The spine is one of the body organs with vital roles, including providing structural support and balance to the rest of your body. Injuries such as spinal fractures in Mesa may affect your mobility and get in the way of your normal activities. If you have a spinal fracture, you may experience various symptoms such as neck pain, muscle spasms, and back pain. The pain may worsen when you stand or walk around but may decrease when you lie down. However, different treatment methods may help manage the pain.
The different treatment options for spinal fracture aim to prevent further damage and manage pain. Below are examples of surgical and non-surgical treatment methods.
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Non-surgical treatments for spinal injury
Braces
A back brace is used to offer support and limit movement of the fractured bone. The reduced motion of the broken vertebrae may help reduce pain. You should only use braces under your doctor’s supervision. Prolonged use of props may result in weakening and loss of muscle.
Pain medications
Anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen may help minimize certain symptoms such as inflammation. Other times, your doctor may prescribe muscle relaxants and narcotic pain medications. However, these drugs are to be used for a short period since they may result in addiction. If pain is originating from your nerves, your specialist may prescribe anti-depressants to alleviate pain.
Bisphosphonates drugs such as Boniva, Fosamax, and Actonel are used to treat osteoporosis. These medications strengthen your bones, improve your bone density and prevent further bone loss.
Your specialist may recommend bed rest and activity modification which may help with acute pain. Your doctor may recommend that you rest only for a short period since prolonged inactivity may lead to bone loss. This decreases bone density and puts you at risk of having compression fractures.
Surgical treatments for spinal fracture
Vertebroplasty
This procedure is effective for stabilizing the spinal fracture. During the procedure, your specialist will insert a needle or catheter into the damaged vertebrae. An X-ray may be used to ensure accuracy during the process. Your doctor will inject bone cement into the fractured vertebrae to harden and improve the stability of the vertebral column. This treatment method does not treat spinal deformity. However, it reduces pain and enables mobility.
Kyphoplasty
X-ray imaging is involved during this procedure to offer guidance and ensure accuracy. During this process, your surgeon will make an incision at your back to create space for inserting a catheter tube. This tube contains a balloon at the tip where liquid bone cement is injected. Your specialist will then close the incisions using sutures. The adhesive prevents the vertebra from re-collapsing by sealing off cracks and cavities. This treatment method reduces pain and corrects bone deformities.
Spinal fusion surgery
This method involves metal plates and screws to replace broken vertebrae and eliminate motion between two bones. Your specialist may recommend this treatment method as a last resort.
If you have any questions about the spinal fracture or need treatment, visit your doctor at Southwest Cardiovascular Associates for treatment to relieve symptoms such as back pain.
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