Broken Backs - Experiences of the aftermath?

[MrsMozart]

Broke my back last year (ed of July), a compression fracture at L2.

It's been healing nicely I think, as in it didn't hurt and the muscles were doing okay, but lately it's been a pain. Literally. . The area where the break was feels odd. No pain, legs, etc. work fine, but the muscles are bunching up and going hard and it's not particularly comfortable.

If I could get time off I could take myself back to the clinic, but my client wouldn't be happy, I'd be letting a load of people down (time sensitive work), and the consultant was keen on pumping the break area full of cement, which I think it's too late for now anyway.

Sorry. Rambling.

The question is, has anyone else been through this? How long did it take for the muscles to start behaving themselves?

I've not ridden for two months, and I've started working in an office for ten hours a day (I get up and walk around every hour). Wondering if it's the sitting at a desk?

 

[alwaysbroke]

Might be worth having a word with your GP first, but perhaps gentle physio may help relieve the muscle spasm, (have been given some very easy stretching exercises which keep the spine mobile) although the muscles will probably be in spasm for a reason.....

Have been through a variety of 'treatments' for mine, being aware of the spasm and mentally trying to relax the muscles can help, as can relaxing and stretching out the muscles when in bed but just before going to sleep. Weleda massage balm with arnica is a lovely soothing rub which I think smells really nice and helps to relax you. Another thing I use is a TENS machine, it was quite cheap from Lloyd's chemist and has helped alot.

Can see where sitting down could be causing the problem, especially as you are used to being up and about so much. Hope it feels better soon x

 

[MrsMozart]

Ta hunny

I'm still doing the exercises that the physio gave me, strengthening the core muscles, etc.

The massage balm sounds good . I'll hunt some down. I find heat helps.

I just didn't expect it to be ouching now, nearly a year later.

 

[juliap]

I'm interested in this as I'm in the early stages of recovery - compression fractions to L1 20% & L2 50%. I did it 3 1/2 weeks ago & most of the time don't have any pain. I'm still in a TLSO brace.

Last week I went into work (office based) for the the day & by the evening after a day mostly sitting I did ache.

Is your chair supportive & are you checking you are sitting up straight? Did you have a brace - may be worth putting it back for a day or 2 on to see if that helps.

How soon were you back riding - does that cause any problems?

Hope you get it sorted out soon.

 

[blakesmum]

Try getting a lumbar support for your chair, helps me loads (I fractured the L5 and tore all the muscles/ligaments etc almost the length of my spine, which was far worse than the break itself as that was a stable fracture). Keep on with the core muscle exercises and make sure you are doing them 100%, I know how easy it is to slip into not quite doing them right .

I find when the muscle spasms that if I do alternate hot and cold treatment as well as making sure I stretch correctly helps. Heat relaxs them and the cold takes down any inflammation.

As for recovery, I was back in the saddle at 12 weeks (ish) same time I went back to work in the RAF and found that riding in walk helped the muscles relax (sounds odd but you use the same ones as when you walk yourelf, according to the RDA physio I used to know). Was a while before I could trot and canter, but I must say whether it was the extra stimulation or the psychological side, sitting on my horse walking roundwas a boost.

Good luck with the recovery.

Edited to add I also had a back support when I rode.

 

[MrsMozart]

Ouch J. Hope you're healing okay hunny.

I had the brace on for about three months I think. Didn't ride for six months (to the day ).

I would put the brace on, but this client would not be so understanding. I'll try my Prolite type one on under work clothes, if it will fit under there, see if that helps. Thank you, I hadn't thought of it.

Haven't ridden for two months for other reasons, but it was fine. A little ouchy when Dizzy was doing her full-I'm-a-DWB-big-and-bouncy canter, but other than that, no issue

 

[*hic*]

Mrs M, every hour isn't enough! I'd strongly suspect the chair and lack of movement. Mentally you need to move more frequently than that as well. I got recommendations for chairs from my husband's wonderful sports physio. When was the last time your physio updated your exercises? Or checked that you were still doing them correctly? I think it would be worth a visit to get that sorted and then another, preferably complete with chair to get some movements you can do in the chair and to make sure it's adjusted correctly and you are sitting correctly in it.

