If your back pain comes suddenly and doesn't go away, you may assume it's just a pulled muscle, especially if your symptoms, while painful, don't keep you from going about your day-to-day activities. But for many adults, the cause of back pain that lingers could be a vertebral compression fracture.
Anyone can experience a compression fracture, but those with osteoporosis are especially at risk. In fact, vertebral compression fractures are the most common complication of osteoporosis, with an estimated 700,000 cases in the U.S. each year.
These small breaks can cause sharp, deep pain that does not respond to simple at-home treatments like rest, heat, and ice, as well as limited movement.
The good news is that vertebral compression fractures can be treated quickly and effectively through a minimally invasive procedure called kyphoplasty.
Dr. Nicolaus Winters is a Commonwealth physician with extensive experience performing kyphoplasty and has seen numerous patients thrive after the procedure.
"Kyphoplasty almost immediately alleviates a patient's pain and can get them back to their daily activities. It may also decrease the risk of having another fracture by stabilizing the spine," says Dr. Winters, adding that, when it comes to fractures, time matters.
"The issue we see most in the clinic when evaluating these patients is the timeframe they come in. Many patients have had these fractures for many weeks, if not months, and there is a narrow time window for which these fractures can be fixed or stabilized," he says.
These patients have likely been suffering for many weeks or months and could have had a better option to get back to a pain-free and functional lifestyle.
How does the kyphoplasty procedure work?
Kyphoplasty stabilizes a fractured vertebra to relieve pain at its source. A needle is placed into the skin then into the affected bone, a balloon is gently inflated inside it to create space, then medical cement is placed to support the bone and prevent further fracturing.
The procedure is usually performed under light sedation and usually takes under 20-30 minutes. Recovery is fast, and most patients can resume normal activities within a week or two.
Why kyphoplasty helps with chronic pain
Compression fractures create instability that irritates nerves, joints, and discs, strains surrounding muscles, and limits movement. During the procedure, the bony structure is further fortified, and the nerve pathway that carries pain signals to the spinal cord and brain is blocked. Most patients experience relief the same day.
Who benefits from kyphoplasty?
• Someone with a confirmed vertebral compression fracture causing ongoing pain
• Patients whose fractures are related to osteoporosis, injury, or weakened bone for any reason.
When to talk to a doctor about kyphoplasty
If back pain is sharp, persistent, or not improving with rest, a pain specialist can determine whether a compression fracture is the culprit. With the right diagnosis, kyphoplasty can be a fast and effective way to restore stability, reduce pain, and help you get back your stride in no time.
Remember: time is of the essence. When treating spine fractures, the sooner they are addressed, the better the outcome.
