Is Kyphoplasty an Effective Treatment for Compression Fractures?

Compression fractures occur in your vertebrae when the bone density is no longer enough to support the weight of your spine. This condition often occurs as a result of aging, injury, or osteoporosis. The vertebrae in the spine can develop cracks and fractures over time, resulting in lingering pain and lost height.

Vertebral Augmentation

Veterbral augmentation was developed in 1984 to reduce pain and loss of function from vertebral compression fractures. Prior to the invention of vertebral augmentation, patients suffering from compression fractures had only the option of bed rest until the bones healed and the pain subsided.

There are two types of vertebral augmentation – Vertebroplasty and Kyphoplasty. These minimally invasive procedures can provide rapid relief from the pain of these fractures, and patients undergoing these treatments are typically able to resume normal activity in the same day.

Vertebroplasty

Vertebroplasty involves injecting a cement-like substance directly into the fractured vertebrae, which stabilizes the bone and can immediately decrease the pain resulting from the fracture. This procedure is percutaneous (minimally-invasive), requiring only a local anesthetic at the area of the needle insertion. The procedure normally takes an hour, and patients can return home on the same day.

Kyphoplasty

Kyphoplasty is similar to vertebroplasty. The primary difference with Kyphoplasty is it involves a first step of inflating a small balloon (the KyphX Inflatable Bone Tamp) into the fractured area. The balloon expands the vertebrae to resume most of its original size and shape prior to the fracture. After space is created in the vertebrae, a cement-like substance is injected to fill the void and stabilize the bone.

Herniated Disc? Bulging Disc? Slipped Disc? What's the Difference?

If you’ve been to a doctor or done some Internet research, you have undoubtedly come across the terms “pinched nerve,” “bulging disc,” and “herniated disc” while looking for causes of spine pain. These terms are frequently used interchangeably in many articles and discussions, but what do they mean? What’s the difference? And how do you know which one is causing you pain?

All of these terms are ultimately used to describe spinal disc pathology and associated pain. Even healthcare professionals tend to not agree on a precise definition of these terms, which can be frustrating when hearing your diagnosis described differently (such as ruptured disc, torn disc, slipped disc, or disc protrusion) by various physicians.

THE DIFFERENCE EXPLAINED

The difference between a herniated and bulging disc are simple. To use a common metaphor among physicians, think of a disc like a jelly donut. The donut has a liquid center surrounded by a thicker shell. If you press down on the donut, the sides bulge out as the jelly inside presses against them – this is a bulging disc or disc protrusion. If you press down on the donut hard enough that the jelly comes out, it becomes a herniated disc, ruptured disc, or torn disc.

BUT WHAT DOES IT MEAN FOR ME?

If you’re in pain, the nuances in the definitions are likely of little interest to you. The question you’re asking is why am I in pain and how do I get better? Here’s a brief primer on how each condition causes pain:

Pinched Nerve Pain

When a disc herniates, the material leaking out from the disc rather than the disc itself causes the pain. The material inside the disc can pinch or irritate a nearby nerve causing what is called radicular pain (or nerve root pain) that may radiate to other parts of the body. Leg pain from a pinched nerve is referred to as sciatica.

Disc Pain

A degenerated disc can cause pain within the disc space itself. This type of pain is referred to as axial pain, or degenerative disc disease.

DIAGNOSING AND TREATING PAIN

All of these terms refer to radiographic findings (such as a CT or MRI scan), and while these findings are important they’re only one piece of the puzzle in diagnosing disc problems. The truth is just because a scan shows a herniated or ruptured disc doesn’t necessarily mean the disc is the cause of your back pain. The pain may be caused by a muscle strain or other soft tissue injury, in which case treating your bulging disc won’t provide any relief.

Your doctor will use the results of a CR or MRI scan combined with your medical history and symptoms to determine the cause of your pain and the best treatment course. The correct treatment plan will depend on this diagnosis.

'Finally, a provider who wants to fix the problem instead of giving drugs and masking the symptoms.'

Michael Schneider, P.A.-C.

Read what first-time patient, Luke C., had to say about his experience at SpineOne.

How to Tell if You Have Sciatica

Sciatic pain (sciatica), symptomatic of other medical conditions, is when the sciatic nerve or one of its origins along the lumbar (lower) spine is irritated, pressured or damaged causing pain, weakness, numbness and/or tingling in the lower back and extremities.

