Compression Fracture Pain

Back in December 2000, I had a seizure. The results of my eeg and CT scan came out normal, so I was not put on any antiseizure treatment. Howvere, in the process of having the seizure, I injured my back, to the point where I have not been able to do much of my daily activities. The pain has abated slightly since then. Now, I have been getting physical therapy for my back. My doctor recommended getting a thoracic xray done to see if there were any problems. It was discovered that i had moderate comprresion fracture at T7,8 & 9. It was also discovered that I had osteoporosis. I am a 26 yr old female. Anyway, the pain in my back gets quite bad in the evenings, mostly spasm. I am taking 800 mg of ibuprofen every 6 hours, and my stomach is starting to pay the price, since I have been doing this for about 4 months now. Is there anything else I can do to releivbe the pain in my mid back? Thanks in advance.

[CCF Neuro[P]-M.D.-RPS]

Dear Scarllet74:

Sorry to hear about your back.  I would recommend an MRI of the spine and a rehab consultation.  Although you have been getting PT, you may need a larger team to help matters.  However, depending on the PT, if they are good then the point is mute.  Osteoporosis is not caused by your seizures, but might be affected by your medications, if they are enzyme inducing.  You may need more vitamin D and calcium in your diet.  I would try an enteric coated version of the ibuprofen or something else.  Unfortunately, it may be that this is something you have to learn to live with, I hope not.  

Sincerely,

CCF Neuro MD

[Judy1]

Hi Scarlett,

You might want to consult with a rheumatologist who could put you on NSAIDS that you could tolerate. Perhaps the new COX-2 NSAIDS. They are easier on the GI track. They inhibit only the prostaglandins that causes inflammation - not the one that protects the stomach. A common one is celebrex. The rheumy could also put you on bone building drugs. Osteoporosis is not the terrible problem it once was. A common one is fosamax. There are others - even a nasal spray. Dig that - a few sniffs and your bones grow bigger, stronger, better.

Get Viactiv - chocalate calcium chews. They have the Vitamin D and K needed for proper absorbtion. My rheumy recommends these. And they taste yummy. I have heard that diet colas have something to do with this greater frequency of osteoporosis in young women. I'm not sure if it is from the colas or the fact that people are drinking them instead of milk. I don't remember.
Eat a lot of dark leafy greens.

I have also read about back bone glue for osteoporitic fractures.
They inject it, and it stabalizes the fracture. No movement, no pain.

There are tons of treatments for osteoporosis. At 26, with proper treatment, you can be good as new. I am just waiting for the drug that builds cartilage - then I can regrow my joints. Osteoporosis they have licked.

This treatment will require more than just the PT professionals. Use them in conjunction with treatment for the underlying cause of the osteoporosis. Untreated osteoporosis can be devastating.
An effective treatment plan and your adherance to it, will make you good as new.

Best wishes,
Judy

[Judy1]

http://www.hopkins-arthritis.com/edu/osteo_update.html

Good web site on osteoporosis.

[Robin80]

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