Collapsed vertebrae

[KnackeredBack]

Hi all, I'm looking for any info on likely treatment of a collapsed vertebrae (L5/6 if it makes any difference). I've been diagnosed today, and have been advised that 'surgical' but nothing more as yet. My mind is spinning out! Any ideas what they'll do and most importantly, do I need help post op and for how long? TIA.

Bumping in case anyone has any insight? Are they still doing spinal fusions or is it something else now - not clear on Dr Google!

I tore my L5 a few years ago. Regular osteopath treatment at the time and now once a year maintenance. I don’t know if this is a route for you but it might be something to explore. Good luck

If they're talking surgery, I would expect them to either remove it and replace it or put a cage around it to support it.

Are you doing physio to support the muscles around the area?

A friend had this surgery before Christmas and had a ‘cage’ fitted around the affected vertebrae. The surgeon went in through the front so it was quite invasive. However it has been a real success so far and they are no longer in the constant pain that they were in pre-surgery.

They took most of Dec off to recover and slept pretty much for the first two weeks with limited ability to move about the house. By week 3 they could go on a short walk around the block and were off painkillers. They wfh but were signed off initially for three weeks with a phased approach to returning to work (a few half days, building up over the next few weeks).

Life changing surgery though so well worth it.

Good luck OP!

Do you know what caused it?

Collapsed vertebrae can also be referred to as compression fractures, and low bone density (typically osteoporosis, occasionally something rarer) is a typical cause.

I'd consider asking for a DXA bone density scan, and if it shows low bone density then bisphosphonate drugs will improve your bone density and reduce this risk of this happening again and also future fractures elsewhere in the body.

Thank you all - lots of info. To answer, yes I've had physio on and off for years, and previous back history so unlikely to be anything sudden as a cause. Ex distance runner (20 yrs ago, but consultant thinks likely cause and then normal wear and tear after that). Already fit/strong back and tummy muscles as have been aware that back not great for years.

Waiting to see what he says now but I have an idea of the type of recovery at least. Thanks all.