No one wants to hear that they have fractured vertebrae. The idea of a broken back immediately sparks concerns about a painful and prolonged recuperation and whether a complete recovery is even possible. The good news is that, in many cases, fractured vertebrae are entirely treatable and may heal completely, allowing you to live a normal life and enjoy all your favorite activities.
Symptoms of Fractured Vertebrae
The first step in recovering from a fractured vertebrae is an accurate diagnosis. Your symptoms will depend on the severity and type of your injury and may include:
- Pain in the neck or back
- Numbness or tingling
- Weakness of limbs
- Muscle spasms
Your pain and other symptoms may be mild, debilitating, or somewhere in between. You may still be able to walk, although it might be painful. No symptoms is also possbile.
When to See a Doctor
If you’re experiencing back pain and you aren’t sure why, you may wonder whether you need to seek medical attention. Here are a few clues that it’s time to contact your healthcare provider for an appointment.
- Your pain lasts more than a week or two
- Your pain prevents you from participating in normal daily activities
In some cases, the person will need medical attention sooner. If you experience any of the following, you should seek urgent medical care.
- Your back pain is the result of physical trauma
- You also have a fever
- You experience a loss of bladder control
- Your arms or legs feel weak
- You experience unexplained weight loss
Treatment for Fractured Vertebrae
If your doctor diagnoses you with fractured vertebrae, your treatment plan will depend on your condition and needs. In general, treatment may include:
- Over-the-counter or prescription pain relievers
- Use of a back brace to keep your spine aligned properly as it heals
- Physical therapy to strengthen your back
- Treatment for osteoporosis, if that’s a factor
- Surgery if more conservative measures are not effective
Depending on what products your doctor recommends, you may be able to find what you need online – often saving you money and time. Here are some popular items for the best pain relief for fractured vertebrae and a few of our top recommendations.
Fit Geno Back Brace Posture Corrector for Men and Women
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This adjustable back brace provides support and pain relief for your entire back, including the upper and lower neck and shoulders. Designed to keep the spine straight, it promotes optimal recovery from a range of injuries. This brace is fully adjustable to fit almost any body type. Wear it discreetly under your clothes for continuous support throughout the day. The orthopedic materials and quality construction ensure natural and comfortable care and promote healthy body alignment throughout your recovery period. It is also recommended for individuals with scoliosis, humpback, or other posture-related issues.
| What We Like: | What We Don’t Like: |
| The straps are comfortable and will stay flat and straight, not curl or roll up. Users report effective pain relief. The brace is versatile, with users wearing it under clothes, over scuba gear, and more. | The brace may ride up or otherwise be uncomfortable on larger body types. Velcro closures can be irritating to users with sensitive skin. Taller individuals and those with broader shoulders may find that the straps dig in slightly. |
Bracepost Ergonomic Back Brace
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If it’s your lower back that needs support, here’s a good option. The Bracepost Ergonomic Back Brace offers advanced lumbar support and relief of back pain. It can address pain or discomfort associated with various conditions, such as fractures, herniated discs, sciatica, and scoliosis. This brace features a 3D bionic lumbar pad and a unique ergonomic support system, which provides twice the strength of ordinary supports. The breathable elastic fabric and adjustable design ensure comfort for all users. You can wear this brace for a wide range of daily activities to stabilize your lumbar muscles and help keep your spine aligned as it heals.
| What We Like: | What We Don’t Like: |
| The support system offers superior strength. This brace can provide relief from inoperable pain. The fit is customizable and very comfortable. | Some users feel this brace is rather bulky. Velcro closures seem soft and perhaps not as durable as they could be. Users may feel too warm when wearing the brace under layered clothing. |
Nalax Neck Stretcher With Graphene Heating Pad
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This neck stretcher featuring heat therapy provides vertical, horizontal, and curvature stretching, reducing pressure on the spine and promoting healthy blood circulation and muscle relaxation. The graphene heating technology releases special rays known to offer significant relief for neck and shoulder pain. The heating area is large enough to cover the entire neck, ensuring deep muscle penetration. This versatile support provides three temperature settings, a removable neck traction device, and a three-year service commitment. Lightweight and easily portable for home, office, or travel use.
| What We Like: | What We Don’t Like: |
| The heat helps make stretching the neck muscles more comfortable and effective. The high-quality material and soft heating pad are very comfortable. For safety reasons, the heat turns off automatically after 15 minutes. | A few users reported that the heating feature didn’t work. The cord is quite short. Users report discomfort when falling asleep for longer than the suggested 15-minute session. |
Lumbar Support Memory Foam Pillow
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This lumbar support pillow is made from 100% high-density memory foam, featuring an ergonomic 5D contoured design with additional waist support to alleviate lower back pain. Once in place, the pillow stays put securely for all-day use at your desk, in the car, on a plane, or wherever you may need some extra cushioning and support. The cover is removable and washable, and the extra inner cover helps keep this pillow both clean and breathable. Installation is super easy with just an adjustable strap. Perhaps best of all, your purchase is risk-free with the manufacturer’s 30-day hassle-free return policy.
| What We Like: | What We Don’t Like: |
| The 30-day return policy and 12-month after-sale guarantee mean a risk-free purchase. The pillow is portable and versatile. The cover is washable for maximum convenience. | The substantial support means that the shape of the pillow will work better for some users than others. Some users say that the pillow slides out of place in some chairs. The height of this pillow means it may not work for very short or very tall users. |
Nvorliy TLSO Back Brace for Compression Fracture
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You may need a more substantial brace to immobilize and support the back during recovery for conditions such as compression fractures. The Nvorliy Back Brace is an excellent medical correction and rehabilitation brace, offering adjustability, breathability, washability, and comfort. The innovative airbag decompression design features a back support panel with an inflatable, air-pumped airbag to customize the fit and support. This brace comes in a range of sizes to fit waist sizes from 26 to 57 inches. It is not only helpful for people with fractured vertebrae but also for those with scoliosis, osteoporosis, kyphosis, and more – as well as those who are recovering from surgery.
| What We Like: | What We Don’t Like: |
| The fit is fully customizable. The brace is very easy to get on and off. Customers report that the company offers excellent customer service. | The airbag can slip out of place. The brace may ride up or otherwise come out of place on particular wearers. The higher price tag means this brace is not suitable for those with smaller budgets. |
Find Your Best Pain Relief for Fractured Vertebrae
If you believe you may have broken a bone or bones in your back, it’s critical to see your healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis. That’s because some back conditions require different treatments to achieve the best results. Always follow your doctor’s advice regarding what kind of treatment you need, for how long, and what supplies you’ll need.
The braces, pillows, and other equipment above can provide an additional measure of comfort, support, and safety during your recovery period. Whatever you need or want as you heal, remember that treatment plans for fractured vertebrae are as individual as the injuries themselves and the people who sustain them. When you do choose a pillow, brace, or other piece of equipment, be sure to read any instructions to ensure that you are using it correctly for the best results.
