From Bedridden to Back to the Fields: A Farmer’s Journey After a Spinal Fracture
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Main Concern
- Clinical Assessment
- My Rehabify’s Physiotherapy Approach
- Rehabilitation Progress
- Treatment Outcomes
- Patient Testimonial
- Consent and Privacy Statement
Patient: 65-year-old male
History: Fall approximately one year earlier, resulting in a T12- L1 vertebral wedge compression fracture
X-ray Reports (Before Treatment)
Main Concern
The patient visited ‘My Rehabify’ with ongoing mid-back and lower-back pain following a previous spinal fracture. He also reported considerable stiffness and difficulty moving his spine during everyday activities.
Movements such as standing upright, changing position, walking for longer periods and performing household tasks were uncomfortable and restricted.
Assessment
The patient had developed a forward-bent posture, known as kyphosis, following the vertebral fracture. This posture placed additional stress on the muscles and joints of the spine and contributed to his persistent pain and stiffness.
Assessment also showed:
- Restricted movement in the upper and mid-back
- Difficulty maintaining an upright posture
- Reduced spinal flexibility
- Limited chest expansion
- Discomfort during certain daily activities
- Reduced bone mineral density, with a T-score of −2.4 SD
- Lumbar degenerative changes
The reduced chest expansion associated with the forward-flexed posture also made breathing feel more difficult, particularly during activity.
My Rehabify’s Physiotherapy Approach
A personalised physiotherapy programme was developed according to the patient's symptoms, posture, bone health and functional limitations.
The rehabilitation programme focused on:
- Reducing mid-back and lower-back pain
- Improving safe spinal mobility
- Encouraging a more upright posture
- Improving chest expansion and breathing comfort
- Strengthening the muscles supporting the spine
- Improving balance, movement control and confidence
- Gradually restoring independence with daily activities
Because the patient had a history of an osteoporotic vertebral fracture, exercises were introduced carefully and progressed according to his tolerance. The programme avoided unnecessary strain on the spine and focused on safe, controlled movement.
Progress
With regular rehabilitation, the patient experienced:
- Reduced mid-back and lower-back pain
- Less spinal stiffness
- Improved upper- and mid-back mobility
- Better ability to maintain an upright posture
- Improved chest expansion and breathing comfort
- Greater confidence with movement
- Improved ability to perform daily activities
- Better day-to-day functional independence
Outcome
Following rehabilitation, the patient demonstrated meaningful improvement in pain, spinal mobility, posture and overall functional ability. He was able to move more comfortably, participate more easily in daily activities and manage his condition with greater confidence.
Patient Says
After my spinal fracture, I never thought I would be able to move and carry out my daily activities as comfortably as before. I was constantly dealing with back pain, stiffness, and difficulty standing upright.
After starting regular physiotherapy at My Rehabify, I gradually began to feel a significant improvement. My pain and stiffness have reduced, my mobility has improved, and I am now able to stand, walk, and perform my daily activities with much more ease.
Most importantly, I have regained my confidence in movement and feel much more independent in my everyday life. I am truly grateful for the support and guidance I received throughout my rehabilitation.
About the Author - Dr. Priya Gaur
Physiotherapist at My Rehabify
Dr. Priya Gaur (PT), MPT – Orthopaedics is the Founder and Chief Physiotherapist at My Rehabify Physiotherapy, Delhi. With 7+ years of clinical experience, she specializes in orthopedic, sports injury, neurological, and post-operative rehabilitation. This article is based on evidence-based physiotherapy practices and her extensive clinical expertise to provide accurate, reliable, and patient-focused health information.