I only have third hand experience of broken backs luckily. *touches wood*

 

[juliap]

What excercises do you do? Haven't had any physio yet - prob too early - the only ones I've been told to do are lying down push spine to the floor and tense stomach muscles - inc pelvis floor ones.

What back support did you use? I'm hoping I'll have a better position after all this sitting up straight in the brace! Some good has to come out of it.

Will try pilates as well once I get the ok from the drs.

Can't wait to get riding again - was told about 3 months & have put horse on loan till then so I'm not tempted to get on too soon. I'm sure I could but as the dr said it's not the getting on but the falling off you have to avoid!

 

[MrsMozart]

Thank you BM . Ouch to you hun, that sounds painful!

Most of the time we don't get our own desk never mind chair . Hot desking. Being a contractor, it's just the way it is . I'll see if I can get a portable type of lumbar support.

I'll recheck my exercises, make sure I'm doing them right; get some sort of lumbar thingy; and get back to riding my horse

 

[MrsMozart]

Can't do anything about the chair (hot desking contractor), but will try and come up with something

Physio. Um. Not seen her since January... Maybe get that organized!

I know I'm whinging rolleyes:), I just expected it to all be over and done with by now

 

[Honey08]

Crickey, what kind of evil client won't let you see a consultant or wear a brace if you're in pain!! You only have one back, and if its troubling you, get it checked out!!

I only know two people who have broken their backs, and they weren't back to normal in a year - double or treble that really... My mum couldn't ride a bike for a few years, let alone a horse. Be nice to yourself. There is no rush.xx

 

[MrsMozart]

The kind that is paying x amount to get some work through within y time

Short of not being able to physically move, 'tis the way of it. In the current economic climate...

I'll take all the tips and make sure I walk round more often, etc. Thank you

The time scale is interesting, thank you. I guess patience is required. Ho hum. Will start practicing

 

[blakesmum]

I have one of these http://www.return2fitness.co.uk/Back_Care/Back_Supports/kare-elastic-back for riding, working etc and one of these http://www.return2fitness.co.uk/Back_Care/Memory_Foam_Back_Supports/D shaped 4007-1 for at the computer/in the car etc

 

[Annette4]

I broke my T12 a year ago (10th June ) and I still struggle. I can't sit, stand or walk too long and my job dictates that I can't move even as much as you do I've not been back on a horse since either (lack of access to sensible horses and refuse to pay for lessons). No help I know.

 

[luckyhorseshoe]

Sorry to hear that so many of us have had horrible injuries.

I broke L4 and L5 a few years ago.

Cut a long story short, i've been to 3 different physios, tried sports massage, aromotherapy massage, pilates but this winter i tried a chiropractor and so pleased with the results.

It had got to the point where i couldn't bear to be out in the cold as it made me stiff and cold in my hip.

I definitely feel stronger and my riding is improving as my body is able to stay in a better yposition.

I'm still seeing the chiropractor but not as frequently (started off 2 sessions a week, now 1 every 8 weeks) and i go to a yoga class once a week.

I think there is something out there, that can help everyone, don't give up, it does get better!

 

[LaurenM]

I'm going to try a tens machine and electric blanket. I'm not out of my brace yet though but should be Tuesday onwards. I'm dreading it though

I find heat has always soothed my back ache. You could get a heat pad and one of those cushions that others have recommended.

 

[Mogg]

Can't do anything about the chair (hot desking contractor), but will try and come up with something

Physio. Um. Not seen her since January... Maybe get that organized!

I know I'm whinging rolleyes:), I just expected it to all be over and done with by now

i dont think you're whingeing at all! /hugs

You know your own body and if something doesnt feel right then i think you're right to be concerned. Not had a break myself thankfully, but if it were me id follow all the advice/suggestions already given, or at least try to. Hope you all make a full and pain free recovery

 

[Laura6544]

I had compression fracture L2 5 1/2 years ago, had a 4 year break from riding as the fall really put me off but I'm back in the saddle again now. I remember my consultant telling me I needed to learn to become a fidget, not sit/stand or basically do anything in one position for too long. After the accident I was in alot of pain for around 3 weeks, most of this seemed to be my coccyx as I landed in a sitting position. I would say it really took a good 6 months before I felt sort of normal again but even now I know that I can't sit or stand for too long, sitting trot also gives me some grief. As far as riding goes I have a Stubben with a biomex seat now and I can honestly tell the difference in my back from when I ride in this to a normal saddle.
The problem is the more you hurt the more you will restrict your movement and the tenser the muscles will be, its hard to know how much to push yourself through the pain to keep moving as opposed taking it easy to allow the healing. I would try to get back to the consultant or physio if you can. I work in a sales environment and work can be unsympathetic about time off, I explained that my appointments were necessary to keep me at work as if I didn't get the right treatment it could result in more time off in the long run, back issues are a huge cause of long term absence at work so its in their best interests to let you get the advice and treatment you need now so this injury doesn't cause reoccurring problems later.
Hope you feel better soon!

