What is a Compression Fracture?
Compression fractures are slight breaks in the bones that occur as a result of the weakening of those bones. In the context of senior citizen home health care, compression fractures are front and center as elderly individuals have weakened bones. To be more specific, compression fractures refer to bones within the spine.
The front portion of the spinal vertebra eventually breaks and loses a portion of its height yet the vertebra in the back remain in good condition. Such a fracture is typically the result of osteoporosis, meaning the loss of bone mass, that results from aging. The bones in the back have the potential to fracture by merely lifting something heavy, coughing or falling. The symptoms and treatments of compression fracture spine in elderly are detailed below
What Causes Compression Fractures in the Elderly?
If you are like most people, you are wondering what causes compression fractures. Compression fractures are the result of the body getting older and the bones becoming more brittle. The sad truth is those nearing the age of 60 are approaching the point at which small cracks form within the vertebrae that comprise the spine.
The onset of such fracturing has the potential to lead to a full vertebra collapse, also referred to as a spinal compression fracture. Collapsed vertebrae in the elderly are not easy to treat nor quick to recover from. The bottom line is bones become soft and weak as a result of the aging process. Osteoporosis even causes the bones to become thin to the point that compression fractures occur.
What are the Symptoms of a Compression Fracture?
Compression fractures are a form of back pain that has the potential to rapidly manifest and last for a lengthy period of time. Reduced spinal flexibility and mobility along with a hunchback-like appearance are also symptoms of compression fractures. In general, pain in the back and even the arms and the legs is indicative of a compression fracture. However, you might experience one or several combinations of these symptoms spaced out or all at once. The key takeaway is that each patient is highly unique in terms of symptoms and sensitivity. When in doubt, consult with your doctor for guidance.
Compression Fracture Diagnosis
If the doctor suspects a compression fracture, he or she will gauge for sensitivity and tenderness by the vertebrae in question. If there is suspicion of a vertebral fracture as a result of an analysis of the patient’s physical exam and history, an x-ray will be obtained to determine if the diagnosis is accurate. So don’t assume the pain in your loved one’s back is harmless and will go away. If your parent, grandparent, uncle or aunt is 60 years of age or older and he or she complains of back pain, recognize there is the potential for the pain to be a compression fracture.
Compression Fracture Prevention
By the time you reach your golden years, it is difficult to make behavioral changes as habits are developed and engrained. Altering your habits won’t come easy, meaning the senior you love so much right now is struggling to do the same in his or her attempt to remain healthy and avoid a compression fracture.
You can do your part to prevent a compression fracture by encouraging your loved one to take his or her prescribed medication. The use of certain medications reduces bone loss, catalyzes bone growth and sets the stage for healthy living moving forward. Smoking cessation also decreases the chances of osteoporosis and cancer that has the potential to move into the bones. It will also help if the senior you love so much puts a stop to drinking alcohol for good.
Treating Compression Fractures in the Elderly
Vertebral compression fracture treatment in elderly is unique, highly detailed and quite effective. The treatment of a compression fracture in a senior citizen is different than that used for regular people. Senior citizens are more fragile, meaning they need a nuanced form of treatment that is gentle and slower-paced. Examples of such forms of vertebral compression fracture treatment in elderly include pain control, physical therapy and bed rest.
Do compression fractures heal in the elderly?
Most seniors bounce back from compression fractures. However, it takes seniors longer than younger individuals to rebound from a compression fracture. In general, it takes about three months to heal a compression fracture so don’t lose hope. Continue to trudge forth on your road to recovery with physical therapy, medication and the assistance of your home health aide and your compression fracture will eventually heal.
Fractured spine recovery in elderly
Elderly individuals with compression fractures resulting from osteoporosis face a tough road to recovery. Compression fractures stemming from osteoporosis as well as other causes require rehabilitation, the use of braces and meeting with medical professionals throughout the course of recovery.
In some situations, rehabbing a compression fracture is facilitated with the use of an abdominal binder or restrictive corset as they keep the pain at a tolerable level. Keep in mind, recovery will take months so be patient. Encourage your loved one to remain strong, continue consulting with his or her physician for guidance and ask for assistance from the home health aide whenever necessary.
Management of the Elderly With Vertebral Compression Fractures
Though compression fractures have the potential to heal with a decrease in physical activity along with medication to reduce pain, those treatment modalities might not be enough. Management of the elderly with vertebral compression fractures often requires more than one piece of durable medical equipment. In some cases, patients transition from one type of durable medical equipment to another, then another and so on until the pain dissipates to a comfortable level.
Back braces, medication for bone stability as opposed to pain relief and several other treatment modalities including surgery might be necessary. Encourage the senior you love so much to communicate with you, his or her home health aide and doctor about the extent of back pain when dealing with a vertebral compression fracture, and the stage will be set for successful management moving forward.