Compressed Fractures??

[cutehair2013]

Hello everyone
I was recently on holidays in Mexico for my brother wedding when I slipped and fell by the pool. I landed on my right side, turns out I even bounced twice before laying on the ground in front of a slippery when wet sign! Anyway I sprained my ankle and a few other cuts but other wise felt ok, saw a Mexican doctor who was funny and I carried on enjoying the wedding. Later in the week I had back pain but thought nothing of it due the fact I fell I figured it was going to take some time to go away.

Well that was 3 months ago and my back is still super painful, walking is tolerable for the most part but standing OMG I want to scream it is painful. Doing house work, lifting, and washing dishes have become tasks I dread. Mind you I can stand the pain for approx 15 mins then I need to sit down even it is only for 5 mins. I finally went to my family doctor who suspects I have a compressed fracture of the spine? She also stated that I am at a higher risk due to medication used prior and currently, ect.. She also suspects that some of my new breathing troubles could steam from the fractures as it is adding more pressure.

So I wanted to see if anyone has had compressed fractures? Is it a common thing?

[Pete]

Loss of bone density with chronic pred usage is possible. This could lead to compression fractures in the spine and also increase susceptibility to other fractures.

When my PCP noticed the beginnings of osteopenia in my first bone density scan, he suggested that I take two caltrate + 600D caps every day. These are available OTC at pharmacies and many grocery stores.

I get my next bone density test next month. I don't expect any decrease in bone density as my pred dosage has been much lower during the past couple of years.

[me2]

I have not had this problem but I have had back issues probably not related to prednisone. If it were me I would get a diagnosis from a medical specialist first. You family doctor that you have seen already should be able to recommend someone to you or steer you in the right direction. Then, once I had a definitive and accurate diagnosis I would search for a really good chiropractor who might be able to provide additional help. Unfortunately, chiropractics is as much of an art as it is a science. I have seen many of them in my lifetime and a few of them were simply not good at chiropractics.
I wish I had a really good formula for how to find a good one. Word of mouth is probably the best way. That is how I found the guy I use right now. He worked miracles on my back after I was in pain for months and my chiropractor at that time was not able to help me.
A friend told me about a chiropractor he knew that fixed people who could not be fixed. He was right. I have been seeing this guy for several years and he works miracles.

A good physical therapist might be able to help also.

So, I hope you get some good help soon. I know how debilitating back pain can be. Don't give up until you get it figured out and get some relief.

[LovinLife]

In April of this year I was feeling well enough to go on a road trip to the southern states. We loaded up our 5th wheel and dog and headed south just before another large snow storm hit here in Colorado. I was looking forward to the escape. On the 4th day I started feeling back pain and thinking it was just kidney pain I have had in the past (I also have PKD). I tried to ignore it until the pain was intolerable. And yes, breathing was a big issue. I couldn't catch my breath. We cut the trip short and returned to see the Dr. who immediately expected a compression fracture. They did X-rays to confirm. The sad part is I have no idea how it happened as I didn't fall. My Dr. said it is an unfortunate side effect of high or long term prednisone use. Osteoporosis can be accelerated due to the drugs we are all on. It has now been almost 3 months and with lots of rest the pain is better but not completely gone. Time and rest seem to be the best cure for compression fractures. Hope you feel better soon.

LovinLifesWife