Relief for Vertebral Compression Fractures & Other Vertebral Body Collapses

Back pain is a familiar trouble for many of us, especially as we get on in age. When severe osteoporosis enters the mix, spinal fractures may occur and require treatment.

A vertebral compression fracture occurs when a vertebral body in the spine collapses. These fractures happen most often in the middle of our backs, an area known as the thoracic spine. This can lead to severe pain, spinal cord compression, nerve damage, abnormal posture, and even loss of height. This often occurs due to an actual change in the spine’s natural shape.

Fortunately, Southside Pain Specialists provides a solution with kyphoplasty. It’s among the leading treatment options for severe back pain and a vertebral compression fracture. In addition to preventing future fractures, this minimally invasive spine surgery provides relief from painful vertebral compression fractures and other osteoporosis-related issues.

Below you’ll find answers to common questions about the kyphoplasty procedure. To schedule an appointment ASAP, call Southside Pain Specialists at (205) 900-3927 or contact us online.

WHAT IS OSTEOPOROSIS?

Our bodies are constantly absorbing and replacing bone tissue. However, with osteoporosis, the creation of new bone doesn’t keep up with the pace of the old bone’s removal.

Osteoporosis means “porous bone.” It is a bone disease that develops when a person’s body loses too much bone, does not make enough bone, or both. Osteoporosis leads to lost bone density, abnormal tissue structure, and weak, brittle bones that break easily. When these fractures fail to properly heal, painful bone fragments develop in their place.

How can one combat osteoporosis? To help prevent bone loss or strengthen already weak bones, make sure you are getting enough calcium and vitamin D in your diet and staying active with weight-bearing exercise.

Osteoporosis is common in adults age 50 and older, and it is more common in women than in men. Many people do not notice osteoporosis symptoms until after they break or fracture a bone. The first step to diagnosing and treating osteoporosis is a bone density test.

WHAT IS KYPHOPLASTY?

Kyphoplasty is an outpatient procedure for patients with a collapsed vertebral body caused by weak bones or trauma. Percutaneous kyphoplasty is considered a minimally invasive surgery because it is performed through a small skin puncture rather than an open incision.

Specialists perform the procedure by inserting a large cannula (a kind of hollow needle) into the vertebrae and then injecting cement into the collapsed vertebra with bone cement to replace the missing or weak bone.

Southside Pain Specialists offers an array of chronic pain management solutions, including kyphoplasty, spinal column and spinal cord stimulation, injections, diagnostic discography, and much more.

To connect with a kyphoplasty doctor in Birmingham, Alabama, schedule your consultation today! Contact us online or by phone at (205) 900-3927.

WHO IS A CANDIDATE FOR KYPHOPLASTY?

In order to have a kyphoplasty procedure, you must have osteoporosis. Persons who have experienced vertebral compression fractures due to osteoporotic weakening or a traumatic accident are good candidates for the procedure.

If you’re not sure if you have osteoporosis, you and your doctor can begin testing bone quality and density via a DEXA scan, calcium blood test, vitamin D test, or other recommended method.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF KYPHOPLASTY?

Kyphoplasty is a minimally invasive procedure that is clinically proven to help stabilize spinal compression fractures while reducing pain. It restores density to the vertebral body by filling the cavity in the spinal canal with a special cement mixture, thereby preventing further weakening and additional fractures, and reducing the pain caused by the previously fractured vertebra.

The kyphoplasty procedure can reduce chronic back pain, improve mobility, restore body height, and improve a patient’s overall quality of life.

WHAT CAN I EXPECT AFTER A KYPHOPLASTY PROCEDURE?

Kyphoplasty is an outpatient procedure that takes about 45 minutes for most patients under general anesthesia or local anesthesia. At Southside Pain Specialists, we perform the procedure here in our clinic.

We require patients to recover for an hour post-operation and to wear braces for a short time. We may also prescribe pain medication for short-term use.

After a brief bit of bed rest, you may resume normal functions within 48 hours. In addition to rapid pain relief, some patients regain lost mobility. For best results, physical therapy may be recommended.

WHAT KIND OF DOCTOR PERFORMS KYPHOPLASTY?

Southside Pain Specialists has a team of certified pain management doctors who perform kyphoplasty procedures at our pain management clinic in Birmingham, Alabama. Many are specially trained in interventional radiology and neuroradiology.

SCHEDULE A KYPHOPLASTY PROCEDURE IN BIRMINGHAM, AL FOR COMPRESSION FRACTURE PAIN RELIEF TODAY

Kyphoplasty is one of the top pain management treatments we offer at Southside Pain Specialists, a pain clinic in Birmingham, Alabama. We prioritize patient safety and communicate transparently with you every step of the way. Our spine specialist providers are board-certified, trained in a variety of pain mitigation techniques, and offer high-quality care.

If you need help managing osteoporosis or recovering from vertebral body fractures, find out if you are a good candidate for kyphoplasty. Contact Southside Pain Specialists and schedule your consultation by phone at (205) 900-3927 or via our contact form.

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