While a spine specialist can officially diagnose whether you are showing symptoms of sciatica, you can also educate yourself about key sciatic pain indicators. To assist you, SpineOne has provided an online infographic that illustrates some of the sciatic pain symptoms and their locations. Simply click on the image to enlarge, save and/or print it.

If you or someone you know suffers from chronic sciatica and is unable to find a solution, it may be time to schedule an appointment with a spine specialist like the ones at SpineOne. The physicians at SpineOne provide each patient with a comprehensive evaluation, diagnosis and personalized treatment plan designed to meet their individual health needs. SpineOne offers both minimally invasive services for mild to moderate back pain and more advanced options for discomfort that is either severe or unresponsive to conservative techniques.

Call us at 303.500.8611 or visit www.spineone.com to learn more about our services.  For your convenience, SpineOne offers same-day appointments with consultation, imaging and treatment all within one facility.

How to Avoid Back Pain from Shoveling Snow this Winter

In a national study conducted by the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System and published by the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), U.S. National Library of Medicine in 2011, approximately 66,919 (34.3 percent) people sought medical care for lower back injuries caused by shoveling snow from 1990 to 2006. Caused mostly from acute musculoskeletal exertion (54.7 percent), many of these patients suffered from low-back strain followed by a herniated-vertebral disc and then spinal fractures.  That’s an average of 11,500 shoveling-related injuries a year!

Why this happens
Many of us lead sedentary lives that involve working in front of a computer all day, every day, watching sporting events, TV shows and movies and eating less-healthy food (especially during the holidays). Then the first snowfall arrives, and we soon forget the physical demands shoveling hundreds of pounds of heavy, wet snow in freezing temperatures puts on our bodies.  This can be a recipe for disaster if we haven’t kept ourselves in some type of physical shape previously. 

Some information to keep you on your feet this winter
The back specialists at SpineOne have provided some information to help keep you out of the doctor’s office or emergency room this winter.

Check with your doctor
You should always check with your doctor before shoveling if you’ve already injured your back or you have another medical condition. Not only may you hurt your back, but also conducting strenuous work in the cold when you are not used to exercise may increase your chances for a heart attack. It may be best to hire someone else to clear the snow from your driveway.

Warm up
Let’s not kid ourselves. Shoveling snow is a strenuous activity. And you need to stretch to avoid injury like you would with any strenuous activity such as running, swimming, biking or playing sports.

Pace yourself
Rome wasn’t built in a day. Pace yourself and take frequent breaks. If the forecast calls for snowfall over an extended period of time, start shoveling early; it’s better to shovel a few inches of snow at a time than a foot or two all at once. 

Use proper shoveling techniques
Distribute your weight evenly by bending at your knees and hips. Avoid twisting your back to throw snow on a pile; instead, turn your whole body. Take a look at this instructional video—Shoveling snow: How to prevent back injuries courtesy of Lenny Bernstein of the Washington Post before tackling old man winter this season.

Get the proper equipment

Use a shovel that is the right height for you.  We recommend one with an “S” shaped handle for more efficient leverage and better body mechanics when shoveling.  You should always try to push the snow instead of lifting it. Spread rock salt or an “ice melter” on slick spots along the walkway and/or driveway to avoid falls before shoveling.

Dress for success

Dress in layers that are warm and breathable, and like mom says, “Don’t forget to put on your hat!” Choose thicker gloves that keep your hands warm while providing a better grip on the handle of the shovel. Probably most importantly, wear boots with a slip-resistant sole.

Listen to your body

If you feel any type of pain or shortness of breath while shoveling, stop immediately and seek assistance. If you develop pain in your lower back that radiates down one, or both of your legs, you may have a more serious condition. If this is the case, or you fall down and injure your back, you should seek out a qualified spine specialist for proper diagnosis and treatment like the physicians at SpineOne. 

SpineOne offers a comprehensive evaluation, diagnosis and treatment plan tailored to meet the needs of each individual patient. The physicians at SpineOne practice minimally invasive procedures combined with other practices to get you back on your feet and enjoying your life again. SpineOne provides doctor consultations, imaging and treatments all from the same facility for your convenience. Same-day appointments are also available upon request.

Call 303.800.5611 or visit www.spineone.com today.

