Brief Answer:
Your doctor is right and complete bed rest is not required

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX,
Thanks for writing in to us.

I have read through your query in detail.
Please find my observations below.

1. There is mild wedging in the D 12 vertebra due to the fall. This is a mild injury and your doctor is right that you do not require complete bed rest.

2. Please avoid doing heavy physical activity and lifting weights for 3 months. For 1 to 2 weeks you can take leave from work if there is lot of pain because work requires regular movement. Regarding going for work, it is important to avoid 2 wheeler for some time. If you go by car then please go slowly. You need to take regular break to avoid pain.

3. If there is pain then lie down in a comfortable position and apply heat pack or ointment and take rest for some time. If pain is significant the oral pain relief medicine can be taken as recommended.

4. Complete bed rest is not required for you and can cause other problems. Even when lying down please change your position every 2 hours to avoid any clots forming in leg veins.

5. The bone will heal itself but you will continue to have mild pain for few months. A review is to be done after 3 months and if the pain increases then a MRI scan is suggested.

Hope your query is answered.
Please do write back if you have any doubts.

Regards,

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Brief Answer:
No harm if you take care and pain is under control.

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXX,
Thanks for writing back withan update.

1. The bone will try to repair itself. However the decreased height will persist. It is not a serious problem. You can include vitamin D and calcium in your diet supplement.

2. Disc space reduction is to be reviewed if there is significant pain now or after 3 months. You might have an early disc problem. Schmorl nodule is a common appearance and not a disease condition.

3. Nice to know you are going for work half day. You can try full day as long the pain is in control and you have to avoid movement involving the back. Please try and sit in comfortable posture and you can have small pillow for support.

Hope your query is answered.
Please do write back if you have any doubts.

Regards,

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Brief Answer:
Your bones might be weak and please check your vitamin D and calcium levels

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX,
Thanks for writing back with an update.

1. The bone has developed internal cracks and there is swelling inside the bone. In 3 months time the bone will probably heal and calcium will deposit in the cracks. Though the height will not increase there will be decrease in bone swelling which you are having now.

2. It is usually said that bones, muscle and ligaments get back their strength in 3 months time after injury therefore you should be able to do normal activities after that.

3. There is a small possibility of disc damage which can be known only by doing MRI scan. Right now if the pain is not much then probably the disc damage is mild. However with increasing age there is a tendency of nerve root pinching due to the disc problem and this can take 5 to 20 years or longer. Your bones might be strong and that is why I suggested calcium and vitamin D. There is risk of fracture to other bones if your vitamin D and calcium is less and not particularly for this bone.

Hope your query is answered.
Please do write back if you have any doubts.

Regards,

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