As anyone who has followed this blog for a while knows, I have had serious back problems and serious medical care/interest problems. I spent 9 months in physical therapy after leaving my prior provider. The therapist was helpful, I was given exercises that could help, but stopped short of what the underlying problem is. I was too far along, as I have now found, at this point for exercises alone to help. The NP I'm seeing has shown interest but either does not know or didn't care to get into it. I think she doesn't know.
Last week while once again looking for exercises that may help, as the numerous others have not, and I stumbled upon my problem. It is a real thing with a name. The common name is Flat Back Syndrome. Who knew? Not me and apparently not the three different medical professionals or the two PTs.
This is what Flat Back Syndrome generally looks like.
This is my poor attempt at showing my back. My lower lumbar is not flat. It is curving outward. The cervical spine follows the lumbar, so the more it flattens, or curves outward, the more the shoulders bend forward and the head juts forward. I am thrust forward from shoulder to head. To give an idea what that looks like from the side, standing with my back against the wall my head is 6 inches away from the wall. I cannot bring it back.
*Video is a bit over 5 minutes. There are many more going into more detail.
11 comments:
It’s great that there’s finally a name for what’s been happening. Just knowing that has to feel like progress. Hopefully, the decompression therapy gives you some much‑needed relief. After living with this for so long, here’s hoping the next step brings a bit of real improvement.
5 years trying to get things figured out is a long time. I'm glad you finally found out and I really hope that the decompression therapy helps you. US Healthcare is no longer very good in my opinion.
Thank you for explaining this Sandra and I am so sorry you are having to deal with such an awful condition. I am wishing you only the very best to find a solution instead of surgery.
I hope you're finding a better way to handle/fix this. I'm angry that you have to do your own research. Let's hope this new person has answers. And is invested in helping.
Jane, I don't see your blog lately. I've decided to schedule an appointment with a spine dr. I need a referral though so I had to schedule with my primary. I have a little simmering anger, which will do me no good.
It shows the lack of interest, at least IMO, toward women. Especially older women.I've lived with misery and hope bound life for 5 years. I thought after the months with PT that there was nothing to be done. I just stumbled upon this information, Lori.
Especially since I very likely would not have needed to live with this for so long if someone bothered.
I have to manage the burning anger I am feeling, Boud. I want action and so I must play nice. I have decided to start by seeing a spine specialist but need a referral. I have an appointment with the primary on the 29th. Serenity now.
I have a friend who is experiencing much the same ailment. I just texted him about Flatback Syndrome. Thanks for posting about this. I do hope all will improve once you find the correct doctor and medical staff to help alleviate this matter.
My friend has developed a protrusion on his lower spine, but I don't think he is otherwise the same. He is in pain though and exercising daily to try to control his condition. Bodies, eh? Can't live with and sure can't live without them. Good luck with the chiropractor.
I'm glad you're smart enough to keep looking and thinking about what's going on. And to find your own information. It's goddamn frustrating to be dismissed by doctors. I feel like most, if not all, women have similar stories about not being listened to.
I really hope someone can help you with what's happening and that you feel better!
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