Vertebral Compression Fracture Treatment at Arizona’s Leading Pain Clinic in Phoenix, Scottsdale, Gilbert, and Mesa

If you are experiencing sudden back pain or a loss in height, you may be suffering from a vertebral compression fracture (VCF). At The Pain Experts of Arizona, our pain doctors provide comprehensive care for vertebral fractures at our pain clinics in Phoenix, Scottsdale, Gilbert, and Mesa. Early diagnosis and personalized treatment by an experienced pain specialist can significantly reduce your symptoms and restore your quality of life.

What Is a Vertebral Compression Fracture?

A vertebral compression fracture occurs when one of the vertebrae in your spine collapses or compresses. This often results from weakened bones due to osteoporosis but can also be caused by trauma or metastatic cancer. VCFs are also referred to as wedge fractures or osteoporotic fractures and are among the most underdiagnosed spinal conditions in the U.S. Many patients mistake their symptoms for a muscle strain or age-related discomfort, which can delay effective treatment.

Our pain specialists emphasize the importance of identifying and addressing the underlying cause of a compression fracture. Without proper care, a VCF can lead to chronic pain, permanent spinal deformity, nerve compression, and long-term mobility issues.

Symptoms of Vertebral Compression Fractures

Symptoms may range from mild to severe, and some patients may not experience pain at all. However, common signs include:

• Sudden onset of back pain without trauma

• Increased pain when standing or walking

• Relief of pain when lying down

• Loss of height over time

• Limited spinal mobility

• Spinal deformity or hunched posture

• Numbness or weakness in the arms or legs (if nerve compression occurs)

At our Arizona pain clinics, each pain doctor takes a thorough approach to evaluating these symptoms and creating a personalized care plan.

Causes of Vertebral Compression Fractures

Osteoporosis is the most common cause of VCFs. As bones become more porous and brittle, even minor movements like coughing or lifting can result in a fracture. Other causes include:

• Traumatic events such as car accidents or falls

• Cancer-related tumors that weaken the vertebrae

• Long-term use of corticosteroids or other medications affecting bone density

• Genetic predisposition to bone loss or spine instability

If you’ve experienced a spinal injury or have a history of osteoporosis, it’s essential to consult a pain specialist as soon as possible.

Diagnostic Testing for VCF

Accurate diagnosis is the foundation of effective treatment. At The Pain Experts of Arizona, our pain doctors conduct a full medical evaluation and use diagnostic imaging to confirm the presence of a vertebral fracture. Common tests include:

• X-ray – To identify collapsed vertebrae

• MRI – To assess soft tissue and nerve involvement

• CT scan – For detailed cross-sectional imaging of the spine

• Bone density scan (DEXA) – To detect osteoporosis

• Nuclear bone scan – To rule out infection or tumor activity

These tools help our Arizona pain specialists not only diagnose a VCF but also determine the severity and origin of the fracture.

Treatment Options for Vertebral Compression Fractures

Our pain clinics in Phoenix, Scottsdale, Gilbert, and Mesa provide both conservative and interventional treatments. Your pain doctor will consider your age, health, and fracture severity before recommending a plan. Options include:

• Rest and limited physical activity

• Ice or heat therapy

• Pain medication, including muscle relaxants and anti-inflammatories

• Back brace to stabilize the spine

• Physical therapy for mobility and strength

• Calcium and vitamin D supplementation

• Hormone therapy or medications for osteoporosis

If conservative treatment fails or the fracture causes significant discomfort, our pain specialists may recommend:

• Vertebroplasty – Injection of bone cement into the collapsed vertebra to stabilize it

• Kyphoplasty – Similar to vertebroplasty but uses a balloon to restore height before injecting cement

These minimally invasive procedures are performed by our skilled pain doctors, often with same-day discharge and quick recovery.

When to See a Pain Doctor

If you’re over 65, have osteoporosis, or recently suffered back trauma, it’s important to visit a pain clinic. You should also seek medical care if:

• Back pain doesn’t improve after several weeks

• You have a personal or family history of cancer

• You experience numbness, tingling, or loss of bowel/bladder control

• A recent injury resulted in sharp or worsening pain

Early diagnosis at one of our Arizona clinics allows our pain specialists to begin treatment before the condition progresses.

Fast Facts About Vertebral Compression Fractures

• Over 750,000 people in the U.S. suffer a VCF each year

• Postmenopausal women are especially at risk due to bone density loss

• Only one-third of VCFs are properly diagnosed

• Suffering one osteoporotic VCF increases your risk of another fivefold

• Fractures most commonly occur in the thoracic (mid-back) region

Call us today at 480-950-9393 to schedule your consultation and take the first step toward feeling better.

The Pain Experts of Arizona – Your Partners in Pain Relief and Recovery.

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