Any kind of back pain can be annoying and disruptive to your daily routine. But if you have sudden, unexplained back pain, it may be the first warning sign of an underlying spinal compression fracture.
As an experienced pain management specialist, Steven Grossinger, DO, understands how much your life can be affected by spinal compression fractures.
Dr. Grossinger offers comprehensive care for the back pain that compression fractures can produce, so you can enjoy a high-quality, physically active life.
Spinal compression fractures occur when part of the bone structure of your vertebrae collapses. This collapse may be the result of physical trauma but is generally a side effect of osteoporosis.
Osteoporosis is a progressive bone condition that causes you to lose bone density and makes your bones brittle. Your risk for osteoporosis increases as you get older or because of nutritional deficiencies in your diet.
Women are at special risk for osteoporosis in the years after menopause, the time when periods stop for good, because of a decrease in the body’s production of estrogen.
When you have osteoporosis, simple activities like lifting an object or even sneezing can lead to painful fractures in your bones and the vertebrae of your spine.
Sudden back pain is a primary symptom of a spinal compression fracture. This type of back pain may increase in intensity when you walk or stand for a long period of time. You may also notice that the pain lessens when you lie down.
Many people with spinal compression fractures also experience a decrease in spinal mobility. For example, you may find it difficult to twist or sit comfortably.
If left untreated, spinal compression fractures can ultimately lead to spinal deformities. You may also lose some of your height over time. Without the right treatment plan, a compression fracture can cause chronic pain and disability.
When you have any of the warning signs of a spinal compression fracture, or if you have a history of cancer or osteoporosis, schedule a diagnostic evaluation at the office of Steven Grossinger, DO.
We offer comprehensive diagnostic testing services on-site to identify the fracture, so you can get started on the right treatment plan.
Nonsurgical treatments may be an option for newly diagnosed spinal compression fractures. Dr. Grossinger can recommend over-the-counter or prescription anti-inflammatories to ease pain and improve your mobility.
You may also benefit from wearing a back brace to stabilize your spine and encourage mild fractures to heal naturally.
We also offer other pain management strategies to relieve persistent back pain, including epidural injections that deliver anti-inflammatories and anesthetic medications directly into the epidural space of your spine.
Another option for spinal compression fractures is regenerative medicine. Dr. Grossinger can inject your own stem cells into the fractured area of your spine to promote healing.
Stem cells are found in your bone marrow and have the exceptional ability to regenerate into any type of cell, including bone. Over time, new cells grow to heal the fracture and improve the stability and function of your spine.
Call the office of Steven Grossinger, DO, nearest you, in Wilmington, Delaware, or Springfield, Pennsylvania, to schedule a diagnostic evaluation or book your appointment online today.
