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Protruding spine, upper back pain, weak legs

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jennifer_k

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Joined: 13 Mar 2008
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Protruding spine, upper back pain, weak legs
Posted: 03-13-08 18:03pm

Here's a bit of history:
I'm a 20 year-old female who began having back pain at around 17.
A couple years back I began to notice that I often had visible bruises and soreness on the surface of my back running down my spine. I realized this was due to sitting against hard seat backs in class and laying on a wooden dance studio floor to do stretches. My spine protrudes quite a bit from my back when I am standing straight, and especially when I bend over. I am not underweight. I also began to notice that I had abnormally low flexibility in my legs, despite the amount of time I spent stretching and exercising for my dance classes. For example, when I lay flat on my back I can only raise my legs about 45 degrees from the floor when aiming for 90 degrees. Trying to pull them higher makes my spine curve against the ground so far that I tip over to one side or the other. I went to my doctor when I began experiencing deeper back pain in my mid to upper back. She took x-rays and sent me to a physiotherapist who told me I had minor scoliosis. I went weekly for a couple of months to do back-strengthening exercises and eventually the pain went away. I still do core-strengthening exercises at home, but lately the pain in my back has been really bad. I work in the performing arts and it is necessary for me to be very physical and flexible on a daily to weekly basis.

Here is what's bothering me right now:
- Deep and superficial back pain
- Sections of my spine jut out and sink in unevenly causing my spine to constantly grind against hard surfaces like the floor and chair backs
- Bruised spots sometimes appear on my lower-mid back
- Weakness and lack of flexibility in legs (but no leg pain)
- Sitting down I often get numbness on the right side of my butt and my right leg. I feel like I'm sitting on a part of my body unevenly and can't find comfort after sitting for about half an hour.
- I sometimes experience cramping in my hips
- Head and neck aches

I am considering seeing a chiropractor, but my schedule is very difficult. Any advice at all will be much appreciated.

Thank you so much for your time. Smile
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RichT

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Joined: 22 Jul 2007
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Posted: 03-15-08 07:24am

Hello Jennifer,

Sorry to read about your back pain. And your being in the performing arts makes it doubly difficult I'm sure.

I too have back pain, and for me wood chairs are an absolute NO NO. I use a formed cushion which helps me some.

I'm glad you have had x-rays taken. That is a first step.

Jennifer, I would highly recommend that you seek the advice of a neurologist/spinal surgeon. They are the most knowledgeable about back issues. You really do need to get their advice before things get much worse as I'm concerned that to wait will lessen the chances that you can continue with your love of the performing arts.

Do seek out the best neurologist/spinal surgeon that you can find in your area. Talk to people and find out which spinal specialist (and that is with an MD after their name) they have high regard for, and which ones they do not like. If you have a professional sports team in your area call up their office and find out which spinal surgeon they use for their players. Call up your local hospital and ask the person which spinal doctor they would go to if they had back problems.

Then call the doctot who is the highest on your list and make an appointment. Next, call the doctor who is No. 2 on your list and make an appointment with that doctor. It is always good to get a second opinion.

Jennifer, please see a neurologist/spinal surgeon without delay. I'm very concerned that perhaps all your movements in the performing arts may be making things worse.

Your body is trying to tell you that something is not right. Listen to what your body is telling you. AND remember, your body comes first, so don't delay.

I hope all goes well for you. Please do let us know how things go for you.

Take care.

RichT
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CarolDiane

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Jennifer
Posted: 03-16-08 01:47am

Rich T is so right. You back is nothing to fool around with. The spine is a very sensitive thing as we get older it degenerates even more. Our bone struture gets less and less streangh. One fall could do you in. I too plead with you to see a neurologist at the least. I just had back surgery with an over 55% frature in my L-1 with a compression to T-12. The surgery was very un-invasive but, the pain I went though before it was unbearable. I also have to bulging disc's at L-3 and 4 and L-5 is sitting on a nerve.
I too take a small pillow (like a small sofa pillow) every where I go. As Rich T said, hard back chairs are a NO NO. Take care of you back Jennifer, it's the only one you have.

Hugs
~Carrie~
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jennifer_k

New User, Becoming EHEALTHy
Joined: 13 Mar 2008
Posts: 12
Location: ,

Posted: 03-16-08 12:59pm

I friend of mine says that yoga can help over time. Does this seem far-fetched? He's been doing yoga for a couple years and it's helped his scoliosis.
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CarolDiane

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jennifer_k
Posted: 03-16-08 14:04pm

I can believe that. Due to the fact your posture during yoga is back straight and legs and knees bent. Perfect posture. I can see over years where this would help. I also practice yoga and have found my pain even after my surgery was not half as bad. Poor posture is the worst common demoninator in back problems. Now that I have had my back surgery ( two weeks ago, I find that I am constintly aware of my posture. Sitting and standing. With my meds I have no clue how I wind up after I fall asleep though. Confused

So, try it and it just may help. I also have scoliosis in my thorasic spine plus now two buldging disc's to look out for.
Be good to your back.

~Carrie~
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