My dotors looked at my scans, and then declined to do any surgery for fear of doing further damage. Wore a brace, took pain killers and bone strengthers until the fractures healed.
June 19
I do. I have multiple fractures in my spine. I had a kyphoplasty done! I DO NOT RECOMMEND this! It was rather useless being the bones are not strong enough to support this cement type injection anyhow. It did nothing for me except help me lose height.
June 19
Spinal and rib fractures are unfortunately quite common with myeloma, and many people in the community have dealt with them. A MyMyelomaTeam member shared that they experienced 14 fractures during their myeloma journey and was put on an oral bone strengthener to help manage it.
There are several approaches doctors use to Show Full Answer
Spinal and rib fractures are unfortunately quite common with myeloma, and many people in the community have dealt with them. A MyMyelomaTeam member shared that they experienced 14 fractures during their myeloma journey and was put on an oral bone strengthener to help manage it.
There are several approaches doctors use to treat and manage fractures caused by myeloma:
- Kyphoplasty – a minimally invasive procedure where a balloon restores height to a collapsed vertebra, then bone cement reinforces it
- Radiation therapy – can shrink tumors pressing on nerves or bones, and may strengthen weakened bones
- Back brace – helps stabilize the spine and reduce pressure
- Bone-building medications – such as bisphosphonates or denosumab, sometimes started at diagnosis to help prevent further bone damage
- Pain relievers – ranging from over-the-counter options to prescribed opioids depending on severity One MyMyelomaTeam member also shared that lesions pressing on a nerve in their lower back caused severe sciatica-like pain, and after 10 rounds of radiation, it was resolved.
It's really important to talk to your care team about what's causing the pain specifically, as treatment options depend on the location, severity, and cause of the fractures. You're definitely not alone in this. 💙
June 19
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