As a person ages, the intervertebral discs degenerate and the vertebrae develop wedge-shaped changes due to osteoporosis, which results in shortening and increased kyphosis throughout the spine, leading to kyphoscoliosis. Some people have postural kyphosis without stiffness; others have a stiff or structural type of kyphosis. It is known that Hewman’s disease (which is aggravated by superimposed compression fractures) often results in kyphosis. However, simple multisegmental compression fractures can cause collapse of the vertebral body and produce kyphosis, which is most often seen in older women with osteoporosis. Symptoms and diagnosis Low back pain is the most common sign, but patients may also complain of worsening and shortening of the deformity. Treatment Current treatment consists of physical therapy and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, which must also be given if the patient has osteoporosis. As previously mentioned, there are a number of medications (e.g., calcitonin) that can reduce pain but do not correct wedge-shaped vertebrae or significant spinal deformities. Bracing can support the spine and reduce muscle spasm. If there is doubt about the exact etiology of a vertebral compression fracture, a biopsy is needed to rule out a tumor, infection, or other condition. If conservative treatment does not help, surgery is needed to control pain, improve deformity, or nerve root decompression.