I have a compression fracture in my spine due to osteoporosis. The fracture has caused my spine to hunch forward, and I’m in pain all the time. I prefer not to take pain medicine because it makes me so groggy and constipated. Is there anything else I can do?

A new procedure called kyphoplasty is showing promising results for patients with compression fractures from osteoporosis. The procedure is done by a neurosurgeon either in the office or hospital. A needle is inserted in the fractured vertebra, and a balloon is inflated to help restore the height of the vertebra. Then a “bone cement” is placed in the bone to stabilize the fracture and maintain the height of the bone. Ask your health care provider for more information about this new procedure.