If you suffer from acute or chronic back pain, you are not alone. According to recent statistics, nearly 65 million Americans report a recent episode of back pain. And a vast majority are actively seeking ways to get some relief.
In his many years in practice, Dr. Robert J. Baranello has found that among the various causes of back pain, spinal compression fractures are often the root of the problem. As an interventional pain management specialist, Dr. Baranello provides qualified patients with a minimally invasive procedure called kyphoplasty—a technique proven to reduce and even eliminate back pain caused by spinal compression fractures.
If you have been diagnosed with a spinal compression fracture and you have not received adequate back relief from conservative treatments such as pain medications or physical therapy, you may be a candidate for kyphoplasty. Using advanced and targeted diagnostic tools and techniques, Dr. Baranello can determine the precise location and severity of your spinal fracture to determine whether you could benefit from the procedure.
Kyphoplasty: Alleviating Back Pain
Kyphoplasty is a minimally invasive medical procedure specifically performed to manage back pain resulting from spinal compression fractures.
What Are Spinal Compression Fractures?
A spinal compression fracture is a small fracture that occurs in the vertebral bones of the spine. Often characterized by a decrease in vertebral height—leading to a stooped or hunched posture, these compression fractures can cause severe pain, limited mobility, and many times a reduced quality of life.
Conditions Treated by Kyphoplasty
Kyphoplasty is primarily used to treat spinal compression fractures resulting from osteoporosis—a condition that weakens bones over time, traumatic injuries, and certain medical conditions such as cancerous tumors. It is especially effective in providing rapid relief from the excruciating pain associated with these fractures. By restoring vertebral height and stability, kyphoplasty can improve a patient’s posture, mobility, and overall health.
During a kyphoplasty procedure, your doctor carefully inserts a specialized balloon device into the affected vertebra. The balloon is then gently inflated to create space within the fractured vertebra. Subsequently, a medical-grade bone cement is injected into the created space to stabilize the vertebra and relieve pain.
Benefits of Minimally Invasive Procedures
Minimally invasive procedures like kyphoplasty offer several advantages over traditional surgical interventions. Some key benefits include:
- Reduced risk: Minimally invasive procedures typically involve smaller incisions, leading to decreased risks of infection, bleeding, and complications during the recovery process.
- Quicker recovery: Because the procedures are less invasive, patients often experience shorter hospital stays and faster recovery times, enabling them to return to their daily activities sooner.
- Minimal scarring: The small incisions used in minimally invasive procedures result in minimal scarring, enhancing the cosmetic outcome.
- Less pain: Minimally invasive techniques are associated with less postoperative pain compared to traditional open surgeries.
- Outpatient option: In most cases, kyphoplasty can be performed on an outpatient basis, allowing patients to go home on the same day as the procedure.
Candidates for Kyphoplasty
If you suffer from severe back pain caused by spinal compression fractures and have not experienced adequate relief from conservative treatments such as pain medications, rest, or physical therapy, you may benefit significantly from the procedure. A comprehensive evaluation by your interventional pain management doctor will help determine if the procedure is appropriate for you.
Interventionalists: Medical Experts in Kyphoplasty
Kyphoplasty is often performed by interventional pain management specialists or interventionists like Dr. Baranello. Interventionists evaluate, diagnose, and treat chronic, acute, and subacute pain. They have an in-depth knowledge of the physiology of pain, extensive training in a range of specialized tests for diagnosing pain conditions, and experience performing medical procedures when options like physical therapy and medication do not provide pain relief.
Dr. Baranello regularly performs procedures like kyphoplasty, ensuring the best possible outcomes for his patients. His focus on providing alternative pain relief techniques allows his patients to experience faster recovery, reduced pain, and a quicker return to a quality life. He is a strong believer in seeking timely medical advice if you suffer from back pain to minimize longer-term and more severe complications. If back pain is affecting your productivity, it is time to consult a pain management expert.
Request a consultation with Dr. Baranello or call us at 919-220-5255 to learn more about kyphoplasty and how to get the relief you need.
