Back injuries can come in many different forms, and this can make it extremely difficult for patients to understand their injury. In particular, spinal fractures are particularly common, and they can cause extreme problems for patients that are suffering from this type of injury. Kyphoplasty is often used to treat this type of injury, but you are unlikely to be familiar with the details of this procedure. After these two commonly asked questions are addressed, making decisions as an informed patient may be easier when you are choosing treatment for your back. 

How Do You Know If You May Benefit From Kyphoplasty?

It may seem as though a spinal fracture would be an injury that you become aware of immediately after suffering, but this may not be the case when it comes to this type of back injury. The symptoms of a fractured spine can take several days to start showing, and it is common for patients to assume the problem is muscular. 

Generally, the more common symptoms of this type of injury are limited mobility, a reduction in your height, pain bending or lifting and swelling. When being treated with kyphoplasty, your doctor will make a small incision at the site of the fracture, and they will apply a special bone cement to the help stabilize the spine as it heals. Individuals with certain chronic health problems, such as heart high or low blood pressure, may not be suitable for this procedure due to the need for anesthesia, and as a result, you will need to consult with your doctor to determine whether or not this is a safe procedure for you to undergo. 

What Will Recovering From Kyphoplasty Be Like?

There is a common concern among some patients that the process of recovering from this type of surgery will be difficult or lengthy. This fear is understandable given the fact that this work will be done on the spine, but it is largely misplaced. Kyphoplasty is classified as an outpatient procedure, and most individuals will be fully recovered within a couple of weeks after this procedure. 

During the first couple of days of recovery, you will likely still experience much of the limited mobility and discomfort that you felt prior to this procedure. However, the cement that is applied to the spine will expedite the healing process, and you should start to experience noticeable improvements after the first few days. To help with the discomfort, you may be prescribed pain medications. Unfortunately, your back muscles may weaken during the healing process due to limited use, and you should also expect your doctor to recommend exercises for you to do once the spine has fully healed. 

Having a detailed understanding of kyphoplasty will make it easier for you to make informed choices when it comes to addressing your back injury. By knowing the symptoms of the injury this procedure treats and what recovering will be like, you can act as an informed patient when recovering from this type of injury. To find out more, visit a website like http://swfna.com.