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Stiffness in back
3 months ago, I slipped and fell in washroom and had suffered a D12 vertebral fracture. It was not very big hence no surgery or belts involved. But I did complete 1 month of bedrest. It was painful only in 1st week and later, showed any signs of pain only if i used my back for long time. All along there was sm level of stiffness involved but the doctor said it will go away as days pass. Now the problem is, every morning when i wake up find my back very stiff and it goes away after 15-20 mins and the same happens if i lie down in any position for long time. It simply becomes stiff and bending will be painful during this 15-20 mins span. I read excercises will help me. Just wanted an opinion abt how i shud go abt this problem.
Answers (7)
If the fractured part has healed fully, then only we can continue further treatment. Being bed ridden leads to muscle weakness and tightness, so creates pain when a particular posture is assumed for a long time.
Next Steps
Go to a physiotherapist.. Heating +some strengthening exercises as well as stretching exercises will be helpful for sure.
Health Tips
At home.. Full side stretch+rotations are helpful+dont sit /stand/walk/lie in same position for a long time +no long travelling+no stair climbing +correct posture (sit tall) +no weight lifting +no manual exertions
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Hi,
Your fracture was three months ago.
I am not sure if you have done a repeat x ray to see if fracture has healed completely.
If your orthopedic has allowed you to go ahead with exercises, I can send you exercise that you can do sitting at home to get rid of the stiffness.
Dr Dimple Kapasi
Physiotherapist
USA licensed
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It takes an average of around 6 months for back stiffness to improve after such an injury. Also after being in bedrest your muscles will also have weakened leading to slow progress.
As of now I would advice you to maintain normal activity levels. Use a hot water bottle or hot fomentation on the back to help you. Use simple painkillers as needed.
It is worthwhile to work with a physiotherapist under guidance to help build up the muscles and also improve the stiffness. The improvement is a slow process and it is important to keep motivating yourself to help with the rehabilitation.
Hope this helps.
Dr Vinu Raj
Consultant Spine Surgeon
MBBS MRCS FRCS(Trauma&Orth)
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i am interested in knowing your age, xray of spine, s. vitamin d level. these things are required before i can opine on what can be done. in the mean time swimming is a good way of combating stiffness.
Tab ultracet on sos basis can be take but long term solution is possibel only when i ve the required info
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Rehab after spinal fracture has to be with caution. You should not be doing any exercises that stress the fracture site as it takes 6 months to fully heal. Get your ortho docs consent to start physiotherapy and improve flexibility and strength under supervision of an experienced Physiotherapist. Gud luck
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