Osteoporosis Community

Hi. I was diagnosed with a moderate T4 wedge compression fracture with spinal impingement (not compression) 10 weeks after a traumatizing multi-vehicle accident. I have been told bracing would not help this damaged vertebra at 12 weeks (time now since the accident).

The explanation I've been given is briefly that the rib cage is a sturdy area (which is why not too many upper thoracic compression fractures occur unless as a result of high energy impact force) and that bracing would not really help prevent more malunion or misalignment.

My question is: would bracing have helped make a difference if I had been diagnosed early on? I was taken in an ambulance to ER from the scene and discharged a couple of hours later. Imaging was done and a single view xray on my chest but this rather significant fracture was missed.

I was told I had whiplash and that the more I resume to my normal life routine (work/activities) the better off I'd be physically and mentally. I feel devastated to learn that I'll live with extreme pain from now on and that pain meds and shots will be my treatment plan. I'm not a candidate for Kyphoplasty (maybe because it's 12 weeks after now?) and surgery was not advised at this point. Dr. says it's a stable fracture. I'm concerned about the impingement on the anterior of spinal cord (minimal flattening of it). I would rather it was not touching or anywhere near it at all!

Dr. said my T4 is approximately reduced in height (anterior) by 30%. Has anyone else had this problem? I have excruciating pain and have not had one single night's good sleep since. Sitting, laying, standing, breathing, sneezing, coughing, reaching (which I have to do a lot since I'm under 5' height) is painful, painful, painful! Shampooing, brushing teeth, hair, etc. Has anyone received help from epidural trigger point shots? What are risks/complications with these long term? My spine is permanently deformed now and my pain is incessant and ranges from moderate/high to severe. Anybody relate?