Straight Back

A straight back is a common term for a spine which has lost one or more of its natural curves. This condition can range from minor to extreme and from and asymptomatic to problematic. It is crucial for patients with a diagnosed straight spine to understand the facts of their condition in order to decide upon the best course of treatment. Make sure to consult with your doctor to get an accurate prognosis for your straight spine condition. Remember to ask how much of the natural curvature has been lost and whether the condition is stable or still in flux.

Straight Back

What is a Straight Back?

A normal healthy spine demonstrates a series of curves designed to assist in bearing weight and reducing shock in the spinal column. The lumbar region contains a lordotic curvature with the open end of the curve facing the rear of the body. The thoracic region contains a kyphotic curvature with the open end of the curve facing the front of the body. The cervical region contains a lordotic curve with the open end of the curvature facing the rear of the body. This �S� shape is a marvelous design giving human beings unparalleled functionality and flexibility in a variety of tasks and positions. A patient with a straightened back shows some degree of loss in one or more of these normal spinal curvatures.

Straight Back Condition

Most patients diagnosed with this condition demonstrate only a mild to moderate loss of one or more curves. The body is a marvel of adaptation and these patients rarely suffer any serious or even noticeable effects from their flat back conditions. Patients with severe loss of a particular curve may experience no symptoms, minor to moderate symptoms or severe symptoms, depending on numerous other criteria. Some instances of a straightened spine can be very troublesome and can lead to reduced functionality or even partial disability for the affected patient.

Recommendation on a Straight Back

Additional information on the loss of spinal curvature as well as exaggerated spinal curvature can be found in my LORDOSIS section.

Many patients are diagnosed with the loss of a particular spinal curvature, including me. I have decreased lumbar lordosis as well as decreased cervical lordosis. Many chiropractors and other therapists insisted that these factors were a primary contributor to why my pain never got any better. I believed them 100% since I did not know any better. Looking back, I now realize that the diagnostic nocebo effect was the real reason why my symptoms worsened over time. I was basically told I would not get better and most likely, I would get worse. This part was true, but it had nothing to do with the loss of any spinal curvature. My pain turned out to be psychosomatic and responded extremely well to knowledge therapy. I am now pain free despite still having the same decreased lordotic curves as before. When I ask a doctor what they think about the condition now that my pain is gone, they have no answer. It is simply proof positive in the power of the mind to create pain and heal it. My spinal anatomy is the same as ever... including loss of lordosis, 2 herniated discs, degenerative disc disease and minor scoliosis, but I have no symptoms. It is funny how just a few years ago, all my pain was blamed on these conditions. It is even funnier that my pain left for good as soon as I STOPPED all the ridiculous treatments which were actually perpetuating my symptoms for 18 long years. Explain that doc�

Straight Back to Back Pain Home 10/15/07 Revised 9/25/08