There are minimally-invasive procedures available for those who have a compression fracture. Vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty procedures are similar and can be performed by an interventional radiologist. In both procedures, cement is injected directly into the vertebrae. With kyphoplasty, a balloon is inflated in the vertebrae before the cement is injected. This can help restore diminished vertebral height.

Over 600,000 women have hysterectomies each year in America. Most of these women have the procedure as a treatment for uterine fibroids; however, there is another option for many of these women. A uterine fibroid embolization is performed by an interventional radiologist who injects particles to prohibit blood flow to the fibroid, which causes the fibroid to shrink. The procedure has a short recovery time and has decreased symptoms in over 80% of women.

It was previously thought that sitting in cheaper airplane seats would increase the risk of developing a deep venous thrombosis (DVT) due to a small amount of leg room. However, choosing a set by the window could increase the risk of developing a DVT, according to the American College of Chest Physicians. People who sit in these seats are less likely to get up, stretch, and move around, all of which will decrease the risk of DVT. If left untreated, a DVT could lead to a pulmonary embolism, or a blood clot in the lungs, which can be fatal.

Significantly more women are affected by migraines than men. Approximately 18% of women and 6% of men suffer from migraines. Over half of women with migraines link the headaches with their menstrual cycles. During the premenstrual stage, less ovarian hormones are released, which may be the trigger for migraine headaches in many women

Smokers triple their chances of developing peripheral arterial disease (PAD) over non-smokers, according to the American College of Cardiologists. Some patients living with PAD have peripheral bypass surgery. After one year, 100% of non-smokers survived, while 85% of smokers survived. Five years after the bypass surgery, the survival rate of non-smokers is 66% as compared to only 36% in smokers. When patients stop smoking, their risk of developing coronary artery disease decreases.

Symptoms of lumbar radiculopathy include tingling, numbness, and weakness of the low back, buttock, and leg. It is commonly caused by herniated vertebral discs or bone spurs that press against the spinal nerve root. Physicians typically try conservative treatments, such as anti-inflammatory medications and physical therapy, first. If those treatments do not provide adequate pain relief, then steroid injections into the spine (epidural steroid injections) then surgery may be warranted.

Many patients who suffer from peripheral neuropathy must control their pain with narcotic medications. The medications can be addicting, but these patients now have new hope. The spinal cord stimulator has decreased pain in patients living with peripheral neuropathy. Patients have even been weaned off of narcotics after the stimulator has been implanted.
 

Disc herniations can occur when discs tear and enter the spinal canal. It can cause sciatica, back pain, and leg numbness, pain, and weakness. In severe cases, urinary incontinence may occur. Rest and oral medications are typically the first line of treatment for herniated discs. If these treatments fail, then minimally invasive procedures or surgery may be considered. These can range from steroid injections to pain blocks, to disc removal procedures.