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Sudden pain in your middle to upper back may signal a collapsed vertebra, a unique type of fracture effectively treated with an outpatient procedure called kyphoplasty. Rapid pain relief is just one of the five crucial benefits of kyphoplasty.
Kyphoplasty is an advanced procedure for repairing spinal compression fractures. These fractures are different because the bone doesn’t break in the way you might expect. Instead, the vertebra collapses because the bone is too weak.
Our spinal experts at Centers for Pain Control & Vein Care in Hobart, LaPorte, Munster, Valparaiso, and Merrillville, Indiana, often recommend kyphoplasty for a spinal compression fracture because it delivers the following five benefits:
1. Rapid pain relief
A collapsed vertebra typically causes extreme pain, but you can expect rapid relief with kyphoplasty. Many people experience an immediate improvement after the bone cement hardens. For others, it may take up to 48 hours to achieve optimal pain relief.
While the procedure eases the pain caused by the compression fracture, you may feel sore at the injection site. This discomfort typically improves within a few days.
2. Safe, low-risk procedure
Kyphoplasty is a safe, minimally invasive, outpatient procedure. Adults only need a local anesthesia, avoiding the risks associated with general anesthesia.
We perform the entire procedure using a needle-like instrument inserted through your skin and into the damaged vertebra.
We deploy a balloon through the needle and inflate it, creating a space that restores the bone’s height and shape. Then, we inject bone cement to strengthen and stabilize the vertebra.
3. Optimal vertebral health
During a compression fracture, one side of the vertebra collapses, resulting in a wedge-shaped deformity of the bone. The bone then pinches nerves and disrupts the spine’s stability.
Kyphoplasty uniquely restores the bone’s natural height, shape, and strength. As a result, it does an exceptional job of eliminating the deformity and stabilizing the spine.
4. Restore spinal function
Restoring the vertebra is essential for regaining full spine function. After kyphoplasty, the spine regains its natural ability to:
- Bear daily stress
- Support and distribute upper body weight
- Recover flexibility and the full range of movement
- Protect the spinal cord
Other treatments for compression fractures relieve pain and improve spinal stability, but you may not recover full function.
5. Short recovery time
You may be surprised to learn that you can have a spine procedure without a long recovery or needing physical rehabilitation.
You’ll be able to get up and walk as soon as the bone cement dries, and you can go home after a short observation period.
Most people return to their usual daily activities immediately. However, we recommend sticking to light activities and resting for the first 24 hours.
We also ask that you avoid heavy lifting, strenuous activities, and activities involving excessive bending and twisting (such as playing golf, gymnastics, and yoga) for a few weeks.
Need help with back pain?
If you struggle with back pain, call Centers for Pain Control & Vein Care or request an appointment online today to learn more about the cause of your pain and determine if kyphoplasty is the best treatment option for you.