Dealing with a spinal fracture? You’re not alone. Spinal fractures have increased 37.7% between 1990 and 2019, which means many people experience sudden, persistent pain that disrupts their lives.
If you’re living with sharp, persistent back pain after a spinal fracture, you’re likely looking for relief that actually works. You want to move again, sleep better, and stop planning your day around pain.
Not all spinal fractures are the same, though. Vertebral compression fractures are the most common type. These fractures occur when a vertebra collapses or compresses, which then causes pain, loss of height, and changes in your posture.
If you’ve been diagnosed with a vertebral compression fracture and conservative treatments haven’t helped, kyphoplasty may be an option. This minimally invasive procedure stabilizes your fractured vertebra, helps reduce pain, and can restore spinal stability without the need for open surgery.
Read on as Dr. John Regan, who offers kyphoplasty here at Spine Group Beverly Hills in Santa Monica, California, explains when you might consider kyphoplasty.
Compression fractures are the most common fracture related to osteoporosis, but osteoporosis isn’t the only cause of spinal fractures. Trauma and certain cancers can also cause spinal fractures.
When a vertebra fractures, regardless of the cause, even the slightest movements can lead to ongoing pain. Not only do these fractures hurt, but they can also make you appear shorter and alter your posture.
Kyphoplasty is a minimally invasive procedure designed to treat painful spinal compression fractures.
During the procedure, Dr. Regan makes a small incision in your back and uses imaging guidance to insert a narrow tube into the fractured vertebra. He then uses a small balloon to create space, where he injects bone cement. The bone cement stabilizes the fracture and helps prevent further collapse as it sets.
When the cement stabilizes the fracture, it stops the painful movement of the fractured vertebra, which helps relieve pain.
Unlike traditional open surgery, kyphoplasty typically takes less than an hour per treated vertebra. It’s usually performed under local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia, and most people go home the same day.
After the procedure, you can often walk the same day. In fact, walking is encouraged and helps improve circulation. While you won’t be able to do any heavy lifting, you can resume light activities within 24–48 hours.
Most importantly, kyphoplasty can help you experience pain relief quickly.
Kyphoplasty isn’t right for every type of back pain. You may be a candidate if:
During your appointment, Dr. Regan reviews your imaging, symptoms, and medical history to determine whether kyphoplasty or another treatment is best for you.
Kyphoplasty may not be recommended if:
That’s why a thorough evaluation is essential before moving forward.
You don’t have to live with ongoing spinal fracture pain or wait for it to “just get better.” If your pain is limiting your movement, sleep, or quality of life, kyphoplasty may offer a minimally invasive path to relief.
But the only way to know for sure is to schedule your initial appointment (or your second opinion!)
To get started, call 424-238-3281 or schedule online.
