The vertebral body is the block of bones that is stacked one on top of the other to form the spine in the back and neck. With trauma, this bone can be crushed, like stepping on an empty aluminum coke can, causing acute pain. This condition is often seen in elderly persons who suffer from osteoporosis and are more susceptible to injury. Other conditions (like cancer or infection) that render the bone weak can also predispose people to these compression fractures. In the past, patients would have to struggle with the pain for several weeks or months as the bone healed. Now, a procedure called a kyphoplasty is available to some patients with this condition that can, when successful, not only restore the vertebral body to its original height but also resolve the pain immediately. This involves placing a large needle through the skin and into the vertebral body, whereby a balloon is then inserted through the needle and inflated to jack up the height of the vertebral body.  Cement is then instilled into the balloon and the needle is withdrawn. The results sometimes appear miraculous.