I slipped on an icy stairwell, tumbled down mostly on my back, & broke my T-2 thoracic vertebra (so quick and violent was the fall, it ripped my thick clothes covering my back down to my flesh). I was taken to hospital by ambulance, x-rays, CAT scan, then released due to medical insurance. It is very painful. I want to know what I can do to help my back to heal properly. The ER doctor stated that the T-2 vertebra looked like a very dented tin can (my break). I did work in Europe last year but quit my job to come back to the USA to care for my mother (she is dying of small-cell lung cancer -- caught in stage 4 -- and is riddled with brain tumors). I've been unable to find work once back in the USA, even blue-collar or minimum-wage jobs (they tell me I'm over-qualified). Because this vertebra is now a preexisting condition, I can't qualify for any medical insurance coverage for at least one year from the time I could financially take out coverage or be covered by an employer. I receive no income coming in and do not qualify in my state for any medical insurance since I live alone. I've went through my savings and now am really getting desperate financially just when this happened.
I'm looking for (1) best way to treat this vertebra break so it can heal properly, (2) any exercises you would suggest to help with strengthening or healing the break. I am a 50-year-old fair-skinned female, BMI = 29, currently taking 1500 mg of calcium supplements along with drinking 8-oz skim milk 3x daily. I am allergicI am to NSAID's. I am willing to do whatever it takes to get better. I am very determined for my mother needs me and I need a job. Please, any medical suggestions which have empirical scientific evidence are welcomed.