Osteoporosis is the most common cause. It weakens bone to the point where stepping off a curb, lifting a box, or even sneezing can cause a compression fracture of the spine. As the vertebra collapses, it can press on nerves, causing pain and neurological symptoms. Over time, you may lose height and become “hunched over.” This not only makes it hard to do everyday activities, but moving can also make the pain worse.

Symptoms of compression fractures

Compression fractures may be signaled by a sharp pain that occurs after a brusque movement. However, it’s possible to have a compression fracture without realizing it. If you are over the age of 50 with a history of osteoporosis, and you experience any of the following symptoms, you may have a compression fracture.

• Pain while walking or standing that decreases when you lie on your back
• Numbness, tingling, or muscle weakness
• Lost height
• Hunching over

Treatment for Vertebral Compression Fractures

Pain medications, physical therapy, bed rest, and back braces may offer some temporary relief for compression fractures. But they don’t address the real problem or stop it from getting worse. Kyphoplasty provides a choice to treat the pain directly. It offers structure and support. Kyphoplasty is a minimally invasive procedure that relieves the symptoms of compression fractures by strengthening bone and restoring its height and shape.

Kyphoplasty for Vertebral Compression Fractures

The doctor uses x-ray guidance to insert a balloon into the broken bone to raise the height of the collapsed vertebrae. The space that is created is then filled with medical cement. Once the cement hardens, it stabilizes and strengthens the bone, which relieves the pain. Recovery is easy, and no narcotics or heavy pain medications are needed. It is done in our facility, and patients go home within hours.

Sudden severe back pain can be debilitating. If you or someone you know has experienced this, please contact our office to schedule an appointment to see if kyphoplasty is an option.

Discover how our approach to compression fractures of the spine can benefit you or a loved one.

Find out more about Kyphoplasty by contacting us by phone or by completing the form below and one of our patient care coordinators will contact you as soon as possible.