Bodycare Forrest Hill

14/06/2019

[THORACIC FRACTURE]
occurs when a bone in the spine collapses causing pain and numbness in affected areas. These fractures commonly occur in the middle section of the back labelled the thoracic spine.

Fractures of the thoracic and lumbar spine may result from sudden, forceful injury:
• Car or motorcycle crash
• Hard fall (e.g. fall from height)
• Physical injury (e.g. sports accident)
• Excessive pressure
• Violent act, such as a gunshot wound
Or occur due to bone-weakening conditions such as osteoporosis.

Thoracic fracture causes mild to severe back pain that is worsened with movement. However, in some cases, you may not feel any pain until the bone breaks. If the spinal cord is involved affecting the nerves, additional conditions such as: bowel/bladder dysfunctions, numbness, tingling, or weakness in the limbs may be developed. Sometimes, patients may also experience unconsciousness or ‘black out’ if the accident also involved high-energy trauma to the head(brain).
Due to it’s rather ‘common’ symptoms, spinal compression fractures are often neglected due to the false assumption that it might a simple muscle strain or pain caused by aging. Therefore, in order to treat it as soon as possible, aa early visit to a healthcare provider will help protect your spine.

Compression fracture symptoms:
• Back pain and tenderness (sudden or gradual pain that is worsening over time) - pain perhaps worsens with upright postures or movements such as standing, walking, bending or twisting.
• Pain relieved when lying down.
• Pain, numbness, or paralysis in the legs
• Pain while coughing, sneezing, laughing, or breathing deeply
• Shrink of overall height
If the spinal cord is affected: numbness, tingling, difficulty walking, loss of bowel and/or bladder control may also occur.

To care for the back pain, you will need patience, a plenty of rest and gentle movements with limited activities. If the pain persists or worsens, pain medications may also be consumed for easy coping. For early treatment, physiotherapists may reduce pain and inflammation using icing techniques, electrical stimulation, massage and other methodical processes. Later on when the pain is a bit more copeable, exercises and stretching which aid the restoration of flexibility and strength may be incorporated for cure and continuation of daily tasks which were limited before. Acupuncturist will also aid the treatment by enhancing overall body functions through traditional treatment methods allowing complete relaxation and faster cure.
[In some cases, you may also be prescribed with a movement restricting brace that provides support and stability for the back. Braces for the back will relieve pressure and aid the healing of the spine (vertebrae). In extremely severe cases, surgery may also be involved.]
If you have concerning back pain that interferes with daily tasks or if you are experiencing the symptoms listed above, it might be good to pay a visit to a healthcare provider for early detection and treatment. There are no conditions that are better left neglected, early detection is the key to a successful treatment.

02 777 33 888 or 021 333 135
09 369 1313 or 09 218 6232
contact@bodycareclinic.co.nz