Back pain can make your life really hard. Even small things like getting dressed or picking up something from the floor can hurt.
If your pain management doctor said you have a spinal fracture, they might have talked to you about vertebroplasty procedure.
Vertebroplasty is a treatment that can help fix your spine and reduce your pain.
But how do you know if it’s the right choice for you? Let’s find out together.
What Is Vertebroplasty?
Think of vertebroplasty like filling a crack in a wall to make it strong again. In a vertebroplasty procedure, your doctor puts a special medical cement into the broken bone in your spine. This cement makes the bone stronger and stops it from breaking more. And the best part? It helps reduce your pain.
You don’t need big cuts or a long stay in the hospital. It’s a small procedure. Most people go home the same day they get it done. Many patients start feeling better within a few hours or days.
If your back hurts because of a broken bone in your spine, this treatment might really help you feel better.
Who Should Consider Vertebroplasty?
Vertebroplasty doesn’t work for every type of back pain. But it can be really helpful in some situations.
Osteoporosis-Related Fractures
Sometimes as people get older, their bones become weak. This is called osteoporosis. When weak bones break in your spine, vertebroplasty can fix them. The procedure makes the bone stable again. Many patients feel relief fast and can move around much easier.
Recent Fractures
Getting treatment quickly is important. Vertebroplasty works best when you do it within a few weeks or months after your bone breaks. If you wait too long, the bone might heal in a bad way. Then the treatment won’t work as well.
Severe, Persistent Pain
Maybe you’ve already tried resting, taking pain medicines, or doing physical therapy. But your pain is still there. Vertebroplasty can help because it fixes the actual broken bone instead of just hiding the pain.
When Other Options Fail
Sometimes wearing a back brace or other simple treatments don’t help enough. If you’ve tried different things and nothing works, your pain management doctor might tell you about vertebroplasty.
When It’s Not the Right Choice
Vertebroplasty can’t help everyone. You might not be able to get it if:
- Your fracture is very big or you have breaks in many bones
- You have an infection in your spine
- There’s a tumor in your spine
- Cancer has spread to your spine
If any of these things are true for you, your doctor will suggest other treatments that are safer for your condition.
How Do You Find Out?
The only way to really know if vertebroplasty is right for you is by talking to your doctor. They will check you and ask questions about your health.
You are also required to get some tests like X-rays or MRIs done.
After looking at everything, your doctor will tell you if vertebroplasty can help your pain.
Final Thoughts
If you broke a bone in your spine recently and your pain won’t go away, ask your doctor if the vertebroplasty procedure is right for you.
Many thousands of people have gotten their normal lives back because of vertebroplasty treatment. The process is quick and helps you get back to doing things you love.
Don’t let back pain stop you from enjoying life. Talk to your doctor about what you can do. With the right treatment, vertebroplasty might help you feel strong and comfortable again.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does vertebroplasty take?
The vertebroplasty procedure takes about one hour. You’ll be awake but sleepy during it because of medicine. The doctor will make sure you don’t feel pain.
Is vertebroplasty painful?
The doctor gives you medicine to make you sleepy and numb the area. After the vertebroplasty procedure, some people feel a little soreness where the needle went in. But this goes away soon.
What’s the recovery time after vertebroplasty?
After vertebroplasty procedure, patients can resume light activities after 1 to two weeks However, it is recommended to avoid heavy workout and lifting for at least 6 weeks. Always confirm it with your doctors.
