What is Flatback Syndrome? Causes, Symptoms, & Treatment Options Explained

QI Spine Clinic, 5 days ago

In this article, you will learn about what is flatback syndrome, its causes, symptoms, and treatment. A flatback syndrome is a postural deformity in which the lower part of the back loses its normal curve. It causes an imbalance in the back. The spine has different curves at different points to give an S shape to the spine. The curves keep the body aligned. If the normal curvature of the spine is lost, this can cause pressure on the spine, which is also called spinal alignment disorder.

Causes of Flatback Syndrome

The main causes of flatback syndrome are:

• Laminectomy: It is a surgical procedure done to correct spinal stenosis. Loss of lumbar lordosis can occur post-surgery.
• Degenerative Disc Diseases: Rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis are degenerative disc diseases that can also cause spinal alignment disorder. 
• Osteoporosis: Vertebral compression can occur due to osteoporosis, which can lead to postural deformity. 
• Harrington Rod Procedure: It is a spinal fusion treatment done to correct scoliosis. This procedure causes unnatural straightening of the spine. 

Symptoms of Flatback Syndrome

Back pain is the most common symptom. A person suffering from flatback syndrome is unable to perform daily living activities. Other symptoms of flatback syndrome include the following:

• The person is unable to stand straight
• The person has postural deformity and is bent forward
• Weakness and fatigue due to back pain
• Normal spine curvature is lost
• Affects the daily living activities of a person

Diagnosis of Flatback Syndrome

• If you experience chronic back pain and are unable to stand straight, you must visit an orthopaedic doctor. An orthopaedic doctor at the QI spine clinic can make a diagnosis based on medical history and other tests such as X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs.
• The orthopaedic doctor can also perform a spinal examination, neurological examination, gait examination, and musculoskeletal examination to determine the root cause of back pain. 

Treatment of Flatback Syndrome

Flatback syndrome can be treated using non-invasive methods and surgical methods. 

Non-Invasive Methods of Treatment at QI Spine

The orthopaedic doctors at the QI Spine Clinic focus on giving non-invasive treatment of flatback syndrome. Non-invasive treatments of flatback syndrome are:

• NSAIDs: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can be prescribed to give relief from back pain. 
• Steroid Shots: Doctors may give steroid shots into the epidural space to offer quick relief from pain. 
• Bracing: In some cases, orthopaedic doctors at the QI Spine Clinic can also use back braces to support the spine and maintain normal alignment. 
• Physical therapy: Orthopaedic doctors at the QI Spine Clinic can also teach patients physical exercises that can help to correct muscle strength, posture, and gait. 

QI Spine Clinic has a team of orthopaedic doctors who help people with flatback syndrome naturally. They help patients to manage pain and correct posture by suggesting the best physical exercise and lifestyle modifications.

Surgical treatment for flatback syndrome

Orthopaedic doctors may advise surgery if non-invasive treatment does not give relief from the symptoms of this spinal alignment disorder. Surgery is recommended to restore the normal spine curvature, provide relief from back pain, and prevent worsening of the postural deformity.  The orthopaedic doctor will advise surgery depending on the personal needs of the patient. The following surgical procedures are performed to correct the loss of lumbar lordosis.

• Vertebral Column Resection: This surgery is performed in severe cases of flatback syndrome. The doctor removes one or more vertebrae to restore normal spine alignment.
• Pedicle Subtraction Osteotomy: In this method, a wedge-shaped part of the vertebrae is removed to increase lordosis.

Spinal fusion: In this surgical treatment method, two or more vertebrae are fused to correct the spinal curvature. 

Physical Exercises for Flatback Syndrome

Physical exercises can help to reduce back pain. Exercise also helps in correcting the postural deformity of the spine.  Exercises also help to improve the strength of back muscles, enhance mobility, and correct the spine curvature. Exercises that can help with flatback syndrome include:

Stretching Exercises

• Planks: Planks can help in increasing the strength of back muscles. 
• Back Exercises: Back exercises are done to enhance the strength of the muscles and improve spine curvature.
• Chin-Ups and Pullups: These also help to improve the back posture.
• Aerobic Exercises: Aerobic activities such as swimming, walking, & cycling can help to improve the overall strength of the body and maintain a healthy weight.
• Side-Lying Leg Raises: This also helps in enhancing the strength of the back muscles and reduces back pain. 
• Hamstring Stretches: Hamstring stretches help to improve the posture of the spine. 

All the above exercises should be done under the supervision of a trained physiotherapist to get the best results. 

Conclusion

Flatback syndrome is a spinal alignment disorder that causes back pain. It is a postural deformity in which the spine becomes flat. It may occur due to ankylosing spondylitis, osteoporosis, or corrective surgery for degenerative diseases. A person may experience back pain, impaired gait, and impaired posture. Top orthopaedic doctors at QI Spine Clinic recommend non-invasive and invasive treatment to patients suffering from flatback syndrome after a careful and detailed diagnosis.