A compression fracture is just what it sounds like: compression has led to a crushing or cracking of the spine.
This compression can be acute and caused by sudden trauma, or it can occur over time due to wear, tear, or a repetitive stress injury.
These fractures can be very painful and debilitating.
Unfortunately, a lot of clinics will tell patients that these fractures will heal on their own.
They may recommend rest, specific types of physical therapy, and pain medications. Some doctors will suggest a brace to help with support and to stop patients from bending over as they heal.
However, these treatments do little to promote healing to the compression fracture itself. Compression fractures occur in the vertebral bodies (back bones), and bones are notoriously slow healers since they don’t have a good blood supply.
To complicate the matter, pain medications such as opioids are often prescribed.
Opioids, and particularly fentanyl, are highly addictive and powerful synthetic drugs.
They might be a good choice for very short-term pain management, but a compression fracture may take several weeks, or even months to heal—if it heals at all.
However, there is an alternative option that provides almost instantaneous relief: Kyphoplasty!
Kyphoplasty is a procedure specifically designed for compression fractures.
The concept is simple: A special balloon in placed into the bone with the compression fracture and gently inflated.
This creates a cavity and essentially restores the height of the compressed vertebral body.
Next, “bone cement” is injected slowly into the cavity and used to reinforce the spine and offer immediate relief and mobility.
It does not get in the way of natural healing, but rather offers a type of reinforcement that’s unmatched in braces.
Plus, kyphoplasty can provide added strength to the spine to prevent future breaks or fractures.
Don’t let compression fractures prevent you from having a quality of life.
Kyphoplasty may be an option for your compression fracture and provide you with immediate relief without needing long term pain medications or a lengthy recovery.
Call or email Interventional Pain and Spine to schedule an appointment with Dr. Vyas and ask about kyphoplasty for your compression fracture.
