In general, compression and wedge spinal fractures occur due to vertebral collapse in your spine. As a result, it causes severe painful sensations, deformity, and height loss. Most commonly, wedge spinal fractures occur in the middle portion of the spine or the thoracic spine. Research shows that it can also occur in the lower part of the thoracic spine.
What are Compression and Wedge Spinal Fractures?
The loss of bone mass, also known as osteoporosis, causes compression and wedge spinal fractures. Usually, this condition occurs due to aging. However, lifting a heavy object, an impact, or a fall can also lead to backbone fractures.
The most common symptoms of this health condition are lost height, back pain, and a hunched-forward posture. The wedge compression fracture treatment includes conservative options, such as certain medications for pain relief, physical therapy, as well as surgery.
What are The Causes of Compression and Wedge Spinal Fractures?
One of the common causes of wedge spinal fractures is osteoporosis, which is characterized by the thinning of bones. The bones become weak that they can’t even tolerate a normal pressure. The thinned bones can undergo problems, even collapse while performing normal activities. When the bones collapse, it causes spinal compression fractures.
Wedge spinal compressions are a common type of fractures caused by osteoporosis. Research shows that 40% of the women in the U.S have spinal fractures after the age of 70.
The condition can change your spinal length, shape, and strength. Sometimes, the fractures heal over time, and the patient gets relief from pain. However, if the pain persists, it means the fractures have not healed naturally. So, you will need wedge compression fracture treatment.
In some cases, a normal activity, like bending forward can cause spinal compression fractures. It will lead to a humped back and loss of height, especially in older people. Research also shows that the condition is more common in women than in men.
Another cause of fractures is trauma to the vertebrae in the spine. For instance, the trauma can either be a fall, a car accident, or a forceful jump. Metastatic disease can also cause spinal fractures. It occurs when cancer cells spread and reach the thoracic spine. Keep in mind that the spinal bones are a favorable place for cancer spread.
What are The Possible Treatments for Compression and Wedge Spinal Fractures?
If the symptoms are not severe, then the doctor will prescribe you pain medications, which reduce pain. However, you have to take the medicines as per the instructions of the doctor. Keep in mind that medications will only reduce pain. They won’t have any effect on the fracture. In simple words, your spinal fracture won’t heal by taking medicines.
Sometimes, the health professional may suggest bracing for your compression fractures. For example, it includes back support, which is also known as the orthosis. The brace supports your spine and restricts it from movements. It tightly conforms to your spine.
Moreover, the primary function of the brace is to keep you from bending forward. Not only does it support your spine, but it also holds your back in hyperextension, which takes the pressure off the wedge spinal fractures and allow the bones in your spine to heal. The brace is an excellent accessory to protect your spinal vertebrae and prevent them from collapse.
Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery
One of the widely used treatment options for compression and wedge spinal fractures is the minimally invasive spine surgery. The Minimally Invasive Neurosurgery of Texas (MINT) has qualified and experienced surgeons who will examine your condition, and based on its severity, they will determine whether or not you need MIS spine surgery.
In most cases, our surgeons recommend lumbar fusion surgery, which is an MIS surgery that involves joining the spinal bones in the lower back. As a result, they no longer have any movement or motion between them.
The lumbar fusion is a minimally invasive approach, which can be used to fix the fracture, reduce spinal pressure, correct deformity, and treat nerve damage. Lumbar fusion requires the surgeon a small incision, and this procedure usually has a fast recovery time.
So, if you are suffering from compression and wedge spinal fractures, a minimally invasive lumbar fusion is an ideal option for you. Make sure you visit MINT or communicate with our surgeon using our telehealth services to discuss your problems.
When our surgeon reviews your condition, he will tell you about the procedure of minimally invasive surgery for your compression and wedge spinal fractures. Contact us today!
