10 Aug Back Pain and Spinal Compression Fractures
Many people struggle with osteoporosis, which causes bones to become brittle and weaken. Due to the weakening of the bones, fractures are quite common. In many cases, fractures occur in the spine. These are most commonly referred to as spinal compression fractures, although they are also called osteoporotic fractures and vertebral fractures.
Spinal compression fractures cause significant back pain for patients. Read on to learn more about the types of fractures, symptoms and treatment. We also invite you to learn more about Dr. Nikesh Seth and other providers including Dr. Anne-Marie Cosijns, Dr. Lisa Sparks, Dr. Michael Givens, and our team of Nurse Practitioners.
Types of Back Fractures
There are three common types of fractures:
- Wedge fractures. These occur when the front of the vertebrae becomes fractured and the bone in front of the spine collapses. The vertebrae takes on the shape of a wedge, hence the name.
- Burst fractures. In this case, instead of just the front or back of the vertebra breaking, the entire bone bursts.
- Crush fractures. This type of fracture affects both the front and back walls of the vertebrae. There is also loss of height, which makes the fracture unstable.
Spinal Compression Fracture Symptoms
Osteoporosis is a silent disease. You may not know you have disease until you suffer a fracture. Even then, you might develop back pain, but not know that you actually fractured a vertebrae. Here are some symptoms to be aware of:
- Sudden back pain
- Relief when you lie on your back
- Intense pain when you walk or move
- Decrease in height
- Lack of mobility in the spine
- Deformity or disability in the spinal area
Types of Back Fracture Treatments
There are two common treatments for spinal compression fractures:
- Kyphoplasty. Kyphoplasty is a minimally invasive procedure that stabilizes the bone. It helps to restore lost height in the vertebrae caused by the spinal compression fracture. Kyphoplasty can reduce the amount of pain or even eliminate the pain altogether.
- Vertebroplasty. Like kyphoplasty, vertebroplasty is also effective at stabilizing the fracture and reducing pain. The procedure is different, however. Vertebroplasty stabilizes the vertebrae with the help of low viscosity cement, which is injected into the collapsed vertebrae at high pressure.
Manage Spinal Compression Fractures With Help from Integrated Pain Consultants
Board certified pain management expert Dr. Nikesh Seth and his team of Pain Specialists offer numerous cutting-edge treatments that can relieve pain caused by spinal compression fractures. They have helped many Scottsdale patients manage chronic back pain. Learn more about pain management options that are right for you by calling (480) 626-2552 or learn how to book your appointment online.