Question
QUESTION: Have been advised to rest, use ice; searching for more,non-
surgical assistance I can do for myself to aid in healing.
Happened yesterday. Am open to all information.
Thank you!

ANSWER: hi Marlene-

yikes!
for how to help this heal it would be helpful to know the cause- injury vs osteoporosis (the usual causes) but i can tell you some basics.. ice for the first week (heat will cause fluid to build up- no heat in first week), no more than 20 min at a time. Calcium is helpful even if fracture not due to osteoporosis-  just for healing bones. Advil (ibuprofen) for pain and to help swelling.

there's something called vertebroplasty, considered 'nonsurgical' but it sounds rather invasive, where they inject a sort of cement in the bone to return it to its previous height and make it stronger. This is still better than fusion of the bones, and if you have trouble healing it might be worth looking into

below are some links that you might find helpful- just be careful, and if unsure of somthing ask your doc.

good luck, and take it easy- these don't heal real quickly!
leslie

http://www.foodandlife.com/bone.html


http://orthopedics.about.com/cs/brokenbones/a/compression.htm

http://www.emedicinehealth.com/vertebral_compression_fracture/page6_em.htm#Verte

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: The fracture was incurred by me trying to open a window that was stuck, so guess it is an accident; I do, however, take Fosamax to prevent osteoporosis. The emergency physician prescribed Ultram and Tylenol. Added to the first query,I hope this clarifies my situation.

Answer
hi-
with the additional info i'd say the calcium is even more important. (most people's vertebrae don't collapse like this). i started drinking milk like crazy when i was diagnosed with osteoporosis, not wanting to take pills or that nose spray.

thing is i HATE milk. but chocolate milk, well that's a different story. you can even buy chocolate syrup enriched with calcium- i am their niche market!

i would consider your choice of osteo meds too- i'm not sure what's come out lately, but there might be something better. beyond this, the food and nutrition links from the first email are my best advice (other than what your doctor's already told you)

good luck
leslie