Flatback syndrome is a medical condition in which the spine loses its natural curve and becomes straight. This condition can lead to a myriad of other problems, as the curvature of the spine is what creates our natural sense of posture. There are several different ways this condition can arise, and identifying the exact source of your own sometimes takes the eye of a trained professional. Any condition that moves the center of gravity of your spine forward can endanger you and cause you to develop flatback syndrome. If you suspect that you may be developing flatback syndrome, this guide explores the origins of this problematic condition.
What is Flatback Syndrome?
Flatback syndrome, also known as a sagittal imbalance, is a class of conditions in which the lower spine loses its curve over time and becomes flat. Leaving flatback syndrome untreated can be disastrous for an individual’s long-term health and wellness.
This flatness can negatively impact the body. Various imbalances can appear, causing a person to lean forward and have difficulty standing and walking normally. The rest of the body will attempt to compensate for these imbalances, but this, in turn, can cause different forms of chronic pain to develop over time.
Symptoms of Flatback Syndrome
Depending on the severity of your flatback syndrome, you may experience a significant loss of mobility. Some of the other symptoms of this condition include:
- Back pain
- Reduced curvature in the spine
- Fatigue and strain in the lower back and leg muscles
- Chronically bent hips and knees
- A posture that involves bending forward, with head and shoulders slumped forward
- A general inability to stand up straight
A doctor will utilize a variety of tools to confirm whether or not a condition on hand is indeed flatback syndrome. Some of the standard tests that are administered to make this determination include the following:
- Walking style exams
- Spinal exams
- Neurologic exams
- Musculoskeletal exams
In addition, you may undergo other types of tests, including X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs, to give your physician a clearer picture of the exact condition of a patient’s spine. Once a portrait is compiled of how flatback syndrome is impacting your spinal shape, your physician can move forward with creating a treatment plan that is right for your particular situation.
Why Does Flatback Syndrome Develop?
As stated, any use of the sine that causes an individual to shift their general center of gravity forward can change the shape of their spine and gradually cause flatback syndrome to develop. Some of the more common conditions associated with the development of this syndrome include:
- Harrington rod procedure
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Ankylosing spondylitis
- Osteoporosis
- Lumbar post-laminectomy syndrome
It is also possible for this condition to be present at birth when a child is born with underdeveloped vertebra.
It is important to address flatback syndrome earlier rather than later. Over time, the disks of the spine can begin to degenerate due to the unnatural levels of stress placed on them. This, in turn, can lead to high levels of discomfort and chronic back pain.
Treating Flatback Syndrome
There are a variety of treatments for flatback syndrome. Your physician will determine which one is employed in your situation. They will consider the general condition of your spine and the severity of your flatback syndrome. Common non-surgical treatment methods include the following:
- Epidural steroid shots
- Exercise and physical therapy
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
In some severe cases, your physician may recommend that you undergo spinal surgery to rectify the imbalances created by flatback syndrome. Some of the surgical procedures most often utilized for this include:
- Vertebral column resection
- Anterior-posterior osteotomy
- Posterior osteotomy
- Pedicle subtraction osteotomy
In addition, there is some evidence that engaging in certain stretches and exercises can help alleviate some of the problems caused by flatback syndrome. Speaking with a physical therapist about how flatback syndrome is impacting your life might lead to recommendations on how you can attempt to alleviate your discomfort with stretching.
Your Best Resource for Spinal Care
Dr. Yashar and the rest of his team offer patients the finest quality spinal surgeries available. If you are suffering from flatback syndrome or any other type of condition affecting your spine, contact Dr. Yashar today to set up an appointment and discuss receiving minimally invasive spine surgery in Los Angeles.
