Mom took a spill and fractured her L2. The ER said it's non operative and has to heal on its own. She's on day 9 and is in terrible pain still. I feel so bad for her and for my dad who is with her all night. She's got pain meds (oxycodone 5 mg) combined with acetomenaphin. She's not supposed to take nsaids bc of her platelets which she is taking meds for to keep them up. Doing icing and lidocaine patches but it's not really touching it. Is it just too soon to expect any relief at all?
I don't know if a brace would help. Honestly I know there's probably nothing else she can do. It sucks. It's deeply depressing for her. She's getting up to use the bathroom etc but can't do much else. She was supposed to start pulmonary rehab this week...
Posted under osteoporosis no other topic seemed to fit...
Makes complete sense when you think about that angle.
I do pray that she can get some relief to take the roar of pain away.
This is about 20-30 $ in cost and gives GREAT support to the back when most needed. I recently used after breast surgery as well, putting it a bit higher up on chest.
This works really well for me, with my "bad old nurse's back" when it's acting up.
Do know that most back stuff will last only about two weeks to a month. Walking helps, laying flat is good, but sitting is anathema. Go easy on these medications and use stool softeners or they will bind her bowel and she will be in extraordinary trouble.
Worse yet, it could complicate your mom getting more opioid narcotics, which for right now is what likely will be required.
Surgeons tend to be most cooperative about upping the narcotics dose early in surgery, especially without contradictory or additive meds like flex or soma. And rehab can’t be postponed. When I couldn’t do pt at home they suggested I contact the doc for another oxy refill so that pt could continue.
An L2 fracture, or a fracture of the second lumbar vertebra, can cause a variety of symptoms depending on the severity and location of the fracture. Symptoms can range from pain and difficulty moving to nerve damage causing weakness, numbness, or paralysis. Treatment typically involves pain management, bracing, physical therapy, and in some cases, surgery.
Symptoms:
Back pain: A common symptom, especially with sudden or forceful injuries.
Leg weakness or numbness: Can occur if the fracture damages nearby nerves.
Inability to move a limb: May occur with more severe fractures or nerve damage.
Loss of bowel or bladder control: In rare cases, severe spinal fractures can affect these functions.
Muscle spasms: Can be a response to the injury and pain.
Loss of height or kyphosis (a rounded back): Can occur if the fracture is a compression fracture.
Causes:
Trauma: High-impact injuries like car accidents, falls, or sports injuries can cause L2 fractures.
Osteoporosis: Weakened bones due to osteoporosis can make L2 fractures more likely, even from minor trauma.
Tumors: Tumors can weaken the vertebrae and increase the risk of fractures.
Treatment:
Pain management: Medications like NSAIDs, muscle relaxants, or neuropathic pain medications can help manage pain.
Bracing: A back brace can help stabilize the spine and promote healing.
Physical therapy: Exercises can help strengthen the back muscles and improve mobility.
Surgery: May be necessary in cases of severe fractures, nerve damage, or instability.
Treatment for osteoporosis: If osteoporosis is a factor, medications and supplements can help strengthen the bones.
Prognosis:
Most L2 fractures heal within 6-12 weeks with conservative treatment.
Long-term complications like chronic pain and disability are possible, especially with severe fractures or underlying conditions.
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I think you are expecting too much too soon, personally. I have a seriously compromised lumbar spine and it causes me pain daily. I use a brace and a heating pad for some relief. Sometimes I'll take a muscle relaxer which helps but causes loopiness. There is no easy answer for lumbar fractures, unfortunately.
I had kyphoplasty on my thoracic spine in 2023 after a tumor broke vertebrae. Not a day goes by that I don't also have pain from the surgery in that area too.
I think your mom could benefit from a visit with an orthopedist who can order physical therapy and muscle relaxers. The doctor may ha e other ideas that were not explored in the ER.
Good luck.
It's one step forward two steps back, one positive for her had been she was not in any pain. And that she had not had any falls... That's no longer the case and it just makes me so sad. She has been so careful using her walker and for the most part doing everything everyone has asked of her.