Spinal fracture is a serious problem that can cause permanent paralysis of the legs or body, depending on the affected vertebra.
Spine fractures are usually caused by traffic accidents, drop in height or sports accidents, but this type of injury can also occur spontaneously in patients with osteoporosis or bone tumors, due to weakening of the spine bones.
- Treatment should always be initiated in the hospital and guided by an orthopedist.
- As it varies depending on the degree of the injury.
- But usually includes:.
During recovery, you should rest completely during the first week and slowly begin lighter daily activities, such as walking and sitting, avoiding heavy exercises, such as running, swimming or lifting weights, following all your doctor’s instructions.
When treatment is not performed correctly, even in the case of minor injuries, the fracture may worsen and, in these cases, there may even be a risk of paralysis, even if the spinal cord was not initially affected.
As long as it is necessary to remain at rest, the orthopedist may indicate physical therapy sessions to facilitate circulation and prevent muscle atrophy or the development of pressure ulcers.In addition, in some cases, the physical therapist may use a magnetotherapy device, called a magnetron, that stimulates bone formation and facilitates the healing of fractures.Discover all the advantages of this technique.
The physical therapist may also perform breathing exercises to prevent respiratory infections and release secretions that build up in the lungs.See 5 exercises to breathe better after surgery.
Some precautions that help prevent complications and speed up vertebrae recovery include:
In addition, hydrotherapy, which is a milder type of physiotherapy in water, can be a great way to speed up the recovery process by allowing you to work and strengthen your spine muscles without causing pain.
During the recovery period, it is also important to eat a balanced diet, so as not to gain weight, and also rich in calcium and vitamin D, to help strengthen bones, especially in the case of older people with a fractured spine from osteoporosis.Learn more about following a osteoporosis diet, which can help with fractures.
After a complete recovery from surgery and according to medical advice, it is recommended to eat foods rich in calcium and to practice gradual and regular physical exercise to strengthen the bones. Read more tips by watching this video from our nutritionist and physiotherapist:
After a spinal injury, the spinal cord, which is a beam of nerves passing through the spine, can be injured and compromise the movements of the body parts below this point, such as a fracture of the cervical spine (neck).can cause total paralysis of the body, while a fractured lumbar spine (lower back) or chest can cause paralysis of the legs.
Complications of a broken spine usually occur immediately after the accident, during transportation to the hospital, or within the first few hours after treatment begins.
Spine fractures can only affect the bone without causing spinal cord injuries, in these cases there are no serious sequelae, such as paralysis, that only require rest and treatment, under the direction of the orthopedist, for the vertebra to recover.