Flatback syndrome occurs when the lower spine loses its curve and becomes straight. A flat back cause symptoms such as persistent back pain and an inability to stand upright.
The human spine has several natural curves that give it its characteristic “S” shape. This includes the natural forward curve (kyphosis) at the chest level and the backward (lordosis) curve just above the buttocks.
The curves help absorb and distribute stresses that occur as the body moves. They also buffer gravity’s effects and ensure an optimal posture.
Loss of any of these natural curvatures results in a front-to-back imbalance, a sagittal imbalance, in the spine.
Sagittal imbalance can
This article explores flatback syndrome, its symptoms, causes, and treatment. It also lists exercises and postural techniques to help people with flatback syndrome.
Flatback syndrome (FBS) is a sagittal imbalance where the lower spine, the lumbar region, loses its natural curvature and becomes flat over time.
This decreased curvature (lordosis) causes an imbalance in the spine, causing the person to lean forward and have difficulty standing upright and walking efficiently.
The rest of the spine compensates for the imbalance to maintain a more neutral spine. This
However, this is physically taxing and will cause muscle fatigue and pain over time.
A person with flatback syndrome may experience a significant loss of function and be unable to perform their daily activities.
They may also show the following characteristics:
- an inability to stand up straight
- their posture is bent forward, head and shoulders slouched forward
- bent hips and knees to maintain an upright posture
- fatigue, due to strain on the lower back and leg muscles
- a reduced natural spinal curvature
- back pain
A common association is between flatback syndrome and the Harrington rod procedure, a spinal fusion treatment for scoliosis.
People who undergo this procedure compensate with the unnatural straightening of their spine. After decades, the disks under the fusion eventually degenerate, preventing the person from standing upright. This leads to significant disability and chronic back pain.
Other potential causes and risk factors for flatback syndrome include:
- degenerative disk disease, including ankylosing spondylitis and rheumatoid arthritis
- vertebral compression fractures, due to osteoporosis
- lumbar post-laminectomy syndrome after a laminectomy for spinal stenosis
It can also be
A doctor will make a diagnosis based on a person’s medical history, including prior spinal surgeries and conditions and a series of exams, including a:
- spinal exam
- gait exam
- neurologic exam
- musculoskeletal exam
There are nonsurgical and surgical treatment options available for people with flatback syndrome that depend upon the cause of the condition.
Nonsurgical treatments
Nonsurgical treatments include:
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): These can provide relief from pain caused by symptoms of flatback syndrome.
- Epidural steroid shots:Doctors give these injections straight into the epidural space around the spine and provide pain relief.
- Exercise and physical therapy: These can help correct muscle imbalances and improve a person’s core muscle strength, gait, and posture.
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Surgical treatments
Healthcare professionals may recommend surgical treatment if these nonoperative measures do not improve the person’s symptoms or if the malalignment or structural problems are severe.
The goals of surgery are to:
- restore the spine’s curvature and alignment
- provide pain relief
- prevent a worsening of the misalignment
The surgical procedure will depend on the person’s spinal needs. A surgeon may do one of the following procedures:
- posterior osteotomy
- pedicle subtraction osteotomy
- vertebral column resection
- anterior-posterior osteotomy
Exercise and postural techniques can help alleviate the symptoms of flatback syndrome.
A 2021 study found that corrective exercises, which focus on the correction of the thoracolumbar spine, and resistive exercises, which focus on whole-body strengthening, were effective in treating flatback syndrome.
Exercises may focus on correcting the muscle imbalance that keeps the lower back flat. This involves exercises and postural techniques that improve spinal stabilization, range of motion, and core strength.
Examples include:
- side-lying leg raises
- chin-ups and pullups
- planks
- hamstring stretches
- chest and abdominal stretches
- back extensions
Nonoperative management for sagittal imbalances is frequently unsuccessful.
Meanwhile, the overall outlook of surgical procedures
Despite this, surgical treatment can improve a person’s quality of life despite significant complication rates.
Besides surgery, corrective posture exercises can also improve symptoms in people with flatback syndrome.
Here are some answers to frequently asked questions about flatback syndrome.
How do I know if I have ankylosing spondylitis?
Diagnosing ankylosing spondylitis can be difficult since symptoms may be similar to more common back problems in the initial stages.
However, some of the most common symptoms include lower back and hip pain and stiffness. This pain worsens with rest or inactivity and improves with movement or exercise. Pain can occur in the middle of the night or after prolonged sitting.
How do you sleep with flatback syndrome?
A person can sleep on their back (supine) with minimal to no pillows under their head to prevent neck and back strain. Side sleeping is also a good position. It is important to place a pillow between the knees to keep the spine in a neutral position.
Is flatback syndrome a disability?
Flatback syndrome can cause a significant disability. A person with flatback syndrome may have persistent, severe pain with stance, balance, and gait problems, which can hinder their ability to function in their day-to-day lives.
Flatback syndrome is a condition that causes an unnatural flattening of the lower spine. It typically occurs after corrective spinal surgery or due to degenerative spine conditions, such as ankylosing spondylitis.
It may cause significant pain, impaired posture, and gait impairments. Doctors recommend nonoperative treatments, such as bracing and exercises, to improve a person’s symptoms.
Surgery may be necessary if the condition is severe or does not improve with other treatments.