Spinal Functions, Disorders and Associated Symptoms

Click to see larger infograph

Nearly 1/3 of Americans suffer from chronic pain. Chronic pain, defined as pain that lasts more than six months, can be continuous, episodic, inconvenient or even life altering. While a sudden injury has an expected trajectory of healing, chronic back and/or neck pain can become a frustrating prospect with no recovery in sight. The ability of chronic pain to ebb and flow over months or years makes it difficult for sufferers to decide whether they should seek treatment. If you have chronic back or neck pain, the following infograph can help you better understand your condition.

If you or someone you know is experiencing chronic neck or back pain and is unable to find a solution, you should always schedule an appointment with a spinespecialist like the ones at SpineOne for proper diagnosis and treatment.

How to Prevent Back Pain this Ski Season

With Thanksgiving weekend starting this Thursday, many of us Coloradans will head up to the slopes for the first time this year. In fact resorts such as Arapahoe Basin, Breckenridge, Copper Mountain, Winter Park and Vail have already opened, and six more resorts will follow over the holiday weekend including Steamboat and Telluride.

And with a brand-new ski season, will come weekend warriors who have spent the last two to three months on the couch watching football, drinking and eating instead of working out in preparation of the ski season.  

Skiing is a physically demanding activity that requires our muscles to be flexible and strong to avoid falling and more serious injuries. Knee and ankle joints are the most common of skiing injuries, but back pain can limit one’s mobility and balance, leading to muscle strains, falls, whiplash, concussions and in rare occasions—paralysis. To help you avoid injury and get the most out of your skiing investment this season, we at SpineOne recommend the following preventative measures before you (shall I say, ‘conquer?’) the slopes.

Get in shape now.
Most of us need at least six weeks to get in decent enough shape to strap wood to our feet and speed down the side of a 14,000-foot mountain. If you haven’t started, begin working out now. You will want to focus on your thighs, hamstrings, hips and buttocks for strength and support of your lower back. It is also very important to follow through with core exercises designed to stretch and strengthen the muscles that support the spine. Being in good condition will provide you with better stability and balance and help reduce the chances of falling and injury.

Warm up.
Before an athlete or an “average Joe” does anything athletic, he or she stretches and warms up. We often don’t think to stretch before skiing or snowboarding because we consider skiing as a fun “activity,” not necessarily a demanding sport. However, nothing could be further from the truth—especially in cold weather. Muscles are more apt to be injured in cold weather. You should stretch your hamstrings, hips, back, neck, shoulders and triceps. It is also a good idea to take a light practice run on a bunny hill before really carving up the slopes.   

Use the right equipment.
One of the most important preventions to back pain, falling and injury is to make sure you
have equipment that is the right size for your body, in good condition and that feels comfortable when you wear it. You don’t want to be battling your equipment while trying to

maneuver the mountain. Oh yeah, and wear a brain bucket. It will significantly reduce the
chances of a serious brain injury.

Pay attention on the lift.
“Tips up!” Many falls and accidents occur before getting on or off the lift. One should be comfortable with how to get on and, more importantly, off a chair lift. Many skiers are

injured on the lift because they have not ridden one before, or are just not paying attention. If you have not ridden a ski lift before, it is important that you learn what to do and ride up
the mountain with someone who has experience.

Give it a rest.

Fatigue and dehydration may also lead to injury on the slopes. You need to pay attention to your body and rest at times between runs when needed. One should also stay hydrated. Although you are surrounded by snow, you are at higher altitudes, which means drier conditions and the risk of altitude sickness.

Know your limits.
“But all the cool kids are doing it!” Ah, common sense is not always that common. It is easy to get caught up in friendly competition or to try to impress that date for the first time on the mountain. However, your day or season could be cut short if you do not ski at your skill level. If you want to improve your skiing skills, take some lessons with an instructor before going commando off a headwall. You will look cooler and most likely avoid a yard sale.
Remember, you want to enjoy and remember your ski trip like this guy:

Not this guy:

What to do if you sustain a back injury.
If you suffer from chronic or acute back pain due to a sports injury or other condition and cannot find relief, it may be time to contact a spine specialist like the physicians at SpineOne. 

SpineOne offers a comprehensive evaluation, diagnosis and treatment plan tailored to meet the pain management needs of each individual patient. The physicians at SpineOne practice minimally invasive procedures combined with other practices, such as physical therapy, to get you back on your feet and enjoying your life again. SpineOne provides doctor consultations, MRIs and treatments all from the same facility for your convenience. Same-day appointments are also available upon request.

Visit www.SpineOne.com or call 303.500.8611 today.