Compression fracture

2 years ago I received a compression fracture on my L4 in my back.  I was snowboarding off a cliff and landed on my butt.  They also said I had degenerative disks and arthritis (i'm 29).  They told me it would take a couple months to heal and I would be fine.  It's been two years and I am still not able to run, do yoga, snowboard or even walk for long periods.  I have been able to run on a trampoline with only moderate pain that lasts for about 3 days.  Anyways, i'm extremely active and my life has been on hold.  I have been through physical therapy.  I don't know what to do.  What are my options?  Do I have any or will I just have to live with this?

[Michael L Gross, MD]

I suggest consultation with an orthopedic spine specialist.  Although the vertebral body may have healed, you mave developed degenerative changes in the small joints of the back, known as the facet joints.  Another possibility is degenerative changes in the disc space causing spurring and spinal stenosis.
Either way, a full exam and imaging studies should be done.  Following that your options can be laid out.  These may include treatment with injections, laminectomy, or spinal fusion.