Vertebra compression fracture

[pepperbelly]

I had a step ladder shift out from under me on Easter Sunday. I fell in an upright sitting position and have a compression fracture of my T-5 vertebra.
My dr. said to take it easy for 6 weeks/ no lifting over 10 pounds and not do anything stupid. I have no idea what he has heard about me.
Once I heal is there any reason to be concerned about going diving- other than the weight of the gear?
Dr. said the fracture is stable.

 

[pepperbelly]

I am hoping the lack of replies means I have nothing to worry about. Doc says after 6 weeks if I have no pain I can resume normal activity-within reason.
I really need time on my bicycle.

 

[Duke Dive Medicine]

I am hoping the lack of replies means I have nothing to worry about. Doc says after 6 weeks if I have no pain I can resume normal activity-within reason.
I really need time on my bicycle.

I think it's more that it's highly individual and depends on the severity of the fracture and any underlying conditions, e.g. osteoporosis. From a diving standpoint, if you are cleared for full activity including full range of motion and weight-bearing on the spine then you *should* be ok, but that's a discussion best had with the physician you're working with. If you're cleared to dive, you shouldn't run into any decompression-related issues.

Best regards,
DDM

 

[Zef]

As you heal, have a discussion with your orthopedist/neuro surgeon about the discs between T4 and T5 as well as T5 and T6.

Once the fracture has healed the best it can you want to ensure there are no latent issues with the discs before bending/twisting to don/doff your tank(s).

If you have not discussed physical therapy yet, I would recommend broaching the subject and discuss the concern above with the physical therapist.

T5 is fairly stable area so you will probably just need to do some general strengthening exercises for the back and abs but it is best to discuss this with the physical therapist.

The worst thing you can do is rush back to activity, especially any that causes a compressive load on the spine.

Hope you heal well and quick.

-Z

 

[pepperbelly]

I will be discussing activity level with my doc before I start anything. They took ct scans as well as x-rays. At 62 years old my back isn’t in bad shape, which is surprising considering what I did for a living. The discs are ok-not perfect but normal wear.
I don’t plan on rushing back into diving. I have a lot of fitness to work on first.

 

[FishWatcher747]

60-75% of compression fractures occur between T12 and L2, 30% between L2-L5. So yours is unusual but maybe more stable if it is at T5. Do you mean it was at L5?

 

[pepperbelly]

It’s T-5. Right between mu shoulder blades. I threw out the pain meds after the first day. I use advil and a cold pack followed by s heating pad.

 

[FishWatcher747]

Well if it was my T5 Fracture, had no neurological deficit and needed to get back into a sport that requires lifting sometimes awkwardly between 70-100 pounds or more I would not go straight from 10 pound restriction to lifting a scuba kit. I would be doing a progressive low weight high repetition (if you can't do 20 reps don't do it) program for a couple months before I got back to lifting a scuba kit.

Keep in mind you will be in crappy shape after doing nothing for 6 weeks.

Good luck.

 

[pepperbelly]

Well if it was my T5 Fracture, had no neurological deficit and needed to get back into a sport that requires lifting sometimes awkwardly between 70-100 pounds or more I would not go straight from 10 pound restriction to lifting a scuba kit. I would be doing a progressive low weight high repetition (if you can't do 20 reps don't do it) program for a couple months before I got back to lifting a scuba kit.

Keep in mind you will be in crappy shape after doing nothing for 6 weeks.

Good luck.

You nailed my condition. I do plan on working up gradually. I retired last summer from a city street dept. I used a lot of heavy tools and have got soft since.
first covid hits, then I retire, then get covid with no symptoms and now this. I just can’t wait to see what’s next.

 

[pepperbelly]

The spine specialist doc released me fully. He only restricted me from squats and heavy deadlifts-basically no heavy vertical loads.
I specifically asked scuba gear and he said I’m good to go. I feel fine-no discomfort at all.
He also warned me again to not do anything stupid. Somebody has been talking to him.