Dallas County Living Well Magazine Spring 2015 | Page 51

Take Charge Don’t Turn Your Back on Back Pain If you’re over 50 or have osteoporosis, it’s important that you don’t ignore your back pain. It may signal a spinal fracture. See your doctor right away if you think you may have one. Spinal fractures can be repaired if diagnosed. KYPHON® Balloon Kyphoplasty is a minimally invasive treatment for spinal fractures that can restore vertebral body height, reduce pain and improve patient quality of life. Visit www.spinalfracture.com to find a specialist in your area. before balloon kyphoplasty after Although the complication rate has been demonstrated to be low, there are risks associated with the procedure, including serious complications some of which, though rare, may be fatal. These include, but are not limited to, heart attack, cardiac arrest and stroke. Other possible complications include infection and leakage of bone cement which may result in damage to blood vessels, lungs, heart, brain and, in rare instances, cause paralysis. Your physician can provide more information and can help determine whether you may be a candidate for this procedure. ©2013 Medtronic Spine LLC. All rights reserved. PMD009988-1.0