Suggest Treatment For Severe Lower Back Pain While Treating Compression Fracture Of L3

Posted on Wed, 24 Aug 2016

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Wed, 24 Aug 2016 Answered on

Tue, 20 Sep 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : I fell and have a compression fracture of L3. The ER Dr. gave me 2 injections of dilaudid but acted like this is nothing. gave me script for PT but did not tell me how long I will have this constant low pain in my back and down my legs. i feel this is much more serious than he. Am having to take more meds than was presribed. Calling about that tomorrow.

Answered by Dr. Prof. Kunal Saha (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Traction or surgery seem to be the way out.

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for asking on HealthcareMagic.

I have gone carefully through your query and understand your concerns. Compression fractures of lower vertebrae can indeed be painful. The way out will involve either a vertebral traction or a spinal surgery. Otherwise you can try various medicines but perhaps they would provide only little relief against the neuropathic pain. I would insist you to apply hot compress and to see an orthopedic surgeon in order to plan proper management for your case.

The constant pain would continue unless the spinal nerves that are compressed due to the fracture, are released.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar