Treatment for Painful Compression Fractures of the Spine
A vertebral compression fracture can happen suddenly and cause significant back pain, difficulty moving and a noticeable change in your ability to perform everyday activities.
At ECPC Pain Specialists, we evaluate painful vertebral compression fractures and, when appropriate, offer minimally invasive treatment options such as kyphoplasty.
What Is a Vertebral Compression Fracture?
A vertebral compression fracture occurs when one of the bones of the spine partially collapses.
These fractures are often related to osteoporosis, which weakens bones and makes them more susceptible to fracture. Other causes include trauma and certain cancers that affect bone.
Compression fractures most commonly affect the middle or lower portions of the spine.
What Causes Vertebral Compression Fractures?
Common causes include:
- Osteoporosis
- Falls or other trauma
- Weakened bones
- Certain cancers or tumors involving the spine
In people with significant osteoporosis, even relatively minor movements or injuries may result in a fracture.
Symptoms
A vertebral compression fracture may cause:
- Sudden back pain
- Pain that worsens with standing or movement
- Localized tenderness
- Difficulty walking or moving
- Decreased activity
- Loss of height over time
- Changes in posture
Some vertebral fractures cause few or no symptoms and may only be discovered on imaging.
How Are Compression Fractures Diagnosed?
Your physician will review your symptoms, medical history and physical examination and may recommend imaging.
X-rays, CT scans and MRI can help identify a fracture and determine its age and characteristics. Imaging is also important for determining the underlying cause of a fracture and distinguishing osteoporosis-related fractures from other conditions.
Treatment for Vertebral Compression Fractures
Treatment depends on the location and severity of the fracture, the underlying cause and your symptoms.
Some fractures improve with conservative treatment such as activity modification, pain management, bracing and rehabilitation. Many acute osteoporotic fractures improve over several weeks.
For selected patients with painful fractures that have not adequately responded to conservative treatment, vertebral augmentation procedures may be considered.
Kyphoplasty
Kyphoplasty is a minimally invasive procedure that can stabilize a fractured vertebra.
During kyphoplasty, your physician uses imaging guidance to access the fractured vertebra. A small balloon may be used to create a cavity within the vertebral body before medical-grade bone cement is placed to stabilize the fracture.
ECPC offers kyphoplasty for appropriately selected patients. The procedure is not appropriate for every compression fracture, so careful evaluation is important.
Treating the Underlying Bone Health
A vertebral compression fracture can also be a warning sign of underlying osteoporosis.
If osteoporosis contributed to your fracture, addressing bone health is an important part of reducing the risk of future fractures. Your primary care physician, endocrinologist or other specialist may evaluate bone density and recommend appropriate osteoporosis treatment.
Take the Next Step
If you have been diagnosed with a painful vertebral compression fracture, our team can evaluate your condition and discuss whether interventional treatment may be appropriate.
Contact ECPC Pain Specialists to schedule an evaluation.