A vertebral compression fracture occurs when one of the spinal vertebrae collapses, most commonly from osteoporosis. These fractures cause sudden, severe back pain and can lead to progressive spinal deformity if untreated. Many patients experience dramatic relief with kyphoplasty — a minimally invasive procedure performed by Dr. Chavarria.
What are the symptoms?
- Sudden onset of severe back pain, often after a minor event such as bending, lifting, or even coughing
- Pain that is sharp and localized to a specific spot on the spine, typically the mid or lower back
- Pain that worsens with standing or walking and improves with lying down
- Loss of height over time as multiple vertebrae compress
- Progressive stooped or hunched posture (kyphosis)
- In severe cases, leg pain or weakness if the fracture fragment compresses neural structures
What causes it?
- Osteoporosis: By far the most common cause — weakened, porous bone collapses under normal physiologic loads, especially in postmenopausal women and older adults
- Trauma: Falls or high-energy injuries can fracture even healthy vertebrae
- Tumor or metastatic disease: Cancer that weakens the vertebral bone (pathologic fracture)
- Long-term steroid use: Chronic corticosteroid therapy weakens bone and predisposes to fracture
How is it diagnosed?
X-rays show the collapsed vertebra and the degree of height loss. MRI is the key study to determine whether a fracture is acute (recent) or old and healed — acute fractures show bone marrow edema on specific MRI sequences, identifying which fracture is causing the current pain. This distinction is critical because kyphoplasty is most effective for acute fractures. A bone density (DEXA) scan evaluates the underlying osteoporosis, and lab work may be ordered to assess for contributing metabolic conditions.
Your Non-Surgical Roadmap — Surgery Is the Last Step
Most patients with this condition get better without surgery. Here's the path Dr. Chavarria follows before an operation is ever on the table:
- 1
Start conservative
Physical therapy, activity changes, anti-inflammatory or nerve medication, and time — the first line for nearly every spine condition.
- 2
Add targeted relief
If symptoms persist, image-guided injections (epidural or nerve blocks) can calm inflammation and pinpoint the source of pain — often avoiding surgery entirely.
- 3
Re-evaluate together
Dr. Chavarria reviews your progress and imaging with you, honestly, and explains exactly where you stand — no pressure, no rush to the OR.
- 4
Surgery — only if it's truly the best option
Reserved for severe or worsening nerve compression, instability, or when conservative care has had a fair chance. When it is right, you'll understand why and what to expect.
Treatment Options in Reno, NV — Conservative Care First
Many compression fractures heal with conservative treatment — pain medication, a brief period of activity modification, and bracing over 6–12 weeks. When pain is severe or fails to improve, Dr. Chavarria performs kyphoplasty: a minimally invasive procedure in which a balloon is inflated inside the collapsed vertebra to restore height, and bone cement is injected to stabilize the fracture. Most patients experience significant pain relief within 24–48 hours. Critically, treatment of the underlying osteoporosis with medications is essential to prevent future fractures, and Dr. Chavarria coordinates this care with the patient's primary physician or endocrinologist.
Treatment Procedures
Kyphoplasty
Kyphoplasty is a minimally invasive procedure that treats painful vertebral compression fractures — most commonly caused by osteoporosis — by inserting a balloon into the collapsed vertebra, inflating it to restore height, and filling the cavity with bone cement. Most patients experience dramatic pain relief within 24–48 hours and go home the same or next day.
Learn More →Adult Deformity & Scoliosis Correction
Adult spinal deformity — including scoliosis, kyphosis, and flatback syndrome — can cause progressively worsening back pain, leg pain, and difficulty standing upright. Surgical correction realigns the spine, restores sagittal balance, and often dramatically improves the ability to walk, stand, and perform daily activities.
Learn More →