Treatments

Minimally Invasive Pain Relief for Spinal Fractures

Spinal fractures can be incredibly painful, limiting your movement and taking a serious toll on your daily life. Kyphoplasty is a minimally invasive procedure that helps stabilize compression fractures in the spine, reduce pain, and restore spinal height. At Midwest Vascular and Pain Specialists, we specialize in this advanced treatment to help patients feel better and move more comfortably again.

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What is Kyphoplasty?

Kyphoplasty involves using a special bone cement to stabilize a fractured vertebra. It’s most commonly used for people with fractures caused by osteoporosis, trauma, or cancer-related bone loss.

By restoring spinal height and strength to the spine, this procedure helps relieve pain, improve posture, and make everyday movement easier.

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Who is a Candidate for Kyphoplasty?

Kyphoplasty may be a good option if you’re dealing with:

• Osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures (VCFs) -Often due to bone thinning in older adults.
• Fractures from trauma or injury  - Like falls, accidents, or sports injuries.
• Cancer-related spinal fractures - When bones weaken from metastatic cancer.
• Chronic back pain that’s limiting your movement - Especially if other treatments haven’t helped.

If not treated, spinal fractures can cause long lasting pain, spinal deformity, and even affect lung function. Kyphoplasty can help prevent these complications while providing fast relief.

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Explore other spine pain treatments.

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How is Kyphoplasty Performed?

Kyphoplasty is done as an outpatient procedure and usually takes about 30 to 45 minutes for each vertebra. 

Here's what happens:

• Prep – You’ll receive local or general anesthesia based on what’s best for you.
• Balloon placement - A small balloon is inserted into the fractured vertebra to create space and gently lift the bone.
• Bone cement injection - Once the space is made, a quick-setting medical cement is injected to hold the bone in place.
• Immediate results - The cement hardens quickly, offering pain relief and support right away.

Most people go home the same day and feel better within 24 hours or a couple of days.

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Learn about other advanced spinal procedures.

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What to Expect After Kyphoplasty?

Most patients notice significant pain relief within 48 hours. You’ll likely be able to return to light activities within a few days, but it’s best to hold off on heavy lifting or strenuous exercise for a few weeks.

We’ll also help you with a recovery plan that may include physical therapy and lifestyle tips to strengthen your spine and prevent future fractures.

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Benefits of Kyphoplasty

• Fast pain relief - often within a day or two
• Helps restore spinal height and posture
• No large incisions or stitches
• Short recovery with same-day discharge
• Reduces the risk of more fractures by stabilizing the spine

In more severe cases, additional treatments like vertebroplasty or spinal fusion may be discussed.

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Read about other minimally invasive spine procedures.

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Long-Term Spinal Health After Kyphoplasty

To protect your spine and reduce your chances of future fractures, we recommend:

• Eating a bone-strengthening diet with calcium and vitamin D
• Doing weight-bearing exercises to improve bone strength
• Avoiding smoking and limiting alcohol, which can weaken bones
• Discussing osteoporosis medications with your doctor if needed

If pain doesn’t fully go away after kyphoplasty, we may consider other treatments like spinal cord stimulation for ongoing relief.

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Learn about spinal cord stimulation for chronic pain.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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How long does kyphoplasty last?
Once the cement sets, the vertebra is permanently stabilized. If new fractures occur in other parts of the spine, additional treatment may be needed.

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Is kyphoplasty painful?
Not during the procedure as you’ll be under anesthesia. Some mild soreness may happen afterward but usually goes away in a few days.

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How soon can I return to normal activities?
Most people are back to light daily activities within 24 to 48 hours. Just avoid anything high-impact for a few weeks.

Will I need more than one kyphoplasty?
If you have fractures in multiple vertebrae, they can often be treated during the same procedure.

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Is kyphoplasty covered by insurance?
Yes, most insurance plans cover kyphoplasty when it’s medically necessary. Our team can help confirm your coverage.

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Why Choose Midwest Vascular and Pain Specialists for Kyphoplasty?

At Midwest Vascular and Pain Specialists, we’re committed to providing effective, minimally invasive treatments that help you feel better and move with confidence.

• Board-certified specialists with years of kyphoplasty experience
• Advanced imaging for precise, safe results
• Comprehensive pain management plans for long-term spinal health.

If spinal fractures are keeping you from doing the things you love, kyphoplasty may be the solution that gets you back on your feet - quickly and safely.

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