Is Back Pain
Holding You
Back?
A Complete Guide to Spinal
Compression Fractures
Compression fractures
Spinal compression fractures are a common cause of back pain. If untreated, compression fractures can cause serious health concerns. If you think you might have a spinal compression fracture, seek medical attention immediately. If you’re at risk for a compression fracture, or have already been diagnosed with one, it’s important to know all your treatment options so you can determine what’s best for you and your life.
What Is A
spinal compression
fracture?
A spinal compression fracture happens when one of the vertebrae of the spine cracks, or fractures. The fracture causes the bone to lose its natural height and collapse, which causes severe pain.
What Causes a
compression
fracture?
Compression fractures can occur in any vertebrae of the spine. They are primarily caused by osteoporosis, a condition that softens and weakens bones. However, vertebrae can also be weakened by an infection, tumor, or cancer treatment. A compression fracture can also be caused by a trauma.
How to know if you have a
Compression fracture
When a compression fracture first happens, it causes severe, acute pain. If not treated early, a spinal compression fracture will often cause chronic, long-term back pain.
Spinal compression fractures can cause pain while standing, walking, twisting, or bending. The area where the fracture occurred may also be sensitive to the touch. If the fracture resulted in a compression of a nerve, you may also experience pain, numbness, or weakness in your lower extremities.
It is important to note that spinal compression fractures do not always cause pain. Some fractures have symptoms such as a loss of height, limited mobility, or a hunched over position. It’s important to see a physician to properly diagnose a compression fracture.
What are the treatment options for
compression
fracture?
Medication is often used initially to treat the pain associated with a spinal compression fracture. Bracing can be effective to help stabilize the fracture.
The most effective treatment option is kyphoplasty, a minimally invasive procedure that uses bone cement to stabilize the bone and restore the vertebrae to its natural height.
A Closer Look at
Kyphoplasty
What is kyphoplasty?
Kyphoplasty is a safe, effective treatment for back pain caused by a spinal compression fracture. It is a minimally invasive procedure that can be completed in the office under light sedation. For many patients, pain relief will be immediate.
What are the benefits of kyphoplasty?
Kyphoplasty is an outpatient procedure that can be performed in the office under light sedation. A kyphoplasty can often be scheduled the same day as your appointment. No hospitals. No general anesthesia. No wait to relieve your pain.
During the procedure, your physician will use a needle to insert a small balloon that will inflate to bring your collapsed vertebrae back to its standard height. The physician will then deflate the balloon and fill the space with a fast-drying bone cement. The cement immediately stabilizes the fracture. This can eliminate the pain immediately.
Discharge instructions may vary, but because the procedure doesn’t require any stitches, sutures, or staples, most patients can return to regular activity the following day.
Contact us
Contact us today for more information on treatment of a compression fracture. To schedule an appointment, call 904.593.6101.