 

[juliap]

I'm going to try a tens machine and electric blanket. I'm not out of my brace yet though but should be Tuesday onwards. I'm dreading it though

I find heat has always soothed my back ache. You could get a heat pad and one of those cushions that others have recommended.

How long ago did you hurt your back?

I took my brace off tonight to have a shower as not really in any pain & just made sure I was v careful not to bend it at all. It was lovely to get really clean after weeks of bed baths!

I don't know if I've been lucky but I haven't had much pain after the first couple of weeks & can move quite easily even up & down stairs - it does still hurt on my coccyx as that was where I landed but I hope that's just deep bruising which will get better in time.

Of course when I start doing more it might be a different situation.

It has made me realise how much more I will need to do in the future to look after my back - not slouching being top of the list

 

[MrsMozart]

I found that when the brace came off, when the Consultant said it could, I had to wear it for a while longer, and wean myself off it, otherwise the muscles just couldn't cope - I'd worn it for every moment that I wasn't in bed or the bath, so my muscles needed to relearn their job.


I have a heated seat in the car, a waistcoat with heat panels in it (but have mislaid the charger! Idiot that I am ), and am good friends with a hot water bottle .

I've taken everyone's words of advice - walking round more, reminded myself of the Equipilates and physio things I could do whilst sat down, and worked on the core muscles during the day. Definitely doing better today than yesterday, though off to bed now as it still prefers lying down

I have a good chiro, but not been for a while - used to go for my wonky neck - I'll try and get a late in the day appointment, should be able to get back for that.

Thanks again for your wise words folks

I hope all damaged people heal quickly and well.

 

[Goldenstar]

Hi,
I broke mine but much higher up ( T5) . It still feels a bit odd mostly if I get sloppy about my exercises but the thing that helped me most as It was getting stronger was a massage. I found a great lady working from her home who was not to expensive and worked outside office hours. At first I went weekly then fortnightly and now just when I feel I need it . I can do most things now but it took about 3 years to reach this stage.

 

[MrsMozart]

Thank you . I used to know a sorts massage lady, I'll see if she's still around

Three years does seem to be the time period for full healing. I'll just have to be more patient, and make sure I do the exercises and stretches every day.

Thank you

 

[Weezy]

I have broken my coccyx, fractured my neck (don't remember which number it was, sorry!) and also had my pelvis separate when pregnant and had 3 lower vertebrae collapse...needless to say my back and neck are rather screwed! I am very lopsided, my right side curls inwards and I constantly have pain/tightness

If you are getting muscle spasm I cannot recommend acupuncture enough. I have shoulder spasm, which is really from my neck and acupuncture really sorts it out.

Do as much pilates as you can, don't cross your legs when sitting, when watching TV sit directly opposite and with both feet on the floor, not all curled up looking sideways as I do . Frequent stretches, up, down, side to side, during the day to keep yourself limber...it all helps.

I will never be able to ride how I used to due to the pregnancy collapse, I am just not stable through my lower back and pelvis anymore, but it is all about care now, to safeguard my future!

 

[MrsMozart]

Yikes lass! That's a list and a half

I think there's an acupuncturist down the road from here, plus there might be one across the road from current client's site. I will investigate! Not tried it before, so it will be something new

Hm. Not very good at the sitting straight in the evenings - bought slobby sofas to slob on , but will try and remember

I've started doing tall stretches (alternate hands up high in the air) when going up and down stairs. Disclaimer: do not try this at home/work/yard

I hope you're as well as you can be m'duck.

 

[Weezy]

Hm. Not very good at the sitting straight in the evenings - bought slobby sofas to slob on , but will try and remember

I am absolutely dreadful at taking my own advice on this one...my back lady gets very cross with me *quickly uncrosses legs too...*