Frequent back pain may not just be muscle strain or office syndrome—it could be a sign of a “spinal compression fracture”

Frequent back pain that becomes a normal part of your life may not always stem from muscle strain or office syndrome. It could be an early warning sign of a spinal compression fracture—a condition commonly found in the elderly with osteoporosis or in individuals who have experienced significant trauma to the back. If left untreated, it may lead to chronic pain, limited mobility, or additional complications.

Currently, there are treatments available that offer quick relief, such as vertebroplasty and balloon kyphoplasty—minimally invasive procedures where bone cement is injected into the spine. These options help reduce pain and support faster recovery without the need for major surgery.

What causes spinal compression fractures, and who is at risk?

Spinal compression fractures often occur in the elderly but can also affect individuals who have been in accidents that impacted the waist, back, or buttocks.

Primary causes include:

• Osteoporotic compression fractures
• Trauma-related fractures
• Diseases such as spinal tuberculosis (TB spine)
• Other factors like calcium and vitamin D deficiency, genetic disorders, or congenital bone abnormalities

Common symptoms in individuals at risk of this condition include:

• Sudden or prolonged chronic back pain
• Pain radiating from the back to the hips or down the legs
• Numbness or weakness in arms or legs
• Noticeably hunched or curved posture in elderly individuals
• Difficulty moving; increased pain from sitting, standing, or walking for long periods

Understanding spinal cement injection – a treatment option for spinal compression fractures

There are various treatment options for spinal compression fractures, ranging from conservative methods such as medication and rest, to surgery in more severe cases. Surgery typically involves realigning and stabilizing the affected vertebra using metal implants.

However, for patients whose fractures are due to osteoporosis, spinal cement injection offers another solution. This technique involves injecting a special cement-like material to restore shape and reinforce the affected vertebra, reducing the risk of future issues.

There are two main types:

• Vertebroplasty
• Balloon Kyphoplasty

What’s the difference between Vertebroplasty and Balloon Kyphoplasty?

Both vertebroplasty and balloon kyphoplasty are minimally invasive procedures with small incisions and short recovery times. However, they differ in technique:

Vertebroplasty

A traditional method where the surgeon inserts a needle into the fractured or collapsed vertebra and injects bone cement. The cement fills the porous areas of the bone, helping to relieve pain, increase strength, and reduce the risk of recurrent fractures at the same site.

Balloon Kyphoplasty – an advanced option for pain relief and spinal shape restoration

This newer technique not only relieves pain but also helps restore the original shape of the spine. A balloon is first inserted into the collapsed vertebra and inflated to create a cavity, then cement is injected into that space. It’s a more developed version of vertebroplasty.

Advantages of Balloon Kyphoplasty:

• Reduces the risk of cement leakage
• Restores spinal height more effectively
• Better control of cement flow due to reduced internal pressure during injection

Procedure steps of Balloon Kyphoplasty

1. Patient preparation
    The patient lies face-down on the table. Local anesthesia is administered to numb the treatment area and minimize discomfort.
2. Needle and balloon insertion
    A contrast dye is used to locate the exact position. A balloon is inserted into the fractured vertebra and inflated to restore height, then special cement is injected into the cavity.
3. Post-procedure monitoring
    The patient lies flat for 2–3 hours while the cement hardens. An X-ray is performed to confirm the results. If no complications are found, the patient can go home within 1–2 days and resume daily activities shortly after.

Balloon Kyphoplasty at Phyathai 1 Hospital

Phyathai 1 Hospital now offers balloon kyphoplasty for treating spinal compression fractures. Our experienced spinal specialists and modern medical equipment ensure precise and safe treatment. Patients recover faster and can return to daily life under expert care.

Is spinal cement injection safe?

While generally safe, this procedure carries some risks, including:

• Infection (rare)
• Cement leakage to other spinal areas
• Nerve compression from leaked material
• Drug reactions or irritation at the injection site

Patients must follow their doctor's instructions carefully after the procedure—especially avoiding strenuous activities for 1–2 weeks.

Early diagnosis is key—get checked at Phyathai 1 Hospital

Frequent back or neck pain can lead to complications like spinal compression fractures. Early diagnosis is crucial.

Phyathai 1 Hospital offers diagnostic packages using MRI to identify the root causes of back and neck pain. MRI scans clearly show bones, discs, muscles, nerves, and ligaments. Ideal for patients with radiating leg pain, numbness, or hip pain—helping doctors treat the issue accurately.

Patients at risk will receive care from our team of specialists at the Brain and Spine Center, building 3, 5th Floor, where comprehensive diagnostics and treatment plans are provided.