Kyphoplasty: A Minimally Invasive Solution for Spinal Fracture Pain Relief

Overview

Kyphoplasty is a minimally invasive procedure that relieves pain caused by vertebral compression fractures. These fractures can collapse the vertebrae, often due to osteoporosis, leading to intense pain, limited mobility, and a curved posture. At The Pain Experts of Arizona, our pain specialists offer kyphoplasty to stabilize the spine and help patients reclaim their quality of life. With convenient clinics in Phoenix, Scottsdale, Gilbert, and Mesa, we proudly serve patients throughout the Valley.

What Is Kyphoplasty?

Kyphoplasty restores spinal height and stability by using a small balloon-like device followed by bone cement. Our pain doctors guide the procedure with real-time X-ray imaging to ensure accuracy. Once they restore the vertebra’s height using the balloon, they inject bone cement to reinforce the bone and relieve pain. Many patients experience rapid improvement in mobility and reduced discomfort. If you’re suffering from back pain, a pain clinic consultation with our team can determine if kyphoplasty is the right solution.

What Does Kyphoplasty Treat?

Kyphoplasty treats vertebral compression fractures, which often occur due to osteoporosis but can also result from trauma, tumors, or multiple myeloma. This procedure does not treat disc herniations, arthritis, or chronic spinal deformities. If you’re unsure about your diagnosis, a pain doctor at our Arizona pain clinic can help identify the true source of your symptoms and recommend the best course of action.

Is Kyphoplasty a Major Surgery?

No, kyphoplasty isn’t considered major surgery. Instead of using large incisions, our pain specialists use a small puncture in the skin. The minimally invasive nature of kyphoplasty allows most patients to recover quickly and return home the same day.

Who Is a Candidate for Kyphoplasty?

You may qualify for kyphoplasty if you:

• Experience severe back pain from a recent vertebral compression fracture.

• Show clear evidence of a fracture on diagnostic imaging.

• Struggle with movement or daily activities due to the fracture.

Our pain specialists will review your imaging and symptoms to confirm your eligibility. If another condition causes your pain—such as arthritis or a disc issue—our pain doctors will recommend alternative treatments.

How Should I Prepare for Kyphoplasty?

Before the procedure, you’ll meet with a pain doctor to discuss your symptoms, medications, and overall health. Your care team may:

• Order imaging tests like X-rays or MRIs.

• Review any current illnesses or allergies.

• Advise you to pause medications such as blood thinners or NSAIDs.

• Instruct you to avoid food and drink several hours before surgery.

We encourage patients at our Gilbert and Mesa locations to take advantage of our convenient pre-procedure consultation scheduling, so we can ensure you’re fully prepared.

What Happens During the Procedure?

On the day of surgery, our team provides anesthesia—either general or local—depending on your needs. Once you lie face down on the table, your pain doctor:

1. Inserts a narrow tube through a small puncture in your back.

2. Uses continuous imaging to guide the balloon into the fractured vertebra.

3. Inflates the balloon to restore vertebral height.

4. Removes the balloon and fills the space with bone cement.

The cement quickly hardens to support the vertebra and relieve pain. Most kyphoplasty procedures take under an hour per vertebra. After the procedure, you’ll spend a short time in recovery, and most patients return home later the same day.

Recovery After Kyphoplasty

Patients often feel pain relief immediately, though for some, improvement occurs over the next few days. To ensure a smooth recovery:

• Arrange a ride home, as you won’t be able to drive afterward.

• Avoid intense physical activity for at least six weeks.

• Expect minor soreness at the site for a couple of days.

• Refrain from drinking alcohol, especially while on pain medications.

Our pain clinic team in Scottsdale provides detailed aftercare instructions and offers follow-up appointments to monitor your progress.

Risks and Side Effects

Although rare, complications can occur. Our pain doctors will explain all risks before the procedure, which may include:

• Allergic reactions to anesthesia, balloon, or cement materials

• Bleeding, infection, or bruising at the injection site

• Nerve injury or spinal cord compression from misplaced cement

• Increased pain or new fractures in nearby vertebrae (especially for patients with osteoporosis)

We take every precaution to reduce these risks and help you heal safely.

Benefits of Kyphoplasty

Patients who undergo kyphoplasty often experience:

• Significant or complete relief from back pain

• Improved mobility and daily function

• Stabilization of fractured vertebrae

• Restoration of lost height in the spine

• No need for extended physical therapy

Our experienced pain doctors have helped countless patients across Arizona feel better and return to the activities they love.

Schedule a Consultation with an Arizona Pain Specialist Today

If you’re having pain-related difficulty, The Pain Experts of Arizona can help. Our award-winning pain doctors in Phoenix, Scottsdale, Gilbert, and Mesa specialize in vertebral augmentation and other advanced pain management treatments to restore function and improve your quality of life.

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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