Vertebral compression fractures are common in middle-aged and older people, and if left untreated, they can cause several complications that may jeopardize your life. Advanced Pain Solutions has the most appropriate solution for you if you are experiencing chronic back pain due to compression fractures in Ionia.
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What are compression fractures?
Compression fractures refer to the tiny cracks that occur in your spinal vertebrae, causing them to collapse, resulting in a hunched posture. Most compression fractures resolve independently, but they can result in diminished height or a hunched back. Your spine’s role is to maintain balance and transmit neural impulses, making it difficult to determine the root cause of your discomfort. However, the skilled team at Advanced Pain Solutions has cutting-edge diagnostic equipment that guarantees accurate diagnosis.
What is sacral insufficiency fracture?
Sacral insufficiency fractures are a form of compression fractures that often occur in elderly patients diagnosed with osteoporosis. These fractures occur when your sacral spine is too fragile to support everyday stress. Sacral insufficiency fractures can also occur due to chronic diseases like diabetes and radiation treatments for gynecologic cancers.
What symptoms indicate that you have a spine fracture?
Spinal fractures often occur in your thoracic spine, located between your lower back and your neck. In some cases, spinal fractures may cause back pain or any other associated symptoms, but older adults should be concerned about the hunching of the back or loss of height. Other signs that may indicate that you have a spinal compression fracture include:
- Spinal instability
- Loss of height
- Severe lower back pain
- Nerve damage
- Limited spinal movement
- Increase in the intensity of your pain when walking or standing
Severe kyphosis may lead to difficulty breathing, loss of mobility, or development of digestive problems. A sacral insufficiency fracture may also cause swelling in your lower back and pain n your groin and buttocks.
What is the available treatment option for insufficiency and compression fractures?
In most cases, compression fractures improve with prescription medications, a reduction in your physical activities’ intensity, and a good back brace. Advanced Pain Solutions also offer additional treatments like:
- Vertebroplasty
During the procedure, your doctor uses real-time imaging to direct the needle into the affected vertebra and inject acrylic bone cement to strengthen your bones, relieve pain, and stabilize your spine.
- Sacroplasty
The team at Advanced Pain Solutions relieves your pain by injecting acrylic bone cement into your sacrum.
- Balloon kyphoplasty
Balloon kyphoplasty is similar to vertebroplasty, but after inserting the needle, the team inflates a balloon to restore the original height of your vertebra. Afterward, they remove the balloon and inject acrylic bone cement into the vertebra to restore your spine’s original shape and size.
Medical research shows that although rest resolves some cases of compression fractures, you risk losing your life due to blood clots, respiratory issues, and irreversible structural complications. Additionally, you may develop chronic pain at the site.
If you experience sudden back pain or suspect a compression fracture, call the Advanced Pain Solutions office or schedule an online appointment for treatment.