking before I cover ground you may have already traveled. No need to repeat unhelpful advice and waste your time.
I hope other community members are able to chime in with their experiences and tips for you and I wish you some relief this week!
Best, Erin, Team Member.This guy, right here. In fact, I didn't even know I had compression fractures until one day, on a random trip to the ER for something else, the ER doc said, after x-rays, at the end of telling us about the results, "oh, and, of course you know about the compression fractures." Me and my mom both were like, "Uhhh, what? Ecsqueeze me?" I had no idea I had them I just knew I shrunk almost two inches. Turns out the massive doses of prednisone I was on for a while plus the extremely distended belly it causes pulled and weakened my spine and bingo - compression fractures. It isn't ideal, of course. They told me, though, I was unable to get kyphoplasty and so I sit here with a curved spine and I use heating pads just like you. And for me, pain meds. It's the only remedy they found. You are not alone! Keep on keepin' on, DPM
