Q.I have two fractures in my back (T-11 and T-12). My doctor told me to do no bending, heavy lifting or climbing. I am very health-conscious, and I am wondering if there are any exercises I can do for my stomach area.

A.T-11 and T-12 are the two lowest vertebrae (spinal bones) in the thoracic spine (mid-back) and are commonly injured with axial injuries. An axial injury involves compression of the spine, such as may occur when a person falls from any height onto the buttocks. When this happens, one or more vertebrae can be injured.

This is commonly called a compression fracture. The important distinction of a compression fracture is that it involves the vertebral body but does not cause any nerve injury or loss of stability of the spine. Occasionally, the fracture can be more serious and can extend into the spinal canal.

When this occurs, it is known as a burst fracture and involves some loss of stability in the spine. If a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or CT scan reveals a burst fracture, treatment is usually surgical and is aimed at stabilizing the spine.

-- Comments