How long does it take an L2 compression fracture to heal?
Compression fractures usually heal on their own in about 3 months. While that happens, your doctor may suggest you try some things at home that can make you feel better, such as pain medicines, rest, physical therapy, or a back brace.
What happens if you fracture your L2?
If you have a fracture below the L1-L2 (first and second vertebrae in the lumbar spine), you won’t have a spinal cord injury, but it’s still possible to injure the nerves. Your back also has muscles, ligaments, tendons, and blood vessels. Muscles are strands of tissues that power your movement.
How do you sleep with a fractured L2?
Sleep on your back with a pillow under your knees. This will decrease pressure on your back. You may also sleep on your side with 1 or both of your knees bent and a pillow between them. It may also be helpful to sleep on your stomach with a pillow under you at waist level.
Can you walk with a spinal compression fracture?
However, this does not mean you should stay sedentary until the fracture heals. Low impact activities, such as walking or tai chi, are good for your heart, and a healthy circulatory system can increase blood flow to the fracture and help your bones heal faster.
Can a compression fracture get worse?
The main symptom you’ll notice with a spinal compression fracture is back pain. It may start gradually and get worse over time or come on suddenly and sharply.
What do you do for a L2 fracture?
Treatment. The most common treatments for a thoracic compression fracture are: pain medications, decreasing activity, and bracing. In rare cases, surgery may also be necessary.
What does the L2 nerve control?
L2, L3, and L4 spinal nerves provide sensation to the front part of the thigh and inner side of the lower leg. These nerves also control movements of the hip and knee muscles.
How long does it take for a compression fracture to stop hurting?
Pain from a spinal compression fracture allowed to heal naturally can last as long as three months. But the pain usually improves significantly in a matter of days or weeks. Pain management may include analgesic pain medicines, bed rest, back bracing, and physical activity. Pain medications.
Can compression fractures get worse?
How serious is a spinal compression fracture?
What are possible complications of a compression fracture? Complications of compression fractures include: Fractured bones that do not heal after treatment, which can lead to damage of the nearby vertebrae. Blood clots in the legs due to decreased mobility.
Can a compression fracture cause leg pain?
However, patients with an osteoporotic compression fracture will generally have localized back pain, and may also have some radicular leg pain due to adjacent nerve irritation.
What is the best way to treat a compression fracture?
Traditional treatment for compression fractures include pain medications, bed rest, bracing or, in very severe cases, surgery. Today there are two promising therapeutic and preventive treatments for compression fractures called vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty.
How long for compression fracture to heal?
Most compression fractures due to injury heal in 8 to 10 weeks with rest, wearing of a brace, and pain medicines. However, recovery can take much longer if surgery was done.
What are the complications of a compression fracture?
Complications of vertebral compression fractures include the following: deep venous thrombosis; acceleration of osteoporosis; loss of height; respiratory or gastrointestinal disturbances; and emotional and social problems secondary to unremitting pain and loss of independence.
Do compression fractures heal on their own?
Compression fractures usually heal on their own in about 3 months. While that happens, your doctor may suggest you try some things at home that can make you feel better, such as pain medicines, rest, physical therapy, or a back brace.