Post-Traumatic Kyphosis

Overview  |  Problems and Challenges  |   Conservative Treatment  |  Surgical Correction

Non Operative Treatment of Spinal Fractures

   The usual treatment for compression fractures has been management with pain medication. Narcotic pain medicines are used for a few months until the pain decreases. Pain from fractured bone can last from three months to more than a year, depending on the circumstances and the severity of the broken bone.

   After the pain from the fracture improves, patients need to build up bone strength. A few medications are available to increase bone density. The treatment is slow and continues for years. It is the only treatment we have at this point to increase bone mass and therefore should be used by patients who are at risk for osteoporotic compression fractures, and those who have had fractures in the past. By building the bone density, we hope to prevent future fractures.

   Immobilization of the spine with a brace can help decrease pain from broken vertebra. The most appropriate brace is a soft elastic waistband with Velcro straps. Sometimes metal strips or a plastic insert in used in the back of the brace for added support. The brace is only helpful for fractures of the lower back.

Overview  |  Problems and Challenges  |   Conservative Treatment  |  Surgical Correction