hairline fracture on fifth vertebreas

[tatman30]

Seven days ago I fell on a staircase and got a hairline fracture on my fifth vertebreas on the lower right side of the vertebreas how long will it take to heal? I also work on a hotshot wildland firefighting crew and our job begins in about a month and a half will I be able to do that type of strenuous work?

[Abhijeet Deshmukh, MD]

Hello.

It seems you have the hairline fracture on the fifth lumbar vertebra. This is a common site.

The answer to your question is that with a good physical therapy, you may still not be able to make it for the job. You are advised to avoid the work for six weeks. That is just about the time you have.

Regards

[tatman30]

Thank you for your response I won't actually begin the physical side of my job until mid may or early June so maybe I still have time to heal.  If you don't mind I have one more question do you think that if the doctor clears me would I have a greater chance of re injuring myself worse if I went back to early?

[Abhijeet Deshmukh, MD]

Hello.

If the doctor clears you, you will be going at the appropriate time, not early. Just let the doctor know about the nature of your job and when you are expected to do heavy job.

Just make sure you do not over exert your self and take careful steps.

Regards

[tatman30]

Thank you sir for the help It helps put my mind at ease to know a little more about the healing timelines and such for my injury.