Imagine this happening: you bend down to pick something up, cough, or move in a way you’ve done a million times before, only to feel severe pain in a concentrated area of your spine.
For some people, particularly those with osteoporosis, this sudden onset of pain is a sign of a vertebral compression fracture, a type of fracture that can make it difficult to stand, walk, or complete everyday tasks. It can also lead to a significant loss of mobility and independence.
Compression fractures aren’t rare. According to the Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, an estimated 10 million older adults in the U.S. age 50 and older have osteoporosis, and that puts them at a greater risk of a compression fracture.
One of the most effective ways to treat compression fractures is with kyphoplasty, a minimally invasive procedure Dr. Nicolaus Winters performs regularly at Commonwealth’s offices in Evansville, Indiana and Owensboro, Kentucky.
In this guide, Dr. Winters shares how to recognize a possible compression fracture, when kyphoplasty may be the best option, and what patients can expect from the procedure.
Who Is at Risk for a Compression Fracture?
Vertebral compression fractures occur when a bone in the spine weakens and becomes compressed or collapses. While osteoporosis is one of the most common risk factors, these fractures can also be caused by trauma.
As osteoporosis progresses, the vertebrae can no longer withstand pressure. A fracture may happen during a fall or accident, but it can also occur during an ordinary movement that stresses weakened bone. In some cases, there may be no obvious injury at all.
“Patients with significant osteoporosis are at the greatest risk, but age also matters,” says Dr. Winters. “Younger patients generally have a stronger natural healing response, while adults over 50 may be more likely to experience lingering pain, reduced mobility or other consequences after a compression fracture.”
What Does a Compression Fracture Feel Like?
Compression fractures can be difficult to distinguish from other causes of back pain, especially if you’ve never had one before.
“It’s usually concentrated in a small area around the spine rather than radiating down the legs or arms. And the pain may also be severe enough to make walking, standing and other routine activities difficult.”
Any sudden spine pain should be evaluated quickly. Appropriate imaging can help determine whether a fracture is causing the pain.
Why Function Matters
“If there’s one thing that keeps people young and moving, it’s simply getting up and doing things,” says Dr. Winters.
A compression fracture, however, can make getting up and doing things nearly impossible, whether it’s working, running errands, socializing with friends, or working out. As activity decreases, strength, balance, and overall health can also be affected.
Addressing the fracture early may help interrupt that cycle. The goal is not simply to improve what appears on an X-ray. It is to reduce pain, restore function, and help the patient return to the activities that support overall health.
When Is Kyphoplasty Considered?
Age, bone health, pain severity, and the effect on daily function can influence whether a patient may benefit from kyphoplasty.
Dr. Winters says kyphoplasty may be considered when a confirmed compression fracture is causing significant pain or limiting a patient’s ability to function. Patients with advanced osteoporosis, fractures caused by trauma, and adults over 50 may be more likely to benefit.
Not every compression fracture requires a procedure. A pain specialist can review the patient’s symptoms, medical history, and imaging to determine whether kyphoplasty is an appropriate treatment option.
What Happens During Kyphoplasty?
During kyphoplasty, the physician reaches the fractured vertebra through two small needle punctures. The physician inserts a small balloon into the affected bone to create space. The physician then removes the balloon and fills the space with medical-grade bone cement to stabilize the fracture.
The procedure is minimally invasive and generally takes approximately one to one and a half hours in the office.
“You will be sore because the needles can cause bruising and discomfort,” says Dr. Winters, stressing that the temporary soreness is related to the procedure itself and can occur even as the original fracture pain begins to improve.
Recovering After Kyphoplasty
Many patients notice relief from the compression-fracture pain very soon after kyphoplasty. Improvements in movement and function may also begin shortly after the procedure, although each patient’s experience is different.
“The pain from the compression fracture itself generally starts feeling better almost immediately,” says Dr. Winters. “Hopefully, you’ll have improved function shortly after the procedure is completed, although increased pain can continue for up to a week.”
Some soreness or bruising around the puncture sites is normal during the first several days. Dr. Winters generally recommends using ice and limiting walking and similar activities during the initial recovery period. Patients should follow their care team's specific instructions before gradually returning to normal activity.
Don’t Ignore Sudden, Function-Limiting Back Pain
It is easy to dismiss back pain when it begins after an ordinary movement rather than a serious accident. For someone with osteoporosis, however, sudden and localized spinal pain may be a sign of a compression fracture.
If the pain makes it hard to stand, walk, or do daily activities, it may be time to have it evaluated. Addressing a compression fracture early may help relieve pain, restore movement, and prevent the injury from taking a larger toll on your health and independence.
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