Having a healthy back is a key to having good overall health, which is why it's imperative that you visit our spine centers in Frisco, Carrollton, McKinney, Denton, or Paris if you notice any issues with your back or neck. If we can catch and treat a condition early, that is more ideal. Sometimes spinal problem can go untreated, however, and result in major problems, such as spinal curvature and hunchback. In the case of the latter, there is a treatment available known as kyphoplasty. Let's take a look at this procedure right now.

What is a kyphoplasty?

A kyphoplasty is performed in order to treat people who develop a hunchback, also known as kyphosis. The surgery will restore a patient's vertebral body height, straightening the back and alleviating the hunching and curvature of the back.

What causes people to become hunchbacked?

There are a number of different reasons that kyphosis makes people become hunchbacked. Some of the most common causes of this spinal condition include:

• Degenerative spinal diseases
• Compression fractures
• Slippage of the vertebrae
• Trauma to the back
• Genetic factors

Compression factors are by far the most common cause of kyphosis. A compression fracture refers to a collapsing of the vertebrae from its original shape or position. Osteoporosis can cause these compression factors to occur, as can tumors, endocrine diseases, and muscular dystrophy.

Who is an ideal candidate for kyphoplasty?

Ideal candidates for kyphoplasty are people who are suffering from kyphosis caused by osteoporosis. Ideally the treatment should be performed as soon as the compression fracture or fractures occur. Hunchback conditions that are genetic in nature cannot be treated through kyphoplasty.

Certain cases of kyphosis cannot be addressed through kyphoplasty, so it's important that you visit our Texas back and neck pain treatment centers for an assessment of your situation. We can discuss alternative treatment options in greater detail when you are at our practice.

How is a kyphoplasty performed?

First an incision is made on the patient's back in the treatment area. Using this incision, the surgeon inserts a small hollow tube and positions it in the area of the collapsed vertebra. A balloon is then carefully inserted through the tube and introduced into the collapsed vertebra. The balloon slowly inflates, which helps set the collapsed vertebra back into proper position. The balloon is removed, and the space left behind is filled with a safe, durable substance called poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA). When the PMMA hardens the vertebra will be strengthened and held properly in position. In total, the surgery will take roughly one hour per vertebra that needs to be treated.

What to Expect After Kyphoplasty

In general, patients will either leave the facility or stay for a day/night for monitoring purposes. When at home recovering, some discomfort is normal. We recommend that patients take it easy for the first two days or so, and refrain from any strenuous physical activity for at least six weeks. This is especially true of heavy lifting and any vigorous exercise. We will recommend some simple stretching exercises to consider as you recover, and will stress that you maintain good posture when standing or sitting.

Learn More About Back and Neck Pain Treatment

If you would like more information about kyphoplasty as well as the many other treatments that we offer, do not hesitate to contact our Texas neck pain and back pain treatment centers today. Our entire team looks forward to hearing from you and answering all of your questions in greater detail.