Lumbar and Neck Flattening

Lumbar and cervical flattening is a condition in which the normal curvature of the spine is lost. The spine has a natural curvature, which is important for supporting the body and enabling movement. Flattening refers to the reduction or loss of this natural curvature and is usually associated with the following conditions:

Lumbar Flattening: This is the loss of the natural curve in the lumbar region. This can lead to low back pain and limitation of movement. It is usually caused by factors such as posture disorders, prolonged sitting or inactivity.
Neck Flattening: It is the reduction of the natural curvature in the cervical region (neck). Normally, the neck has a slight ‘C’ shape, whereas flattening leads to a loss of this curvature. Neck flattening can cause neck pain, headaches and tension in the shoulders.

Causes of Lumbar and Neck Flattening

  1. Posture Disorders: Incorrect sitting or posture for a long time can disrupt the natural curvature of the spine. It is especially common in people who spend long hours at the computer.
  2. Muscle Weakness: Weakening of the muscles in the waist and neck area can lead to insufficient support of the spine. Weak abdominal and back muscles can worsen this condition.
  3. Trauma: Traumas such as accidents, falls or sports injuries can have an effect on the spine and cause flattening.
  4. Ageing: With age, degeneration of the discs in the spine, changes in the structure of the spine and joint problems can occur. This can lead to a loss of natural curvature.
  5. Osteoporosis: Decreased bone density can cause the vertebrae to weaken and lose their normal position.
  6. Inflammatory Diseases: Rheumatic diseases or other inflammatory conditions can affect the structure of the spine, leading to flattening.
  7. Genetic Factors: Spinal problems in the family history may predispose individuals to develop similar conditions.
  8. Being Overweight: Excess weight can trigger flattening by increasing the pressure in the waist and neck area.

Symptoms of Lumbar Flattening

  1. Low Back Pain: Continuous or intermittent pain, especially in the lower back.
  2. Limitation of Movement: Difficulty moving in the lumbar region, especially in bending and turning movements.
  3. Pain or numbness in the legs: Pain, burning or numbness in the legs due to pressure on the nerve roots.
  4. Feeling of Fatigue: Feeling of fatigue due to overwork of the muscles in the lumbar region.

Symptoms of Neck Flattening

  1. Neck Pain Continuous or intermittent pain in the neck area.
  2. Headache: Neck flattening can lead to migraine or tension-type headaches.
  3. Numbness and Tingling: Numbness in the shoulders, arms or hands due to the nerves in the neck area being affected.
  4. Movement Restriction: Difficulty in neck movements, especially difficulty turning or lifting the head.
  5. Posture Disorder: Shoulders slumped forward or head tilted forward due to incorrect posture.

Treatment of Lumbar and Neck Flattening

  • Medication is used to reduce pain and inflammation.
  • Physiotherapy can be used to strengthen the muscles and increase flexibility.
  • Orthopedic waist or neck supports are used to stabilise the posture.
  • Surgical intervention is performed when necessary.
  • With this surgery, the spine is stabilised and the tissues pressing on the nerve roots are removed.

Things to Know About Lumbar and Neck Flattening Surgery:

Although surgery is not generally preferred, in some cases, microsurgical techniques are used to remove disc or bone fragments that compress the nerve roots, and in very rare cases, stabilisation is provided by using screws and rods to hold the vertebrae together.

Depending on the patient’s condition, the duration of the operation is between 1.5 and 3 hours and hospitalisation is required for 1 day.

Operation Duration


Anaesthesia

Hospitalisation

Recovery Time

Return to Work

1,5-3 hours

General Anaesthesia

1 day

2 weeks

7 days