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As your body ages, the bones of your body can lose their mineral content and become more fragile, a condition called osteoporosis or porous bones. The bones are brittle and prone to fracture from even minor trauma or mechanical stress. This condition is common in post-menopausal women but can affect others as well.

Commonly affected bones are the hip bones and the bones of the spine; the vertebrae. Vertebral compression fractures can result from falls, the stress of lifting an object or even sudden movements such as a sneeze.

Vertebral compression fractures are painful, limit movement and if severe enough to deform the spinal canal, can cause nerve pain or dysfunction.

The symptoms of persistent back pain, particularly of sudden onset, should be evaluated by your health care provider. A simple x-ray may be diagnostic, or additional studies such as a bone scan, CT scan or MRI scan may be required. A bone density scan or DEXA scan may be done to assess the severity of your osteoporosis.

Vertebral compression fractures, once diagnosed, are commonly treated with rest, rigid braces and medications to control the pain. These simple techniques are often quite effective to control the pain and prevent progressive spinal deformity.

The process of progressive vertebral collapse can lead to forward angulation of the spine or kyphotic deformity. The Dowagers hump or forward stooped posture frequently seen in the elderly is a result of vertebral compression fractures.

The progressive bending of the spine or kyphosis is not only unsightly, it compromises overall health. Kyphosis limits the ability to take a deep breath, it can impair digestion and disturb ones balance. Loss of balance can lead to falls and more fractures.

A technique is newly available in Thomasville to treat vertebral compression fractures that have not responded to traditional conservative care. It is called KYPHOPLASTY. This technique involves the surgical placement of a small catheter or needle into the fractured vertebrae, threading a balloon through this catheter and then slowly inflating this balloon. This process restores the height of the compressed vertebrae and can correct the kyphotic deformity. The cavity created by the balloon is then filled with a plastic paste that quickly hardens and stabilizes the fractured spinal bone.