My son, 20 years old and athletic/fit, fractured a vertebrae in his lower back while weightlifting. The doctor told him to rest it completely for 6 weeks. He did that with no change in the pain. He is now in his 4th week of wearing a back brace and still has had little change in discomfort. I wanted to see if any of you have had any experience with this and/or can offer any advice. Thanks.

What kind of pain is it? Nerve pain?

Doesn't hurt when he is sitting, says a sharp pain starts after he has been standing for a few minutes. Think that would be nerve damage?

Get a 2nd opinion. Is he getting PT?

Has not had any pt yet.

He should start with that after the 2nd opinion.

Think we'll do that. Thanks for the advice.

MRI or just an Xray?

MRI

I would get a MRI to see if there is still edema in the fractured vertebrae

Yes, I dealt with it as an 18 year old HS senior. Fractured mine from constanting pouding from a really bad practice mound. I was allowed to finish up my senior season - very painful - and then went into a back brace for 6 months. That seemed to do the trick.

6 months is a long time. He's on week 5.