 |
|
Flat Back
Flat back is a term used to describe the reduction or loss of one or more of the normal spinal curves in the lumbar or thoracic spinal regions. The spinal curves are designed to bear weight and absorb shock throughout the spinal column. Reduction of one or more of these curves has long been blamed for the commencement of pain and other related symptoms. While this occurrence is possible for severe cases of spinal straightening, it is rare. Most mild to moderate cases of
straight spine
are not symptomatic or problematic at all.
Flat Back Terminology
There are several other common names for this spinal condition. Straight spine or
straight back
are typical and appropriate descriptions. Lordotic loss, reduced lumbar
lordosis
or loss of lumbar lordosis are appropriate terminology for a straightening of the lower back region. Kyphotic loss, reduced thoracic
kyphosis
or loss of thoracic kyphosis are appropriate for straightening of the middle back region.
Straight neck,
military neck,
loss of cervical lordosis or reduced cervical lordosis are all appropriate for straightening of the neck region.
Flat Back Symptoms
Nature allows for variation and in the case of spinal straightening, there is no exception. Mild to moderate spinal straightening is not normally a problem and does not usually cause any pain. Often, the condition is blamed for
idiopathic back pain
syndromes in which no better cause can be located in the spine. Of course, the majority of these painful conditions are examples of
psychological back pain
and the straightened spine is merely a convenient
scapegoat
on which to blame the symptoms. Severe loss of spinal curvature can indeed cause physical pain and health complications, but these conditions are rare. In these uncommon cases, there are both conservative and drastic treatments available. Make sure to consult with your doctor to discuss all therapy options before deciding on an appropriate
back pain treatment
modality.
Recommendation on a Flat Back
I was diagnosed with both a flat lumbar spine and a straight neck by many different
back doctors
and
chiropractors.
Many believed that this was a major part of my pain problem. I am a person who tends to have very military like posture, standing and sitting very straight. I guess all the years of this behavior did indeed have structural implications on my spinal column. Regardless, I was able to cure my own pain after suffering for 18 long years. I still have a straight lumbar spine and neck, but I have no pain. Just goes to prove that neither the loss of my lordotic curves, nor my
herniated discs
or
degenerative disc disease
were ever the actual causes of my pain. Thank God I found
knowledge therapy,
which provided me with a true and permanent cure for my pain. Life is a whole different experience when you are 100% pain free and I am loving it…
Flat Back to Back Pain Home
9/8/08 Revised 9/25/08
|
|
|
