Patients who are experiencing severe pain due to compression fractures in the spine may be recommended to undergo kyphoplasty — a procedure used to treat patients who, due to compression fractures, are experiencing the collapse of bone in the spine. During the procedure, the patient is first placed face down while the surgeon inserts a large needle-like tool into the spinal area.

The next step is for the surgeon to insert a balloon into the area through the needle, slowly inflating it in order to raise the fallen bone back into its proper location. Once the bone is back into the correct placement, cement is added to ensure that the compression fracture does not reoccur. To learn more about this procedure as well as the conservative alternatives to attempt prior to resorting to this surgical treatment, read the following article.

Conservative alternatives to kyphoplasty

Patients who are experiencing neck or back pain and are looking into a surgical procedure should first exhaust all conservative options. Treatments to try prior to moving forward with a surgical procedure include:

• Rehabilitation and physical therapy. Before undergoing any type of surgical procedure, patients should look into physical therapy or rehabilitation. These techniques offer a large majority of patients relief and strengthen the muscles, resulting in a possible elimination of the need for a surgical procedure.
• Pain medication. Pain medication is often recommended as the first approach to new or worsening neck or back pain and many people are able to find relief through these conservative treatments over a short period of time.
• Change in behavior. Nerve compression symptoms can be seen in people who do not practice correct posture over an extended period of time. By altering your posture consciously, you can reduce minor nerve compression symptoms.