Exercise for Flatback Syndrome?

[Guest guest]

I've been meaning to write this little caution or warning for some time.

I may have misunderstood, but I recently got the impression that one or two of

our members with possible or diagnosed flatback syndrome are being treated with

a program of exercise or PT -- period.

Any doctor who prescribes only exercise or PT for flatback syndrome is doing you

a disservice. No doctor should ever lead you to think that this will cure your

flatback. It will not. The deformity will remain unchanged or will worsen.

At present the only remedy for flatback syndrome is surgical. I urge anyone who

is coping with serious pain and disability from flatback to consult with a

flatback revision specialist. You certainly don't need to sign up for flatback

revision surgery -- now or ever -- but you owe it to yourself to see a qualified

surgeon and learn about your prognosis, your options, etc. Unfortunately there

are still relatively few of these specialists available in the US or elsewhere,

but it pays to search for one of them, have long-cassette spinal films taken

from the front and side, and obtain a truly expert assessment.

Best,