Causes, Symptoms and Treatment Methods
What is Lumbar Flattening?
Lumbar flattening is the deterioration and flattening of the natural curve in the lumbar region. The loss of the normal curvature of the spine can cause pain and restriction of movement in the lumbar region. In this article, we will examine the causes, symptoms and treatment methods of lumbar flattening.
Causes of Low Back Flattening
There may be more than one cause of a flat back:
- Falls and Traumas: Strokes to the lumbar region can disrupt the natural structure of the spine and lead to flattening.
- Past Accidents: Serious trauma, such as traffic accidents or sports injuries, can cause a flat back.
- Sedentary Lifestyle: Long periods of inactivity can lead to weakening of the muscles in the lumbar region and deterioration of the curvature of the spine.
- Obesity: Excess weight can put extra strain on the spine and cause the curve in the lumbar region to deteriorate.
- Surgical Operations: Surgical interventions in the spine area can affect the natural curvature of the spine.
- Rheumatic Diseases: Inflammatory rheumatic diseases involving the spine can lead to loss of curvature in the lumbar region.
- Prolonged Sitting: Desk jobs and prolonged sitting can disrupt the natural structure of the spine and cause a flat back.
Symptoms of Low Back Flattening
In some people, a flat back may not cause any complaints. However, it usually manifests itself with the following symptoms:
- Low Back Pain: It is one of the most common symptoms.
- Not Bending and Straightening: Limitation of movement and loss of flexibility in the lower back may occur.
- Pain in Weight Bearing: Pain in the lumbar region can be felt when lifting or carrying heavy objects.
- Pain in the buttocks or legs: As a result of nerve compression, the pain can radiate to the buttocks and legs.
Treatment Methods for Lumbar Flattening
If there is no pain and activities of daily living are not affected, back exercises and sports may be sufficient. However, if pain is present and restricts daily activities, various treatment methods can be applied:
- Prolotherapy: Through injections, it helps to strengthen the lumbar vertebrae and relieve pain.
- PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma): Platelet-rich plasma from the patient’s own blood is injected into the damaged area to speed up the healing process.
- Prolozone: This treatment, which is applied with a mixture of ozone gas and prolotherapy, strengthens the lumbar vertebrae and reduces pain.
Treatment Process and Expectations
It is not possible to completely reverse the curvature with treatments after the age of 25. However, strengthening the lumbar region can prevent the progression of more serious conditions such as canal narrowing and slipped discs. The treatment process may vary from person to person and may require more than one session.
Who cannot receive treatment?
- Pregnant or Nursing Mothers: These people do not receive prolotherapy and similar treatments.
- People on Active Cancer Treatment: Such treatments are not recommended for patients undergoing cancer treatment.
Low back flattening is a serious condition that affects quality of life. Treatment methods such as prolotherapy, PRP and prolozone offer effective solutions to relieve pain in the lumbar region and strengthen the vertebrae. If you are experiencing symptoms of low back flattening, you can consult a specialist and get information about appropriate treatment options.