Flatback syndrome happens when the lumbar spine loses its normal curvature (or lordosis). This can cause the patient to lean forward in an attempt to improve pain. It can be caused by things like:
- Degenerative arthritis and loss of disc height
- Post laminectomy syndrome
- Compression fractures in the Spine
- Ankylosing Spondylitis: a chronic inflammatory disease that causes pain and stiffness throughout the spine. This can cause an increased forward positioning of the spine also called an increased thoracic kyphosis or decreased lumbar lordosis.
Symptoms and Diagnosis
Signs and symptoms of flatback syndrome include:
- Pain or stiffness in the back
- Pain/numbness into the legs
- Difficulty standing upright
- feeling as though you need lean further as the day goes on
Your doctor may diagnose flatback syndrome using one or more of the following diagnostic tests:
- X-ray
- MRI
- CT Scan with or without contrast
