KOLKATA: If you are among those who close their eyes to back pain simply as outcome of overwork, this may give you a reason to think otherwise. According to scientific research, chronic back pain, which is often mistaken as fatigue, is strongly associated with vertebral fractures, leading to functional loss, disability, poor quality of life and osteoporotic compression fractures affects millions of people globally. Known to cause more than 8.9 million fractures annually, osteoporosis is a generalized skeletal disorder of low bone mass (thinning of the bone) and deterioration in its architecture. With the rise in the number of youngsters leading sedentary lifestyles, poor eating habits and using tobacco, osteoporosis is no longer a disease of the aging population. 

 

According to experts, it's not just weakening bones, but another very important aspect of osteoporosis - the "silent" vertebral fractures - that produce no obvious symptoms to the patient in its early stages. As per research studies, approximately 30-50 percent of women and 20-30 percent of men develop vertebral fractures and half of them develop multiple fractures during their lifetimes, compared with a 15.6 per cent lifetime risk of a hip fracture. 

 

According to experts, Balloon Kyphoplasty is one such technology which can easily help treat vertebral fractures without too many complications. For working professionals, it is the best option as it entails only a short stay in the hospital, faster recovery, minute scars and very little blood loss. Explains Dr. Soumyajit Basu, Sr Spine Surgeon, Park Clinic, "Balloon kyphoplasty is a minimally invasive surgery technique. In a minimally invasive surgery, a small incision is made to get to the problem area which ensures low levels of trauma to the tissues, tiny incision, and better blood supply to the operated area. Earlier, only extensive procedures were available to treat vertebral compression. This would typically require the patient to stay for a long period of time in the hospital, while experiencing delayed recovery and other complications. Balloon kyphoplasty, which restores the compressed spine and stabilizes the fracture, is a safe option for patients."