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Vertebral compression fractures cause significant long-term back pain and physical disabilities that severely impact quality of life.
Minimally invasive kyphoplasty can relieve the pain of a spinal compression fracture and help you stand tall again. However, the healing process doesn’t end when the procedure is over. Taking the right steps during recovery and beyond can protect your spine from future injuries.
At Silver Spine & Neurological Center – Interventional Pain Management & Spine Surgery, we don’t just treat spinal fractures; we also help you prevent them. Here, we explain how to take care of yourself after kyphoplasty and outline seven simple ways to reduce your risk of another fracture.
Kyphoplasty is a treatment for compression fractures in your spine, where the front of the vertebra suffers small breaks that cause it to collapse. These fractures often happen because of osteoporosis, a condition that weakens the bones.
During kyphoplasty, we insert a special balloon into the collapsed vertebra and inflate it to create space. Then, we fill the space with bone cement to stabilize the treated vertebra.
Kyphoplasty relieves pain, restores vertebral height, and improves mobility, with many people feeling symptom relief just hours after the procedure. Studies show that early balloon kyphoplasty yields better results than delayed treatment and is more effective than noninvasive therapies.
Kyphoplasty repairs the damaged bone, but it doesn’t fix the underlying problem that caused the fracture. Without ongoing support, your spine remains at risk, so aftercare is essential to protect the treated vertebra as it heals, support healthy bones and posture in the future, and prevent new compression fractures in other areas.
Let’s look at the most effective steps you can take:
Your body needs time to heal. After kyphoplasty, most people return to light activities within a day, but it’s important not to rush. Avoid heavy lifting, twisting, or high-impact activities for at least six weeks or until we clear you. We give you personalized instructions to follow, so sticking to them will help you recover safely.
Bones need calcium and vitamin D for strength. After a spinal fracture, your body works hard to repair itself, and that means nutrition matters more than ever.
Calcium-rich foods include dairy, leafy greens, and fortified juices. Vitamin D, which you can get from sunlight, fatty fish, and supplements, helps your body absorb calcium. If you have osteoporosis, we may also recommend medications to help strengthen your bones.
Once you’ve healed from kyphoplasty, regular physical activity will improve your strength, balance, and posture. This reduces your risk of falling and fracturing other bones.
Low-impact exercises like walking, swimming, or tai chi are excellent choices. We may also suggest physical therapy to help you regain mobility and strengthen the muscles that support your spine.
Poor posture exerts extra pressure on your spine. Over time, this can lead to new compression fractures. After kyphoplasty, we help you learn how to properly sit, stand, and move to protect your back.
Simple posture tips include keeping your shoulders back but relaxed, avoiding slouching or hunching forward, and using lumbar support when sitting.
Smoking interferes with bone healing and reduces blood flow to your spine. It also speeds up bone loss, increasing your risk of fractures.
If you smoke, quitting is one of the best things you can do for your recovery and your long-term spine health. We can connect you with resources and support to help you stop.
Falls are a significant cause of compression fractures, especially in people with weak bones. These changes make a big difference in reducing your fall risk:
We can suggest a home safety evaluation, if needed.
After kyphoplasty, regular follow-up appointments enable us to monitor your healing progress, assess your bone density, adjust your treatment plan, if needed, and address any concerns promptly. By staying in touch, we can work together to protect your spine and prevent future fractures.
Spine care doesn’t stop after a procedure. From personalized aftercare plans to expert guidance on bone health, we’re here to help you move confidently into the future, stronger, safer, and supported.
If you’ve had a spinal fracture and are considering kyphoplasty, schedule a consultation with the Silver Spine & Neurological Center – Interventional Pain Management & Spine Surgery team. Call our office, or use the online form to get in touch.