How do healthcare providers treat compression fractures?

How do healthcare providers treat compression fractures?

Compression fracture treatment focuses on relieving pain, stabilizing the bones in the spine and preventing another fracture. Depending on the severity of the fracture and your overall health, treatment may include:

• Pain relief medication: Your provider may recommend over-the-counter non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Or they may prescribe muscle relaxers or prescription drugs. Follow your provider’s instructions carefully when taking these medications.
• Braces: A special type of back brace can support your vertebrae. It can also relieve pain by reducing how much you move your spine.
• Medications to strengthen bones: Drugs called bisphosphonates can slow further bone loss, stabilize the bones and prevent fractures. These drugs include ibandronic acid (Boniva®) and alendronic acid (Fosamax®).
• Vertebroplasty or kyphoplasty: These minimally invasive procedures relieve pain, stabilize the bones and improve mobility. During vertebroplasty, your provider inserts a needle in the vertebra and injects bone cement. During kyphoplasty, they insert an inflatable device that they fill with cement. A vertebroplasty or kyphoplasty is an outpatient procedure, so you’ll go home the same day.