What is flat back How can massage correct it?

Many patients with lumbar flat back syndrome may be treated without surgery. Initial treatment typically includes an appropriate exercise routine to include aerobic fitness, weight bearing exercise, and core muscle strengthening. Physical therapy and spinal manipulation may also be beneficial depending on the patient’s symptoms. Medications are commonly used to manage symptoms of lumbar flat back syndrome. For many patients, conditioning and endurance programs may provide enough strength that symptoms improve. For patients with joint arthritis or pinched nerves, spinal injections can also provide relief.

Some patients with structural problems or severe curvatures may ultimately require surgical reconstruction. The goal of lumbar flat back syndrome surgery is to improve the patient’s pain and spinal alignment. The team of experts at the Virginia Spine Institute work to restore a more normal alignment of the spine to decrease stress on supporting muscles of the back, hips, and legs.

Surgery may be an option if nonsurgical treatments do not relieve symptoms. Surgery may be needed for patients whose deformity is worsening over time, or who have curvatures leading to nerve compression causing symptoms such as numbness, weakness, or pain. Surgical reconstruction for flat back syndrome involves some correction of the curvature. Goals of surgery are to relieve pain and prevent the curvature from getting worse in the future.