Abrupt end to the season...;(

[sxybst90]

So just yesterday enjoying my life coming down hill.. And all of sudden (from what i remember..) i catch my heel side real good and got thrown to icy slope killed my lower back and hit back of my head real good..(of course it happens on the day i forget my helmet) guess i blacked out(?) but not sure couldnt remember what day it was.. Barely remember where i was.. To say the least.

Anyway, so i get a xray for my lower back and doctor said a questionable T11 compression fracture...hmm guess i fractured my spine?

So now i am wondering if anyone had this kinda fracture and wondering for some advise on what to do and what not to do.. Also how long does it take to heal?

Thank You

[SunSurfer]

Anyway, so i get a xray for my lower back and doctor said a questionable T11 compression fracture...hmm guess i fractured my spine?
So now i am wondering if anyone had this kinda fracture and wondering for some advise on what to do and what not to do.. Also how long does it take to heal?


Best person to answer those questions is a doctor with you, and your spine X-rays, in front of them.

In general terms fractures heal fastest when we're young, and slower as we get older. Most fractures take 6-8 weeks to heal as new bone forms in the place where the break occurred.
Spine fractures fall into 2 groups, those that leave you with a mechanically stable spine, and those that are unstable. If the fracture, and associated ligament injury, was recognised as unstable you would have been rapidly referred to a spine surgeon for operative stabilisation. From your description your fracture is almost certainly painful but should be stable.
Keep active as the fracture heals. Walking is a good exercise as it keeps you in normal posture and uses your abdominal and back muscles. Swimming would also be good.
Use pain relief to help you keep active.

Bottom line, talk to your own doc.

(Dr) SunSurfer

[SunSurfer]

For some reason my previous post didn't increment the post counter. Try again!
SunSurfer

[Kimo]

Several years back I got an L1 wedge compression fracture. It was stable. I got back to work in two weeks. After a year or so I didn't even notice it at all.

Heal well!

[newcarver]

Had the same thing happen to me 6 weeks ago. Got X-rays and they came up negative. Still sore, but it has actually helped to keep riding. I sat around the house one weekend and could hardly move on Monday. I've been riding to keep things loose and it feels much better. Only part of riding that is not helping is any jarring from running over rough surfaces or doing jumps and landing without fully compressing with the knees. Stretches and yoga positions like downward dog have also seemed to help. Won't hurt to get it checked out by a Dr. if pain is not ever getting better. Go to a D.O. who can do wonders for your back through manipulation.

[sxybst90]

thanks for all the advise! :biggthump

i've talked to my doctor about it and i guess me being a pilot and everything made this a lot more serious than it should be..

my flight surgeon said i need a CT scan done to be completely sure of what is going on and all that jazz...

i am guessing if all goes well i should be back on the slopes carving it up!:eplus2::eplus2: (if the hill is still open that is.)

thanks again for all the advise!