Have Painful Spinal Compression Fractures? Here’s How Kyphoplasty Can Help

An estimated 1.5 million vertical spinal compression fractures occur each year. About 25% of women over 50 have at least one compression fracture, and as many as 50% of people over 80 have one.

These stats show just how common compression fractures are, so if you have a painful spinal compression fracture, you’re far from alone.

Compression fractures don’t necessarily cause symptoms right away, but as they progress, they can cause debilitating pain, a stooped posture, numbness and tingling, and even bladder issues like incontinence.

It’s no secret that all of these symptoms can dramatically impact your quality of life and your mental health. (Chronic pain can contribute to feelings of anxiety and depression.)

The good news is that our team here at Trinity Pain Medicine Associates in Fort Worth, Texas, can treat spinal compression fractures with kyphoplasty.

Read on as Ashley M Classen, DO, FAOCA, a board-certified pain management physician and board-certified anesthesiologist, and Ashley Bailey-Classen, DO, a quadruple board-certified interventional pain management physician, explain what kyphoplasty is and how it can help.

Are you suffering from a spinal compression fracture?

There are many causes of back pain, so it’s important first to confirm the source of your symptoms. A spinal compression fracture occurs when a vertebra in your spine collapses — often because the bone’s been weakened.

You might suspect that your symptoms are related to a compression fracture if you have:

Severe back pain that worsens with movement
Inability to take a deep breath or cough due to debilitating pain
Loss of height as your spine compresses
A hunched posture (kyphosis)
Limited mobility and difficulty standing or walking

Osteoporosis is the leading cause of compression fractures, but trauma from accidents or conditions like cancer that weaken the spine can also contribute.

All about kyphoplasty

If you have a spinal compression fracture, Dr. Classen and Dr. Bailey-Classen may recommend kyphoplasty, a minimally invasive procedure designed to stabilize and restore the height of each fractured vertebrae.

During your procedure, our team:

Makes a small incision in your back to insert a narrow tube into your fractured vertebra
Inflates a special medical-grade balloon inside your vertebra to create space and restore height
Injects bone cement into the cavity to stabilize your fracture and prevent further collapse

The cement hardens quickly so it provides immediate structural support.

3 ways kyphoplasty can help with painful spinal compression fractures

Kyphoplasty offers several advantages for those suffering from spinal compression fractures, including:

It reduces pain

Because kyphoplasty is a minimally invasive procedure, recovery is generally quick. Many people experience significant pain reduction within just days — although your full recovery period may last four to six weeks.

As your pain starts to fade, you’ll notice your everyday tasks are easier.

Another bonus: as chronic pain is managed, you’ll notice better mental health.

It restores spinal height

Kyphoplasty helps restore the height of collapsed vertebrae, which can improve spinal alignment. This can lead to better posture and potentially improve your breathing (if the spinal curvature was affecting your lung capacity.)

Improved posture may also help with bladder control if the compression fracture impacts your urinary system.

Kyphoplasty can also contribute to greater self-confidence by reducing the visual impact of spinal deformity.

It stabilizes your bone

Stabilizing your fractured spinal bone can reduce the risk of additional compression fractures. Because your bone is stabilized (thanks to the bone cement), it also prevents the kyphosis from worsening.

After your kyphoplasty

Immediately after your procedure, you can expect some swelling and discomfort. Apply ice packs and take any pain medication as directed.

You’ll receive specific instructions regarding your activity restrictions when you can add light activity back to your routine, and how to care for your incision site.

Our team may recommend physical therapy, osteoporosis management, or lifestyle changes to strengthen your spine and prevent future fractures.

To learn more and find out if you’re a good candidate for kyphoplasty, call us today at 817-332-3664.