Pain after vertebroplasty: what should you know?

Vertebroplasty uses a needle to place [Bone Cement](/materials/bone-cement/) into a weakened vertebra. The puncture area and surrounding muscles may be tender afterward, and the original [Vertebral Compression Fracture](/conditions/vertebral-compression-fracture/) may still need time to settle. Pain that gradually eases is different from severe new back pain, pain spreading around the chest or abdomen, new leg symptoms, or pain that follows a fall. These changes can reflect a new fracture, nerve irritation or another complication and need assessment.

Follow the procedure team’s instructions about resting, walking, bathing and lifting. Increase activity gradually and use safe body mechanics when changing position. Take only the recommended pain relief, particularly if other medicines affect alertness or breathing. Avoid strenuous bending and lifting until your clinician gives a clear plan. Keep follow-up appointments so pain, movement and the underlying bone problem can be reviewed. If symptoms continue, ask how [Kyphoplasty](/treatments/spine-care/kyphoplasty/) differs from vertebroplasty and whether it is relevant to your condition.

Contact your treating team promptly for worsening pain, fever, increasing redness or drainage at the needle site, or pain that prevents normal movement. Seek urgent care for new leg weakness, numbness, difficulty walking, loss of bladder or bowel control, or severe pain after a fall. Emergency help is needed for chest pain, sudden breathlessness, coughing blood, fainting or severe weakness. Do not wait for a routine appointment when these symptoms appear.

Ask which soreness is expected, when walking and lifting can progress, and how to manage pain without exceeding the prescribed plan. Ask whether your symptoms need examination or imaging, how the vertebra will be monitored, and which warning signs should prompt same-day contact. You can also ask for a plain-language explanation of the [Vertebroplasty](/treatments/spine-care/vertebroplasty/) procedure and its alternatives.