Treatment for Flat Back Syndrome in New Jersey
An abnormal curve of the lower back or lumbar region may be the cause of back pain. One such abnormality is flat back syndrome, which can result from a variety of causes. Consulting with a neurosurgeon for a professional diagnosis can provide options for reducing pain and improving the flat back. Left untreated, this condition can lead to loss of mobility and disability.
Patients can continue enjoying their preferred activities with the right spine treatment. NU-Spine: The Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery Institute, has offices in Paramus, Woodbridge, Toms River, Jersey City, and Holmdel, NJ. Founder and lead surgeon, Branko Skovrlj, MD, provides patients with a thorough examination, diagnosis, and treatment plan.
What Is Flat Back Syndrome?
When the lumbar area of the spine (lower back) loses its natural curve and becomes flat, this is called flat back syndrome. The opposite condition, or too much curve in the lower back, is sometimes referred to as swayback. The natural curve of the lower back provides support and flexibility. Both are important, as this part of the back helps support the weight of the body, enabling standing, walking, lifting, and other functions. The curve helps the lower body move while maintaining the balance of the upper body.
The natural backward curve, or lordosis, of the lower back, becomes flatter over time in flat back syndrome. The back is a complex structure that consists of nerves, bones, tendons, ligaments, and muscles all working together. So, when a structural change occurs to the spine, such as a flattening of the curve in the lumbar spine, all the parts of the back are affected. People who experience flat back syndrome may be living with persistent pain and be unable to stand upright. This syndrome can greatly affect both lifestyle and ability in many ways, including:
- Severe, inhibiting back pain
- Impairment to gait or posture
- Inability to function on the job
- Depression, anxiety, and mood disorders
- Risk of disability
- Financial strain
The spine surgeons and medical team at NU-Spine are dedicated to helping patients reduce and eliminate back pain, whatever the cause. They treat flat back syndrome and many other complex spinal disorders, including the following.
- Lumbar Deformity: Another condition of the lower back, lumbar deformity describes an abnormal curvature of the lordosis, which can result in severe stiffness, muscle tightening, and pain.
- Sacroiliac Joint Disease: When there is a dysfunction in the joint that connects the bottom of the spine, or sacrum, to the hip bones, patients may be experiencing sacroiliac joint disease. This condition can reduce the shock-absorbing qualities of the sacroiliac, or SI joint, as well as affect the ability to bend forward and backward.
- Lumbar Degenerative Disc Disease: A chronic condition that can result from osteoporosis on the spine, lumbar degenerative disc disease can result in bone spurs and chronic pain.
- Failed Back Syndrome: Often the result of post-surgical complications, failed back syndrome can result from a variety of causes, including infection, an inaccurate diagnosis, or the failure of a spinal fusion.
What Are the Signs of Flat Back Syndrome?
When the lower back is affected by flat back syndrome, an imbalance is created in the spine and acts on the movement of the body. The natural center of gravity to forced forward, which inhibits sideways movement. Here are some of the signs and symptoms of flat back syndrome:
- Standing up can be difficult
- Chronic pain can radiate from the lower back to the groin and thigh
- Sciatica, or pinched nerve, which radiates pain to the leg
- Leg pain resulting from spinal stenosis, or narrowing of the spinal canal
- Overall weakness that worsens when walking
- Fatigue
- Stooping forward, especially at the end of the day
- Sensation of falling forward
If left untreated, these symptoms can worsen, and deterioration can lead to difficulties in walking, standing, and working. Almost all activity is affected by flat back syndrome, and often a cane is necessary for walking or moving about inside. Chronic back pain is the result of a stiffened spine. For patients experiencing any symptoms of flat back syndrome, or any back pain, the best course of action is to consult with a qualified neurosurgeon at NU-Spine.
What Causes Flat Back Syndrome?
In the past, patients who were surgically treated for scoliosis, or sideways curvature of the spine, may have developed flat back syndrome. This occurred with a particular type of spinal fusion implant. Most cases of flat back syndrome today are the result of untreated spine conditions. These can include the following.
- Ankylosing Spondylitis: A chronic arthritis-like disease, ankylosing spondylitis can stiffen and straighten the spine over time.
- Degenerative Disc Disease: Related to osteoarthritis on the spine, degenerative disc disease affects the vertebral and intervertebral discs of the lower spine. While this is part of the normal aging process, wear and tear can result in bone spurs and chronic back pain, or eventual flat back syndrome.
- Post-Laminectomy Syndrome: When compression is affecting the health of the back and causing pain, spine surgeons may perform a laminectomy procedure, which alters the structure of the vertebral bones related to the pain. Post-laminectomy syndrome, or failed back syndrome, may result from a variety of surgical or post-surgical complications, which can include flat back syndrome.
- Compression Fractures and Collapsed Vertebrae: Traumatic injuries to the spine can cause injuries that lead to flat back syndrome. When vertebrae collapse from injuries or other conditions, such as osteoporosis, flat back syndrome may result.
With state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment and advanced minimally invasive surgical techniques, Dr. Skovrlj and the medical team at NU-Spine can determine the cause of flat back syndrome and recommend effective treatments. NU-Spine uses the latest technology and has extensive experience with the most complicated spine disorders.
Is a Flat Back Reversible?
The first step to treating flat back syndrome is a thorough examination by an experienced neurosurgeon. This may include X-rays, MRI, or CT scans of the spine to help visualize the misalignment. The next step is to focus on improving symptoms and the patient’s quality of life. While the spine doctors at NU-Spine are well versed in conservative, nonsurgical methods, including physical therapy and medications, flat back syndrome often requires surgical procedures using minimally invasive spine surgery equipment and techniques. Dr. Skovrlj and the medical team may recommend one of the following procedures:
- Lateral interbody fusion, TLIF or XLIF
- Lumbar decompression
- Lumbar foraminotomy
- Spinal reconstruction
- Osteotomy
Patients experiencing chronic back pain can consult with the experienced medical team at NU-Spine: The Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery Institute. Dr. Skovrlj provides treatment for flat back syndrome and other sources of chronic back pain, including degenerative joint disease, stenosis, myelopathy, and spondylosis. For effective treatments of spinal disorders and syndromes, contact us today.
