If osteoporosis causes a spinal compression fracture, treatment should address the pain, the fracture, and the underlying osteoporosis to prevent future fractures. In recent years, treatment methods have greatly improved. Most fractures can be treated with pain medications, reduced activity, bone density-stabilizing drugs, and a back brace. Severe cases may require surgery. Pain from natural healing can last up to three months but usually improves significantly within days or weeks. Pain management may include analgesics, bed rest, back bracing, and appropriate physical activity. Bone-strengthening drugs like bisphosphonates can help prevent further compression fractures. When these methods are ineffective, surgery such as vertebroplasty or kyphoplasty can quickly stabilize spinal fractures. Spinal fusion surgery is a last resort to eliminate motion between vertebrae, thus relieving pain.