Final answer:
Severe central back pain in an elderly woman might indicate kyphosis, also known as dowager's hump, which is often due to osteoporosis causing fragile and fractured vertebrae.
Step-by-step explanation:
An elderly woman with severe central back pain might suffer from kyphosis, commonly referred to as dowager's hump. This condition is characterized by excessive curvature of the spine and is frequently associated with osteoporosis, which is a decrease in bone mass leading to fragile and often fractured vertebrae.
Given the individual's prior medical care for a compressed spinal cord, it is important to consider that her severe back pain might also be affected by past or ongoing spinal issues. While sciatica could be another possible cause, the nature of pain and the described symptoms suggest that kyphosis due to osteoporosis is a likely concern.
Possible symptoms of this condition, aside from the pronounced back pain, might include issues with posture and mobility. As people age, accumulated spinal injuries and conditions like osteoporosis may lead to varying spinal curvatures, and the stoop commonly observed in the elderly may be indicative of such underlying skeletal issues.