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[RC] Compression Fracture - Bruce WearyHi Sheila--If your doctor told you your fracture is mild, it probably means that one or both of the upper and lower flat surfaces of the vertebra "buckled" without the bone breaking into pieces. It is probably stable, as most compression fractures pose no threat of paralysis or neurologic problems. How you take care of yourself in the 6-10 week healing process is of more concern than whether you can have an adjustment. No twisting or lifting and carrying weight over ten pounds is a good recommendation. What most patients and many doctors fail to recognize is that if your spine absorbed enough trauma to cause bone failure, then many of the joints of the spine will have taken a blow, as well. When the spinal joints are traumatized, there is a protective mechanism whereby those joints will often "jam" and become immobile. It is this immobility that manipulation corrects, and allows the associated soft tissues to recover also. The old "misalignment" concept is incorrect and antiquated, and has been a credibility problem for my profession, as we have known for decades that bones don't "go out of place." You can likely be safely be manipulated by a skilled practitioner, and obviously above and below, but not at the site of the fracture. Depending on how much vertical height has been lost, the muscles now have to adapt, which can be part of the muscular soreness you are feeling. Some local heat might help. Don't worry about doing any stretching until the bony healing is complete. Then you may want to get with a good PT for a strengthening and flexibility program. Riding is out until the healing is complete as well. (Okay, I'm ducking and running!) After the fracture heals, gentle manipulation in the area can be done to offset some of the natural immobilization which naturally occurs, but should be addressed to rehabilitate the area. Chronically immobilized joints tend to deteriorate faster. That will be $100. Please pay at the front desk on your way out. Bruce Weary =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Ridecamp is a service of Endurance Net, http://www.endurance.net. Information, Policy, Disclaimer: http://www.endurance.net/Ridecamp Subscribe/Unsubscribe http://www.endurance.net/ridecamp/logon.asp Ride Long and Ride Safe!! =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
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