If you have osteoporosis and develop sudden back pain, you might have a compression fracture in your spine. These fractures occur when your bones become so weak that they break easily. A compression fracture can happen when you do something as simple as sneeze or cough. Serious cases may require surgery to repair. Often, the fracture will heal on its own in time. Here are some treatments your doctor may suggest if surgery is not necessary.

Wear A Back Brace

The pain from a compression fracture is caused when the bone fragments press against a nerve in your spine. A brace can help support your back so there is less movement and less irritation to the nerve. A brace may not speed healing, but it might help with pain. Be sure to get your doctor's advice before wearing a brace. You don't want to inadvertently cause your back muscles to weaken by wearing one. That could lead to further complications.

Begin Gentle Exercise

Your doctor may advise you to get bed rest for the first day or so after the fracture to help you deal with pain. However, prolonged bed rest will cause your muscles and bones to weaken further. Even though the pain may last for several weeks or a few months, you'll want to begin regular activity as soon as your doctor says it's okay. Your doctor may even prescribe physical therapy so you can learn gentle exercises that help strengthen your back and keep it flexible. You should avoid strenuous exercise and heavy lifting for several months. Gentle exercises such as yoga and walking will help keep you fit without straining your back. Just be sure to get your doctor's advice before beginning any type of exercise after you've had a compression fracture.

Consider Prescription Medication

Your doctor may prescribe prescription medication to help your pain if it is intense. However, you may be able to use over-the-counter pain relievers with success. In addition, your doctor may want to review your osteoporosis medication and make adjustments to strengthen your bones and reduce the risk of another compression fracture in the future.

If your spinal fracture doesn't heal within the expected time or if you suffer with severe pain, your doctor may then decide that surgery is the best choice so you get relief. There are a few types of surgeries for spinal compression fractures. They have the goal of fusing the fracture together so the bone is supported and no longer irritates your nerve. If you go ahead and have surgery, you may have relief from your pain within a few days to a few weeks. Visit a site like http://swfna.com for more information.