IMHO, flat back is not a problem that needs to be fixed. It is an observation noting less than average lordoic and kyphotic curves in the spine. It is much like noting that fact that one may have a 'transitional segment'. This may represent one less or one more than 'normal' lumbar vertebrae. I believe it's something like 17% of the population that has a transitional segment. In some cases, there will be a malformation with the transitional segment that causes significant problems and must be fixed. However, in the huge majority of people with transitional segments, this finding is irrelevant.
I don't believe that flat back is a reason to have surgery and that in most cases, the risks of surgery will be much greater than the risk of issues caused by flat back. I have had clients who were world class athletes with flat back, and their spine problems are not related to their flat back.
Mark
|