Not all back pain is caused by muscle strain or arthritis. In fact, one of the most overlooked sources of persistent or sudden-onset back pain is a vertebral compression fracture (VCF). A VCF is a small break in the spine that can occur even from simple activities like coughing, bending, or lifting a grocery bag. These fractures are especially common in people with osteoporosis, but they can also occur due to tumors or trauma.
So, how do you know if your back pain might be from a VCF? The most common red flag is back pain that starts suddenly and gets worse with movement, especially while standing or walking. You might notice a loss of height, a hunched posture, or tenderness along the spine. Unlike muscle-related pain, this type of discomfort doesn’t go away with rest—and may even worsen over time without treatment.
At Texas Spine & Neurosurgery Center, board-certified neurosurgeon Dr. Rajesh Bindal specializes in minimally invasive spine procedures that deliver fast, lasting relief. With decades of experience and advanced training, he’s a trusted leader in treating vertebral compression fractures with balloon kyphoplasty for patients in Sugar Land and the greater Houston area.
What Does a Compression Fracture in Your Back Feel Like?
A vertebral compression fracture often produces sharp, localized pain in the middle or lower back. The discomfort typically increases with movement and eases slightly when lying down. Common symptoms include:
- Sudden, severe back pain that may be triggered by a minor fall or movement
- Pain that worsens with standing, walking, or lifting
- Tenderness or aching along the spine
- Loss of height or a visible curve in the upper back (kyphosis)
- Difficulty bending or twisting
You may still be able to walk with a compression fracture, but the pain can be intense and debilitating. Activities like climbing stairs, getting out of a chair, or even deep breathing may aggravate the injury.
Minimally Invasive Surgery for VCF
While many spine injuries require invasive surgery or prolonged bracing, balloon kyphoplasty offers a minimally invasive solution for treating vertebral compression fractures. At Texas Spine & Neurosurgery Center, board-certified neurosurgeon Dr. Rajesh Bindal performs balloon kyphoplasty to stabilize the fracture, restore vertebral height, and provide rapid pain relief—often with same-day discharge and a quick recovery period. Using advanced imaging and precise tools, Dr. Bindal gently inserts a balloon into the fractured vertebra, inflates it to create space, and then fills the gap with bone cement for immediate structural support.
Schedule a Balloon Kyphoplasty Consultation in Sugar Land
If you’re experiencing sudden or worsening back pain, don’t wait. Call Texas Spine & Neurosurgery Center at 281-313-0031 to schedule a consultation in Sugar Land, TX and find out if balloon kyphoplasty is right for you.