What does Flatback Syndrome mean?
The health of your spine is dictated by the natural curves which allow your body to reduce the effort your muscles need to maintain your posture. With flatback syndrome, there is a loss in the curvature of the lower back – this makes the spaces between back bones smaller and having your body having to work harder throughout the day.
Why Is It A Problem?
Much like hyperlordosis, flatback syndrome is an issue dealing with the natural curves of the spine. But unlike hyperlordosis where there is an excessive curvature, there is no curvature at all! That might not sound like a big deal, but having a flatback is associated with an imbalance of the surrounding muscles that over time can cause can cause pain, tingling, numbness, or a feeling of falling forward.
What Can Be Done?
Addressing the muscular deficiencies through different exercises can move to restore your natural spinal curvature and help relieve or prevent pain. Even though you may not have pain now, it’s wise to be proactive, as flat back syndrome can become a painful condition if left unchecked.
An exercise we would recommend is a seated pelvic tilt:
Seated pelvic tilts are a great way to strengthen the core control of deep abdominal muscles while also reducing the effect of flatback syndrome.
Sit on a chair using good upright posture
Take a deep breath in to engage your core
Exhale your breath out while tucking your tailbone under you
Return back to the neutral upright position by inhaling again and pressing your tailbone toward the back of your chair
Repeat the exercise 10 times, or as tolerated
Notice this pattern in your everyday life? Please give Reneu Health Inc. a call!
We are a team of experienced clinical kinesiologists who specialize in preventive and rehabilitative exercise for seniors. We believe that aging is part of a beautiful journey and everyone deserves to live their best life. We understand that as our bodies get older, it doesn’t function the same. As some see this as a limitation, we see it as an opportunity. With the right mindset, knowledge, tools and support we help improve quality of life, slow the progression of certain conditions and help you take control of your health.
Call us today for a free consultation. San Diego 619.263.0329 or Orange County 949.245.6239.