X-ray Showed Lumbar Fracture. Having Pain In Lower Back Muscle. Get Relief From Alleve. Suggestion?

Posted on Fri, 16 Aug 2013

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

Fri, 16 Aug 2013 Answered on

Fri, 6 Sep 2013 Last reviewed on

Question : From a fall I have an lumbar 2 "slight" fracture, the doctor said after looking at the ex-rays. I am experiencing
pain in my lower back muscles also when I cough, stand and sit, but seem to be o.k. when I walk. The message
his nurse gave me was that nothing could be done about it, I'd just have to let it heal. I do get some relief from
Alleve but wonder if there is something else I should know or be doing. Once yesterday when I was sitting I
experienced light headedness and so laid on my back for much of the rest of the day.
Thank you -- I am wondering how long it should take this to heal and also what things I should avoid doing or am able to do to help the situation.

Answered by Dr. K. Naga Ravi Prasad (16 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
It takes around 3-4 months to heal.

Detailed Answer:
Hi, thanks for writing to XXXXXXX

Based on the above description, I assume that you have sustained a STABLE (without any neurological deficits in the legs) compression of L2 vertebral body.

The treatment for these injuries is always conservative which falls into the following categories -
* BED REST should be only for few days untill the acute pain subsides and prolonged immobilization is not advisable as it further leads to weakening of bone (disuse osteoporosis)
* PAIN MEDICINES as recommended by your treating doctor
* CALCIUM & fracture consolidates (which calcium preparation is best for you will be decided by your treating doctor)
* EXTERNAL BRACING in the form of a Lumbar corset

Hope I have addressed your query. I welcome any more clarifications.

Regards

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

Follow up: Dr. K. Naga Ravi Prasad (27 hours later)

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Answered by Dr. K. Naga Ravi Prasad (9 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
The only way is to contact customer care.

Detailed Answer:
Hi, I am sorry to say this but I am not the person (as a consultant) to solve your problem. You have to contact the customer care personnel. You can drop a mail to customer care at " YYYY@YYYY ".

Good day

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