Sudden back pain after a fall or routine activity could be a spinal compression fracture. Our fellowship-trained spine specialists offer same-week evaluation and minimally invasive treatment — including kyphoplasty — that can relieve pain in as little as 24 hours.
A vertebral compression fracture (VCF) occurs when one of the bones of the spine — called vertebrae — partially collapses. The most common cause is osteoporosis, which weakens the vertebrae over time. A fracture can happen from a fall, a minor lift, or even a sneeze in patients with significant bone loss.
VCFs most often affect the thoracic spine (mid-back) and lumbar spine (lower back). Without treatment, multiple fractures can lead to progressive height loss, a rounded back posture (kyphosis), and chronic pain.
At Restore Orthopedics & Spine, our spine specialists evaluate and treat the full range of VCF severity — from mild fractures that respond to bracing, to more severe cases that benefit from kyphoplasty.
Sudden, sharp back pain that appeared after a fall, minor lift, or with no clear cause
Pain that worsens when you stand or walk but improves when you lie down
Noticeable height loss or a gradual forward stooping posture
Back pain that is severe and new in a patient with known osteoporosis
Back pain accompanied by numbness, weakness, or bowel/bladder changes (seek immediate care)
Treatment depends on fracture severity, pain level, stability, and your overall health. Our spine specialists develop an individualized plan after reviewing your imaging and clinical history.
For stable fractures with manageable pain: activity modification, bracing for spinal support, pain medication, and physical therapy. Many patients improve over 6 to 12 weeks with careful monitoring.
A minimally invasive outpatient procedure that uses a small balloon to restore vertebral height, then bone cement to stabilize the fracture. Most patients experience significant pain relief within 24 to 48 hours and go home the same day.
Stabilizes a fracture by injecting bone cement directly into the collapsed vertebra — used when height restoration is not the primary goal but pain and instability need to be addressed quickly.
Treating the underlying bone loss is essential to preventing future fractures. Our team coordinates with your primary care physician or endocrinologist to manage bone density alongside spinal care.
Our board-certified spine surgeons hold fellowship training in complex spinal conditions and procedures, including kyphoplasty and minimally invasive spine surgery.
X-ray and MRI capabilities on-site mean faster diagnosis without requiring referrals to outside imaging centers. We can often evaluate and plan treatment in a single visit.
Compression fractures are painful and should be evaluated promptly. We offer same-week appointments for new patients with acute back pain or suspected spinal fractures.
Our fellowship-trained spine surgeons have extensive experience in kyphoplasty and VCF treatment.
Fellowship-trained spine and scoliosis specialist with expertise in minimally invasive procedures including kyphoplasty and vertebroplasty.
Board-certified orthopedic spine surgeon specializing in minimally invasive spinal procedures and vertebral compression fracture care.
Our multi-specialist team includes spine surgeons, pain management physicians, and physical therapy coordination for comprehensive fracture care.
Common signs include sudden, sharp back pain that worsens with standing or walking and improves lying down, noticeable height loss, or a new stooped posture. Pain after a fall or minor lift — especially in patients over 60 or those with osteoporosis — warrants prompt evaluation. A spine specialist can confirm the diagnosis with X-ray or MRI.
Some compression fractures improve with conservative care — rest, bracing, and pain management — over 6 to 12 weeks. However, fractures that cause ongoing pain, progressive deformity, or neurological symptoms may benefit from kyphoplasty, which can relieve pain quickly and restore vertebral height.
Most patients experience significant pain relief within 24 to 48 hours. The procedure takes approximately 30 to 60 minutes, and patients go home the same day with minimal activity restrictions.
Yes. Kyphoplasty and conservative treatment for vertebral compression fractures are covered by most major insurance plans and Medicare when medically indicated. Our team assists with pre-authorization so there are no surprises.
Detailed information about the kyphoplasty procedure, recovery, and what to expect before and after treatment.
Learn the warning signs of vertebral compression fractures and when imaging is needed.
A practical guide to understanding when back pain after a fall warrants an orthopedic evaluation.
Restore Orthopedics & Spine is located in Orange, CA, serving patients throughout Orange County including Irvine, Anaheim, Santa Ana, Fullerton, Tustin, Huntington Beach, Newport Beach, Costa Mesa, Garden Grove, Yorba Linda, Brea, and Placentia, as well as Los Angeles County communities including La Habra, Whittier, Downey, Cerritos, and Long Beach. We also welcome patients from Riverside and San Bernardino counties.
Same-week appointments available. Medicare and most insurance accepted.