- When to do physical therapy
- How to speed up recovery
- Main sequelae of spine fracture
- Anatomy of the spine
Spinal fracture is a serious problem that can cause permanent paralysis of the legs or body, depending on the affected vertebra.
Generally, spinal fractures are caused by traffic accidents, falls from a height or accidents in sports, but this type of injury can also arise spontaneously in patients with osteoporosis or bone tumors, due to the weakening of the spine bones.
Treatment must always be initiated at the hospital and guided by an orthopedist, as it varies according to the degree of the injury, but usually includes:
- Use of Jewett vest, cervical collar or plaster: used in cases of spine fracture without spinal cord injuries. Usually, this type of conservative treatment is continued for 8 to 12 weeks, until the vertebrae heal; Surgery: in case of severe fractures and when the spinal cord is affected, using a metal support similar to screws, which aligns the spine and supports the weight of the body.
During recovery, one should rest completely during the first week and slowly start lighter daily activities, such as walking and sitting, avoiding heavy exercises, such as running, swimming or lifting weights, respecting all the doctor's instructions.
When treatment is not done properly, even in minor injuries, the fracture may worsen and, in these cases, there may even be a risk of paralysis, even if the spinal cord was not initially affected.
When to do physical therapy
As long as it is necessary to remain at rest, the orthopedist may indicate that physiotherapy sessions are carried out to facilitate circulation and prevent muscle atrophy or the development of bedsores. In addition, in some cases, the physiotherapist may use a magnetotherapy device, called Magnetron, which stimulates bone formation, facilitating fracture healing. See all the benefits of this technique.
The physiotherapist can also perform breathing exercises to prevent respiratory infections and to release secretions that accumulate in the lungs. See 5 exercises to breathe better after surgery.
How to speed up recovery
Some precautions that help to avoid complications and speed recovery of the vertebrae include:
- Stay in bed for the first few days, making only the movements allowed by the orthopedist; Keep your legs slightly elevated, using 2 pillows under your feet to facilitate circulation; Slowly start daily activities, with the indication of the doctor and avoiding more intense exercises such as running or swimming, for example; Avoid making sudden movements with your spine, such as turning your neck or back;
In addition, hydrotherapy, which is a milder type of physiotherapy in water, can be an excellent way to speed up the recovery process because it allows you to work and strengthen your spine muscles without causing pain.
During the recovery period it is also important to eat a balanced diet, so as not to put on weight, and also rich in calcium and vitamin D, to help strengthen the bones, especially in the case of elderly people with a fractured spine due to osteoporosis. Find out more about how to make a diet for osteoporosis, which can help in case of fractures.
After complete recovery from surgery and according to medical advice, intake of calcium-rich foods and the practice of gradual and regular physical exercise to strengthen bones is recommended. Find out more tips by watching this video from our nutritionist and physiotherapist:
Main sequelae of spine fracture
After a spinal injury, the spinal cord, which is a bundle of nerves that passes through the spine, can be injured and compromise the movements of the body parts below that point. Thus, a fracture in the cervical spine (neck) can cause total paralysis of the body, while a fracture in the lumbar spine (bottom of the back) or thoracic can cause paralysis in the legs.
Usually, complications of spine fracture appear immediately after the accident, during transport to the hospital or in the first hours after the start of treatment.
Anatomy of the spine
Spine fractures can affect only the bone without causing injury to the spinal cord. In these cases, there are no serious sequelae, such as paralysis, requiring only rest and treatment, under the guidance of the orthopedist, for the vertebra bone to recover.
