When people think of spinal fractures, many imagine traumatic injuries caused by serious falls or car accidents. But spinal fractures don’t have to be caused by trauma — some types of spinal fractures, called compression fractures, can happen simply as a side effect of aging.
At Superior Pain Relief, serving the greater Houston, Texas, area, Zaid Malik, MD, and his team repair compression fractures using a technique called kyphoplasty. This state-of-the-art, minimally invasive procedure is designed to restore damaged vertebrae.
If kyphoplasty is in your future, here’s what you should know about spinal health and what you can do to help prevent new fractures in the future.
About 1.5 million osteoporosis-related compression fractures happen each year, according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.
Most compression fractures happen in people with osteoporosis, a chronic medical condition associated with weak, porous ones. Osteoporosis becomes more common with age, especially among women as estrogen levels decline. Compression fractures happen when the weakened spinal bones collapse in on themselves, creating painful breaks.
Kyphoplasty uses a special needle to insert a surgical balloon into the damaged vertebrae. When the balloon is gently inflated, it restores the height of the collapsed vertebrae. Next, the needle administers a small amount of surgical cement to stabilize the vertebrae and maintain its elevated shape, protecting your spine and preventing painful symptoms like nerve compression.
Kyphoplasty repairs existing fractures, but because osteoporosis is chronic, you could still develop compression fractures in the future. There are steps you can take to protect your spine and prevent future breaks after your kyphoplasty procedure.
While you can’t completely eliminate your risk of compression fractures, these tips can help reduce your risk of developing future fractures.
Kyphoplasty is associated with a quick recovery period, but it's still important to follow Dr. Malik’s orders. Don’t try to take on too much too soon after your procedure, and follow all instructions for strenuous activities, such as lifting heavy objects.
There’s no cure for osteoporosis, but medications can help protect your bones and slow down the loss of bone tissue. If Dr. Malik prescribes medication to manage your osteoporosis, be sure to take it exactly as prescribed to keep your bones as healthy as possible.
The bone replacement cycle depends on nutrients and regular activity. Be sure your diet includes plenty of calcium, vitamin D, and phosphorus-rich foods to give bones the nutrients they need to rebuild themselves. Make regular, low-impact exercise, such as walking, part of your daily routine. Avoid high-impact exercises like running.
Carrying too much weight puts added strain on your spine, increasing your risk of fractures. Following a healthy diet and getting regular exercise can help.
A physical therapist can help you learn how to strengthen your core muscles to provide extra support for your spine while avoiding activities that can cause damage. Most therapists provide lifestyle guidance and instructions for simple exercises you can do at home, too.
If you smoke, it’s important to quit as soon as possible. Smoking can interfere with bone tissue’s ability to heal itself and even contribute to bone loss. Drinking too much alcohol can weaken bones, too, by making it harder for your bones to absorb calcium and vitamin D.
If you have osteoporosis, even a seemingly simple fall can result in a fracture. Reduce your risk of falls by using plenty of lighting in your home, including lighting pathways to your bathroom or on your stairs. Removing throw rugs and rearranging your furniture to provide broader pathways also can help.
Annual physical exams keep a close eye on your spine and provide you with ongoing lifestyle guidance to preserve spinal health. It’s also important to see Dr. Malik at the first sign of back pain, limb numbness, or related symptoms.
Compression fractures may become more common with age, but that doesn’t mean there’s nothing you can do to improve your spine health as you get older.
To learn more about compression fractures or how we can help you heal following a fracture, request an appointment online or over the phone with Dr. Malik and the team at Superior Pain Relief in Houston, Baytown, Willis, and The Woodlands, Texas, today.
