I broke my back in 2 places in July (suffered 2 compressed fractures )in the middle of my back. I go back for my follow up MRI in early December. I am very lucky to be alive let alone walking! I wear my back brace at work as I still need that extra support. I still have a fair amount of pain. There are some nights I have to get up and take 1/2 a pain pill because ibuprofun did not do anything. I can only sleep on my back and sometimes on my side for a short time. With the weather changing I am guessing this may be why I am more sore lately. Do you know how long I can expect to feel uncomfortable? Any advice on what I can take after my pain medication runs out? I have stretched it . I am not a big on taking medication, however I am so afraid I will always have this pain and have to suffer though it when I do run out.
Dear patient With two compression fracture of vertebra at middle of your back you should be on rest for one month.  Treatment for compression fracture depends on Amount of compression.  Of compression is less than 30 % it can be managed conservative with strict bed rest for one month and then gradual mobilization with brace and physiotherapy.  You would be pain free after 2 months. If compression is more than 30 % of height of vertebra it should be managed with surgery. So your MRI report indicates the amount of compression and hence guides treatment.  So you should start physiotherapy with back and abdomen strengthening exercise. Pain medication should be taken only when required and gradually weaned off.