Kephosis and scoliosis advice please.

[Ultracrepidarian]

Very briefly I have kyphosis of my neck diagnosed by MRI at 24, always had pain in my shoulder blades and upper back. Seen a physio today to help me out and they said I've scoliosis and it's fixed. When dh is home he squeezes me and lifts me up and over his chest which extends my back and makes it crunch which relieves the pain. Dh is away for 2 months, non of the exercises to extend my back work well it's all bending backward and side ways, I need the up and over squeeze. I'm in pain and my neck keeps clunking and shooting electric pain up my skull. I need help what can I do?

Hi,

  a common cause of bone degradation is lack of calcium/phosphorous and breakdown of the  bones' protein matrix. There can be several causes of this problem.    Have you been told what causes your particular problem,   or  have you been told it is an idiopathic ( unknown ) cause.

 IF  the cause is unknown , then it would probably make sense to take steps to limit or even help prevent the problem getting worse, based upon recent scientific research. The  action you take would not necessarily be effective,   BUT , it may well be effective,  simple nutritional additions and inexpensive nutritional supplements have proved , in many cases to help ameliorate or eliminate pains such as you describe.

  Have you passed menopause .. ?   Your oestrogen levels can have a significant effect upon your bone health.  Have you consulted an endocrinologist concerning this problem.   Have you had checks upon your blood levels of  :  Vitamin D , parathyroid, calcium,  etc ,   what were the results ?        Do you consume plenty of calcium in dairy foods, or other calcium rich foods,  i.e. dark green leafed veg.  Do you consume sufficient protein ,   which is part of your bone ( 50 % ) by volume.    Is your bone mineral density low ?    (   Dexa Scan results ) 

That is enough questions ... .

I'm 31 no menopause. I eat eggs and soya and kale and broccoli every day and I take multi vitamins. I was told my neck was just that way, I've had issues with it since my early teens and I'm guessing that's when the scoliosis began. The physiotherapist said as it's fixed she can do no more than discharge me. I'm going to see the GP next week for more advice. I'd just like to stop the nagging ache and pain. I've always limped but that's never bothered me. Like I say dh helps by extending me but he's away and I'm here with 4 dc doing all things that hurt like looking down a bit. Thank you for the reply I now know some things to get the GP to investigate.

Exercise wise have you tried Pilates? It's very good for backs. Alexander Tequnique is brilliant for all back and neck pain as it relieves tension. Would your GP refer you to a pain clinic for opinions on injections and alternative therapies?

My son had a hyper kyphosis & had major surgery. He has titanium rods in his back. It was an 11 hour surgery. He was in hospital for 2 weeks. He recovered after 4 months. He was 18 at the time. I am in Australia so I don't know if they would do the surgery on the NHS. It has been the best thing for him & he recovered well.

Maybe see a Chiro as they are better with backs than a physio.

Have you considered seeing a osteopath?.
I have had problems with my shoulder and the muscles surrounding. Helped a lot.

I'd want someone to X-Ray your back as a first step. There are degrees of scoliosis, and the decision needs to be made based on that.

Yes I've spoken to the GPs surgery, no appointments until next week but I will speak to the doctor. I've lived with the pain for 14 years or so but it would be good to have it resolved. Like I say dh extending my back helps a great deal but it's constant and dh is away a lot.
I will have a look into Pilates and I will ask about alternative therapy. The NHS are unlikely to operate I don't need it and I'm too old but I'm glad your son has relief. Definitely will ask about osteopath and chiropractor. Thanks again.

I have mild scoliosis and have recently been taking CherryActive capsules to help with the pain. I know that sounds pathetic compared to 'proper' pain relief but it does seem to help and I've read lots of good reviews and heard from sports coaches about its effectiveness. It is supposed to work like Ibuprofen but without the nasty stomach side effects.

Can you get some physio to help whilst your DH is away?

ultra as a cheap and easy way of extending you back I do have a very small soft Pilates ball. It's about the size of a football but much softer. If you lay down, knees bent and tuck it under your back at about bra strap level then very careful support your head with your hands. Now engage your abs and very slowly and gently roll back as much as possible. Nb your chin stays tucked in,my outrage extending your thoracic spine, not your neck. It's nice. And cheap. Ball can be used for loads of lovely exercises.

My outrage

You are. Bloody ipad.

Thank you all, I've heard of cherry active my mils neighbour bought it for arthritis she thought it helped but I though it was something for arthritis so I will look into it and I've never hear of a Pilates ball but I will investigate. I bought a lumbar roll on the advice of the physio but it will be a week before it arrives. Everything seems harder when your on your own a and the 4 dc are still at that little stage so I'm guessing that exacerbates everything.