After Kyphoplasty: Strategies to Prevent Future Compression Fractures

The abilities of modern science and doctors to fix complex injuries like compression fractures of the spine are incredible. Of course, once you've experienced back pain, spinal procedures, and recovery, you’re probably eager to avoid a repeat performance.

At Apex Endovascular, located in Fort Collins, Colorado, Dr. Shawn Ahmed uses a procedure called kyphoplasty to repair compression spinal fractures and can help you learn how to prevent such fractures in your future.

What is a compression fracture?

Compression spinal fractures happen when one or more of your spine vertebrae give way under pressure. This can happen due to a tumor, a trauma, or weakening of your bones due to osteoporosis.

Risk factors for spinal compression include:

• Age (you're at higher risk if you’re over 50)
• Gender (women are more likely to get osteoporosis, especially post-menopause)
• Genetics (if your family has a history of spinal fracture, you’re at higher risk)
• Past compression fractures (once you have one, you’re more likely to sustain another)

Your spinal fracture can be in the form of a wedge broken off of a vertebra (usually at the front of the spine), a full width break through one or more vertebrae, or a complete crushing of one or more vertebrae.

Spine fractures can cause you to abruptly lose height and stoop forward. The nerves around your spine can get pinched, causing numbness and tingling as well as intense pain.

Kyphoplasty

Dr. Ahmed can repair many spinal compression fractures using a procedure called kyphoplasty. Using imaging to guide his actions, he makes a small incision over your spine above the damage, then inserts a long needle and adds a kind of cement to repair the cracked, broken, or crushed area of vertebra.  

The cement solidifies and stabilizes your spine, giving you back the support you need to stand, walk, and bend. After kyphoplasty, you may need to make some lifestyle changes to prevent additional spine fractures in your future.

Preventing future spinal compression fractures

You can help protect yourself from compression fractures caused by osteoporosis by using the same methods you would to minimize your risk for osteoporosis itself.

• Get plenty of calcium (dairy is a great way to get the calcium your bones need)
• Supplement your vitamin D intake (most Americans don’t get enough sun)
• Take medications to reduce bone loss or the formation of bone spurs
• Have regular bone density scans to identify bone density loss
• Exercise to strengthen the muscles around your spine for extra protection
• Lose weight if you’re overweight or obese to lower demands on your spine
• Stop smoking if you smoke
• Limit your alcohol intake

These strategies can help you stave off future compression spinal fractures and improve your overall health. 

For more information on kyphoplasty, compression spinal fractures, and overall spine health, call Apex Endovascular at 970-508-8439, or book a consultation online today.