A Danger of Sneezing
It seems to come from out of nowhere, a sudden sharp pain in your mid to lower back. The intensity may increase when you are standing or walking and lessen when you are lying down. The cause? It could be a vertebral compression fracture, also known as compression fracture in the spine. This type of fracture is relatively common and can happen from everyday activities like stepping off a curb, coughing, lifting a heavy box, or taking a fall. Even something as simple as a sneeze can cause it.
The most common cause of vertebral compression fractures is osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is a disease that affects your bones, causing the inside to lose strength and density, while the outside becomes weak and thin. While osteoporosis is the most common cause, cancer, infection or even a car accident can also result in these fractures. “Compression fractures are very debilitating,” says Dr. Michael Switzer, medical director of Comprehensive Integrated Care in Gilbert. They cause chronic back pain, loss of height, and can even make it hard to breathe, all of which can have a significant impact on your life. “People often find themselves restricted to bed and heavily medicated,” says Switzer. “They’re at their wits end because nothing takes away the pain.”
While compression fractures can heal on their own, it can take a long. The most common treatments include bed rest, physical therapy, back braces and pain medication. While these may provide some relief, they do not address the loss of the natural height of the vertebrae, the probable reason for your pain. And, during this time, the symptoms can still be disabling, leading to a more sedentary lifestyle. “Inactivity leads to a spiral effect. People continue to go downhill,” says Switzer. “Kyphoplasty is a tool that can help. Kyphoplasty is a minimally invasive procedure. Through a small nick in the skin, the doctor uses x-ray guidance to treat the broken bone. It’s done in an office setting and patients go home within hours. “Recovery is easy, and heavy pain medications are not needed because they feel better,” he explains.
Dr. Switzer has had many patients come in who were unable to tie their shoes on their own. After the procedure, he asks them to tie their shoes. Without even thinking about it, they are able to bend over and do it themselves. “The symptoms are improved so much when it’s done,” says Switzer. “Nothing is more gratifying than seeing a patient after the procedure. They’re happy.”