Fractured Spine Recovery in the Elderly

A fractured spine can be a serious and challenging condition, especially for elderly individuals. The effects of a spinal fracture go beyond physical pain by impacting a person’s mobility, independence and overall quality of life. For older adults, the recovery process can be more complicated due to age related factors such as slower healing and pre-existing health conditions.

At Trinity Homecare, we understand how overwhelming it can be to navigate the recovery journey after a fractured spine. Our goal is to provide support and expert care to help elderly individuals regain their strength and confidence.

Here we explore the recovery process, including how to manage pain, the role of rehabilitation and how both family and professional caregivers can make a positive difference during this time of healing.

Understanding spinal fractures in the elderly

Spinal fractures in older adults are often caused by falls, accidents or underlying conditions such as osteoporosis, which weakens bones and makes them more susceptible to breaking. As we age, our bones become less dense, and a seemingly minor fall or movement can result in a fracture.

Types of spinal fractures

Vertebral compression: Common in older adults, often due to osteoporosis.
Burst fractures: Severe breaks, usually needing surgery.
Fracture dislocations: Rare, caused by serious falls or impacts.
Stable fractures: Bones stay in place, can be treated with rest and therapy.
Unstable fractures: Bones shift out of place, usually need surgery.

What are the risk factors?

Several factors increase the risk of spinal fractures in the elderly:

Osteoporosis: Weakens bones, making them more fragile.
Age: Older adults naturally have weaker bones.
Previous fractures: Past injuries increase the risk of re-injury.
Sedentary lifestyle: Lack of exercise can weaken bones and muscles.
Poor balance/coordination: Increases the chance of falls.
Medications: Some, like steroids, can weaken bones.
Chronic conditions: Conditions like arthritis or diabetes can affect mobility.
Vision problems: Poor eyesight increases fall risk.

Symptoms of a fractured spine

If you are caring for an older adult, recognising the symptoms of a spinal fracture early is important. While the specific symptoms can vary depending on the type and severity of the fracture, there are some common signs to look out for:

Pain: This is usually the most obvious symptom. The pain may be sharp or constant and is often worse when moving or touching the affected area.
Difficulty moving: Even a small fracture can make it difficult for the person to move freely, sit or walk. They may avoid certain movements due to pain or fear of worsening the injury.
Numbness or weakness: If the fracture affects nearby nerves, it may cause numbness, tingling or weakness in the arms or legs.
Posture changes: A collapsed vertebra, especially from a compression fracture, can cause a hunched or forward-leaning posture.
Increased pain with pressure: Lifting, bending or putting pressure on the back can worsen the pain.

How are spinal fractures treated?

If you’ve fractured a bone in your spine, surgery is usually not needed. In fact, staying as active as possible is often encouraged to prevent complications and promote healing. Staying mobile helps reduce the risk of issues like chest infections and blood clots, while also maintaining muscle strength and preventing ongoing pain after the fracture heals.

Movement doesn’t interfere with the healing process, but spinal fractures can make staying active challenging due to pain. If the pain is severe in the early stages, rest is important. Once the pain is more manageable, gentle movement and exercises can help maintain mobility. Pain relieving medication can be used to manage discomfort and make staying active easier.

If the pain continues to be severe despite medication, your doctor may recommend other treatments to relieve it. The key to treatment is balancing rest with movement, and working closely with your doctor to manage pain effectively while helping your spine heal properly.

Supporting someone through spinal fracture recovery

As a caregiver, your role during the recovery process is essential to your loved one’s well-being and healing. While the medical team provides the necessary treatment, your support and understanding will make a huge difference in their comfort and progress.

Here’s how you can offer meaningful help during their recovery:

Encourage gentle movement: While it’s important to let them rest, encourage gentle movement when they’re ready. Help them with simple activities like walking short distances around the house or doing basic stretches.
Assist with daily activities: During recovery, everyday tasks like getting out of bed, dressing or bathing may be difficult. Be there to help with these activities by offering a gentle hand to ensure they’re as comfortable as possible. Make sure their environment is safe to reduce the risk of further injury.
Manage pain relief: Help them stay on top of their pain relief plan. This could mean reminding them to take medications on time or ensuring they’re using pain-relief aids like heating pads or cold compresses. Keep track of any changes in their pain levels, so you can discuss them with their doctor if necessary.
Offer emotional support: Spinal fractures can be emotionally tough, especially if they’re causing pain or affecting mobility. Be a compassionate listener and try to offer reassurance. Let them know that healing takes time and that it’s okay to have difficult days.
Focus on nutrition and hydration: A healthy diet supports recovery, so help them maintain a well-balanced diet rich in calcium and vitamin D to promote bone healing. Encourage them to stay hydrated, as it helps in muscle recovery and overall well-being.

Home care is easy with Trinity

At Trinity, we understand that no two recovery journeys are the same, and that’s why we offer flexible, personalised care tailored to each individual. Whether recovering from a fracture or managing a condition like osteoporosis, our goal is to provide the support you need every step of the way.

Setting up care with Trinity is simple – we create a care plan that is designed around your unique health conditions, lifestyle and preferences. We can arrange care quickly, even in urgent situations, with services available as soon as 24 hours. If your needs change, so does the care you receive. With a Trinity carer by your side, you can rest easy knowing you’ll have the support you need to live life to the fullest.

Talk to us today

Call us now on 0207 183 4884 in confidence for a free no obligation quotation. If enquiring outside of our opening hours, please complete our online form and we will contact you the next day.