Compression fractures of the thoracic and lumbar spine are most commonly seen in the elderly and usually occur as a result of osteoporosis. In these cases, the bones become soft. When the patient with soft bones falls, the vertebral body (main bones in the spinal column) compresses, usually more so in the front. This can cause a loss of height and integrity of the spinal column. It can also cause a deformity in the alignment of the canal, often referred to as a kyphosis. This can result in a "hunched over" posture.

Unfortunately, this can also result in a great deal of pain. The pain may be just in the back where the fracture occurred, but also may involve the nerve and result in a shooting pain across the chest or abdomen, much like a thoracic disc herniation. Oftentimes, this pain will settle down with time. If not, a minimally invasive procedure referred to as a kyphoplasty can be performed to restore the height of the collapsed vertebral body as well as the proper alignment. Improvement in pain symptoms is often immediate. The procedure works best if done soon after the fractures occur. Patients are not excluded because of age- in fact, most patients are elderly.