Resolution of low back symptoms after corrective surgery for dropped-head syndrome: a report of two cases

BACKGROUND: Cervical deformity can influence global sagittal balance. We report two cases of severe low back pain and lower extremity radicular pain associated with dropped-head syndrome. Symptoms were relieved by cervical corrective surgery. CASE PRESENTATION: Two Japanese women with dropped head syndrome complained of severe low back pain and lower extremity radicular pain on walking. Radiographs showed marked cervical spine kyphosis and lumbar spine hyperlordosis. After cervicothoracic posterior corrective fusion was performed, cervical kyphosis was corrected and lumbar lordosis decreased, and low back pain and leg pain were relieved in both patients. CONCLUSIONS: Cervical deformity can influence global sagittal balance. Marked cervical kyphosis in patients with dropped-head syndrome can induce compensatory thoracolumbar hyperlordosis. Low back symptoms in patients with dropped-head syndrome are attributable to this compensatory lumbar hyperlordosis. Symptoms of lumbar canal stenosis may result from cervical deformity and can be improved with cervical corrective surgery. ELECTRONIC SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIAL: The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13104-015-1430-3) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.