Spinal fractures, which often take two to four months to heal, can be very painful. The most common way to treat pain is with over-the-counter medications such as acetaminophen (Tylenol), aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), or naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn). Sometimes doctors prescribe stronger medications for pain, such as short-term narcotics. But be careful, as these medications may cause drowsiness, confusion, and a drop in blood pressure -- which can increase your chances of falling.
Another staple of treatment is short-term bed rest. Your doctor may also recommend that you use ice or heat packs to ease pain. Massage, acupuncture, biofeedback, and the use of a lumbar corset or back brace may also help.
Two techniques -- vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty -- that use medical cement to support compressed vertebrae and alleviate pain are sometimes used.
Spinal fractures, which often take two to four months to heal, can
be very painful. The most common way to treat pain is with
over-the-counter medications such as acetaminophen (Tylenol),
aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), or naproxen...
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Dr. David Slovik answered:Spinal fractures, which often take two to four months to heal, can be very painful. The most common way to treat pain is with over-the-counter medications such as acetaminophen (Tylenol), aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), or naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn). Sometimes doctors prescribe stronger medications for pain, such as short-term narcotics. But be careful, as these medications may cause drowsiness, confusion, and a drop in blood pressure -- which can increase your chances of falling.
