Compression fractures are a surprisingly common injury among seniors. They’re often a result of illnesses like osteoporosis or because of a fall. This type of fracture can cause a lot of pain and significant mobility challenges. They might even result in a hospital stay. When it’s time to leave the hospital, effective hospital to home transition care can ensure a smooth recovery and help to reduce the risk of rehospitalization.
What Are Compression Fractures?
Compression fractures happen when one or more vertebrae in the spine are crushed or collapse. This type of injury causes the spine to lose height, making it appear that seniors are shrinking. These types of fractures can cause severe back pain, restricted mobility, and changes in posture, including a hunched or stooped back. Compression fractures are also common for seniors with osteoporosis, because their bones are more fragile and prone to breaking. Seniors may start to avoid doing the things they love to do out of fear that they might fall or injure themselves.
Causes of Compression Fractures
The most common cause of compression fractures is osteoporosis, because the bones lose density over time and break much more easily. A minor fall or a sudden movement can cause bones in the spine to fracture. Heavy lifting or repetitive strains may also cause a compression fracture. Sometimes compression fractures are a result of an accident, like a car crash, or conditions like cancer. Any medications that can weaken the bones or that might make a fall or other injury more likely may contribute to a compression fracture.
Treatment Methods for Compression Fractures
Sometimes seniors don’t realize that they’ve sustained a compression fracture until the pain becomes severe. Treatments for compression fractures tend to start with stabilizing the spine and managing pain effectively. Seniors might be prescribed rest, physical therapy, and medications to help with pain or bone repair. Surgery to repair or stabilize the spine may also be necessary, in which case seniors might spend a few days in the hospital.
Recovering from Hospital Stays Related to Compression Fractures
When seniors are discharged from the hospital, they receive instructions to help them understand what happens next. Sometimes it’s difficult to decipher these instructions and make sure that seniors have the help they need, like home care providers to assist with daily tasks while aging adults heal. Hospital to home transition care experts make sure that families have the information they need about new medications, therapies, and other treatments as they recover. If seniors need help with figuring out transportation solutions or other issues, hospital to home transition care can assist with all of that.
Support during the transition home after a compression fracture is so important for seniors as they recover. The support that hospital to home transition care can offer reduces the risk of rehospitalization or additional injuries related to new compression fractures. Healing comfortably at home tends to be easier and more relaxing for seniors than having to spend too much time in the hospital.
If you or an aging loved one is considering Hospital to Home Transition Services in Oakland, PA, please contact the caring staff at Extended Family Care Pittsburgh today. Call 412-241-7292
Extended Family Care Pittsburgh is a Trusted Home Care Agency in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, including Allegheny County, Beaver County, Butler County, Fayette County, Mercer County, Washington County, North Hills, South Hills, Fox Chapel, Monroeville, Murrysville, Oakland, Plum Boro, and Squirrel Hill.
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