Suggest Treatment For An Indentation And Intermittent Sharp Pain At The Left Side Of The Spine From An Injury Leading To A Cracked Vertebra A Decade Back

Posted on Mon, 18 Jul 2022

Question: 10 yrs ago I fell from a ladder injuring my lower back. I cracked a vertabra and a crushed cartlidge. I have considerable constant lower back and hip pain. I have an indentation to the left side of my lower spine that is approx 25mm round with 20mm depth and can feel bone, not muscle at the base of same. performing work involving leaning forward causes my back to seize in that position and picking item up off the floor is nearly impossible, mostly causing sharp pain in the same area. age 67yrs

Answered by Dr. Dr. Gopal (55 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Please see below

Detailed Answer:

Hi,

10 yr old fracture vertebra may cause low back pain with stiffness of surrounding muscles which is happening with you as a seize in that position. The indentation you are feeling may be due to lateral curvature in spine where the sacroiliac joint becomes prominent and is felt as such (Mount of Venus).
First I would like to see the x rays of your lower back before commenting further.
In the meantime you can start spinal extension exercises and mild pain killers.
will be waiting for your X-rays.

Thanks

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Kampana

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Gopal (39 hours later)

Hello Doctor, The indentation is higher up the spine approx L2-L3. Left side viewed from rear, I put the end of my thumb into the recess to the depth of my thumbnail ??

Answered by Dr. Dr. Gopal (7 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Please see below

Detailed Answer:

Hi,

In that case it will be difficult to comment without examination.

Thanks

Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Kampana