Fractured Vertebra Treatment at The Pain Experts of Arizona in Phoenix, Scottsdale, Gilbert, and Mesa

A fractured vertebra is a serious condition that can result in significant pain and loss of mobility if not properly treated. At The Pain Experts of Arizona, our experienced pain doctors are committed to providing comprehensive care for spinal fractures using the latest techniques and minimally invasive procedures. Whether you’re in Phoenix, Scottsdale, Gilbert, or Mesa, our pain clinics offer effective treatment options designed to help you get back to living a pain-free life.

What Is a Fractured Vertebra?

The spine is made up of 33 vertebrae that support your body and allow for movement. A fractured vertebra refers to a break or crack in one of these bones. Depending on the severity, the fracture can impact the spinal cord or nerves, leading to a range of symptoms from mild discomfort to serious neurological issues. At The Pain Experts of Arizona, our pain specialists take a thorough approach to diagnosis and treatment to ensure the best outcome for each patient.

Causes of Vertebral Fractures

Spinal fractures are often caused by traumatic events such as falls, car accidents, or sports injuries. However, medical conditions like osteoporosis or cancer can also weaken the bones and lead to fractures. Our pain clinic frequently sees patients whose fractures are related to both trauma and underlying health conditions.

Types of Vertebral Fractures

There are several types of vertebral fractures that our pain doctors commonly treat:

• Compression fractures: Usually caused by osteoporosis or tumors, these involve the front part of the vertebra collapsing.

• Axial burst fractures: These result from a vertical impact, often from a fall, and affect both the front and back of the vertebra.

• Chance fractures: Often caused by car accidents, these fractures result from a flexion-distraction injury and can affect all three columns of the spine.

Each type of fracture requires a specific treatment approach, which our pain specialists will determine based on imaging and your individual health profile.

Diagnosis and Symptoms

Fractured vertebrae are diagnosed using imaging tools like X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs. Common symptoms include:

• Sudden or sharp back or neck pain

• Numbness, tingling, or weakness in the limbs

• Muscle spasms

• Difficulty walking or standing

• Loss of bowel or bladder control

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, especially after trauma, you should contact a pain doctor immediately. Early diagnosis can help prevent complications and lead to better outcomes.

Who Should Seek Medical Attention?

Individuals over 65 or younger than 12 should be especially cautious, as spinal fractures can have long-term effects if not addressed. If your back pain remains constant whether you’re resting or moving, or if you’re experiencing loss of bladder or bowel control, it is critical to seek immediate evaluation from a pain specialist.

Conservative Treatment Options

Not all spinal fractures require surgery. Our pain clinic offers conservative options including:

• Rest and activity modification

• Back braces for stability

• Pain medications

• Physical therapy

These treatments are typically recommended for minor compression fractures and are closely monitored by your pain doctor to ensure healing is progressing properly.

Advanced Treatment Options from Our Pain Specialists

When conservative methods aren’t enough, our pain specialists may recommend a minimally invasive procedure such as vertebroplasty or kyphoplasty:

• Vertebroplasty involves injecting bone cement into the fractured vertebra to provide immediate stability and pain relief.

• Kyphoplasty uses a balloon to restore height to the collapsed vertebra before injecting the cement.

Both procedures are outpatient and offer a fast recovery. They are especially effective for treating compression fractures caused by osteoporosis or spinal tumors.

Risks and Considerations

Although vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty are safe when performed by an experienced pain doctor, they do carry some risks, such as:

• Infection

• Bleeding or hematoma

• Cement leakage

• Nerve irritation

• Allergic reactions

At The Pain Experts of Arizona, we use advanced imaging and precise techniques to minimize these risks and ensure optimal outcomes for our patients.

Benefits of Vertebroplasty and Kyphoplasty

Patients treated at our Arizona pain clinics often experience:

• Quick pain relief

• Improved spine stability

• Enhanced mobility

• Little to no downtime

• Avoidance of major surgery

Most people are able to resume normal daily activities within a few days of their procedure, with minimal need for physical therapy.

Preparing for Your Procedure

Your pain doctor will review your medical history and may advise you to stop taking certain medications, including NSAIDs and blood thinners, before the procedure. You will also be instructed not to eat or drink for several hours beforehand. These steps help reduce the risk of complications during and after treatment.

What to Expect During the Procedure

The procedure typically involves:

• Lying face down on a specialized table

• Local anesthesia to numb the area

• Real-time X-ray guidance to ensure accurate needle placement

• Injection of bone cement to stabilize the fracture

The entire process usually takes less than an hour, and patients can return home the same day under the care of a friend or family member.

Recovery and Follow-Up

After the procedure, you may experience minor soreness for a few days. Pain relief is often immediate, though some patients notice improvement within 48 hours. Your pain specialist will give you personalized instructions about when you can return to work, exercise, or other activities.

If your symptoms worsen or don’t improve after a week, follow up with your pain clinic for additional evaluation.

Schedule a Consultation with an Arizona Pain Specialist Today

If you’re having pain-related difficulty, The Pain Experts of Arizona can help. Our award-winning pain doctors in Phoenix, Scottsdale, Gilbert, and Mesa specialize in vertebral augmentation and other advanced pain management treatments to restore function and improve your quality of life.

Call us today at 480-950-9393 to schedule your consultation and take the first step toward feeling better.

The Pain Experts of Arizona – Your Partners in Pain Relief and Recovery.

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