How long does it take to recover from a spinal fracture?

Fracture is the breakage of human bones caused by external force, which causes great pain to the patient. Fracture is also a huge blow to the patient's life. It can cause the patient to be in a long-term recovery period, cause the patient to lose the ability to work, etc. Spinal fracture is the most serious and can damage the spinal nerves. Therefore, careful care is required during the recovery period. Let's take a look at how long it takes to recover from a spinal fracture.

Generally, it takes about 2 to 3 months for a spinal fracture to heal, and it will take longer to fully recover. Please follow the doctor's advice for treatment. Spinal fractures can be treated conservatively if they do not damage the nerves and spinal cord. Generally, bed rest is required for 4-6 weeks.

Patient-centered self-psychological adjustment and functional training play an extremely important role in restoring patient confidence, shortening the course of the disease and preventing complications.

Functional exercise guidance

1. Keep your chest up 2 days after injury. The patient lies on his back, supports his chest with his elbows, and leaves his waist and back suspended in the air.

2. Use the five-point support method one week after injury. The patient lies on his back, using his head, elbows and feet to support his whole body, with his back suspended in the air and extended as far as possible.

3. Use the three-point support method 2 to 3 weeks after injury. The patient places his arms in front of his chest, supports his head and feet on the bed, and stretches his whole body backward in the air.

4. Use the four-point support method 3 to 4 weeks after injury. Support yourself on the bed with your hands and feet, with your whole body suspended in the air, forming an arch bridge shape.

5. Do back extension method 5 to 6 weeks after injury. The patient lies prone, lifts his head and chest off the bed, stretches his upper limbs behind his back, straightens his knees, and lifts his legs off the bed.

Precautions

1. Suitable environment: The ward environment should be quiet and comfortable, with fresh air, soft light, and appropriate temperature and humidity. Place a mattress of appropriate thickness on a hard bed and let the patient lie flat on the bed to keep the spine straight and prevent deformity or further injury.

2. Don't rush when practicing step by step, and don't overexert yourself during each practice. The amplitude and frequency should be gradually increased and practiced without increasing fatigue and pain.

3. The correct way to turn over is to straighten your back and waist before turning over to tighten the back muscles to form a natural internal fixation. Do not turn the upper and lower body separately. When lying on your side, use a pillow to support your entire back to avoid inconsistent lying positions of the upper and lower body, which may cause twisting of the thoracic and lumbar spine.

4. Correct use of the bedpan: Because lifting the hips to place the bedpan will cause the thoracic and lumbar spine to flex forward, it is best to use a three-section mattress or a wooden bed with holes. The patient can use the bedpan without turning over, while keeping the spine straight.