Everything You Need to Know About Spinal Fractures

Spinal fractures can be debilitating, affecting every aspect of your life, from your ability to move to your overall quality of life. At Innovative Pain Medicine, highly skilled pain management specialist Usman Saleem MD, MSPT, offers comprehensive treatment for spinal fractures to help you feel better and function with less pain. 

We've put together this guide to help you understand spinal fractures and the treatment options that can help you regain mobility and comfort.

Understanding Spinal Fractures

Spinal fractures occur when one or more of your vertebrae, the small bones that make up your spine, crack or collapse. Compression fractures are most common, and the risk increases as you age. By 40, most people have some age-related changes to their spine. These changes raise the risk of issues like compression fractures. 

Diagnosing spinal fractures

When you come to Innovative Pain Medicine with back pain or other symptoms that may indicate a spinal fracture, we'll conduct a comprehensive assessment to confirm the diagnosis. This usually involves physical exams, detailed medical history, and imaging tests such as X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs. These tests help us pinpoint the location and severity of the fracture, as well as any potential nerve damage.

Treating spinal fractures: kyphoplasty

There are many treatment options for spinal fractures, but one of the most effective we offer at Innovative Pain Medicine is kyphoplasty. This minimally invasive procedure is designed to restore the vertebra's height and relieve pain.

During kyphoplasty, a specialized balloon is strategically placed into the compromised vertebra. This balloon is gently inflated, creating a void within the bone structure. A substance akin to cement is infused into this newly formed space. 

This step stabilizes the fracture and generally leads to instant pain relief. This minimally invasive approach is usually completed within an hour for each treated vertebra and is often performed using only local anesthesia.

Benefits of kyphoplasty

Kyphoplasty has a high success rate in treating spinal fractures. Patients often report a significant reduction in pain and improved mobility after the procedure. Another significant benefit is the speed of recovery. Most patients can return home the same day as the procedure and return to their regular activities shortly after.

At Innovative Pain Medicine, our care doesn't stop after the procedure. We'll provide you with a detailed aftercare plan to ensure optimal recovery. This might include pain management strategies, physical therapy, and advice on preventing further spinal fractures.

A spinal fracture can seem like a daunting diagnosis, but with the right treatment and care, it doesn't have to control your life. At Innovative Pain Medicine, we're here to help guide you toward a future with less pain and more mobility. 

For more information on spinal fracture treatment at Innovative Pain Medicine, call our clinic to schedule a visit. We have four locations in New York City: Brooklyn, Queens, Williston Park, and Port Jefferson Station.