OpenHealth Q&A

An Unexpected Transformation in My Lower Back

Something rather peculiar just occurred, and I’ll try to detail it as clearly as I can. While in front of a full-length mirror, I caught a glimpse of myself from an unusual angle—something quite new for me during this process of moving back in after water damage, where nothing is in its usual place. I noticed my shoulders appeared off, so I struck a few poses and realized my left side had a reduced range of motion. Dressed only in my underwear, I conducted some flexibility assessments and almost achieved symmetry, but my hips also seemed misaligned. My hamstrings have always been quite tight; I struggle to touch my toes without bending my knees. When I straightened my shoulders, I felt a cracking sound and something shifted in my lower back. Oddly enough, it felt pleasant, which prompted me to continue. As I bent forward to reach my toes, I was surprised by how much easier it was to lower myself; it felt as if my tailbone had liberated itself, and my hamstrings no longer ached. Straightening up, I cautiously leaned forward at the hips and discovered I was bending in a different area. I found I could hold a position between a forward lean and an upright stance, albeit not very steadily—it seemed like my muscles lacked the strength. Despite it all, there was no pain, and I retained full sensation in my legs and feet. This sparked a faint memory from my childhood, as I approach my 29th birthday. When I was about ten years old in elementary school, I experienced what began as a stomach ache. The discomfort escalated to a level where I doubled over; curling my legs provided some relief. In extreme pain, I asked to go home and awkwardly shuffled to the office to request my dad. He had a rather strict demeanor, so I wasn’t the type to make a fuss. While I awaited his arrival, I sat bent forward with my feet drawn up. The distress originated deep within my abdomen, overwhelming in intensity. When my dad arrived, he insisted I stand up; attempting to do so brought excruciating pain. He lifted me, and the agony caused tears to flow as I hobbled to the car. I don't recall anything else; we just went home. Did something significant occur back then? I certainly feel changed now. I sense that I can take deeper breaths, and I’m able to lower my shoulders and tilt my hips forward in ways I previously couldn’t. It feels as if my hips are articulated in the middle. There’s also an unusual pressure in my neck, and it's as if my mind is clearer. After some additional stretches, I noticed that when I stand on one foot, I’m not wobbling; it feels as if I'm stable, akin to standing on both feet. While seated, my posture has improved as my buttocks sit more directly under me. Again, I experience no pain… Is it possible I feel better? What just happened? For context, I have been diagnosed with ADHD, specifically the inattentive type, and have traits of autism but have not been formally diagnosed. I’ve been prescribed fluoxetine for major depressive disorder (I’ve had several hospital stays, and things have felt rather bleak) and Concerta (72 mg) for my ADHD, and I've recently noticed significant improvements in my well-being. However, I did experience serotonin syndrome after an increase from 20 mg to 40 mg of fluoxetine about 12 days ago, prompting a visit to the emergency room after inquiring with the pharmacy about my symptoms (something I was unfamiliar with). After two days, I returned to 20 mg and fortunately had no adverse reaction today. That summarizes my recent experience.

Answers (1)

6/29/2025, 4:30:51 AM

OpenHealth AI

It sounds like you've experienced a significant and unexpected change in your physical condition, which you're interpreting as an improvement in flexibility and overall well-being. It's great to hear you’re feeling better with these new sensations, and it’s important to understand what might be happening.

Key Points:

1. You noticed changes in your flexibility and range of motion, particularly in your hips and back.
2. There's a history of severe abdominal pain as a child, which could be relevant to your overall physical health.
3. Recent adjustments in your medications, alongside managing depression and ADHD, may also be contributing to your improved feelings.

Explanation

1. Flexibility and Range of Motion: The changes you've described could be linked to new postures or movements you've engaged in. It's not uncommon for people to experience increased flexibility or relief in muscle tension after stretches or changes in posture, especially if the body has unlocked tight areas. The 'cracking' sound and feeling of release may indicate that you were previously holding tension in those areas which has now been alleviated.

2. Psychological Factors: The improvements in your overall mood and clarity could be a result of combined factors—medications stabilizing your mood, increased physical activity, or simply feeling more at ease in your body. Enhanced breathing and better posture can also improve your energy levels and psychological well-being.

3. Childhood Pain Incident: The severe abdominal pain you faced as a child could be related to digestive issues or muscular tension linked to stress or anxiety. There might be a connection to how your body has developed and coped with discomfort over the years, both physically and mentally.

Next Steps:

1. Monitor Changes: Keep track of how these improvements fluctuate over time. Pay attention to any movements or exercises that seem to enhance your feelings of well-being or flexibility. A journal might help you track these.

2. Stay Active: Incorporate gentle stretches or strengthening exercises into your routine to further support your flexibility and stability. Consider activities like yoga or tai chi, which combine movement and mindfulness, potentially improving both your physical and mental health.

3. Consultation with a Professional: Given your history of ADHD, autism traits, and past medication changes, it could be beneficial to consult with a physical therapist or a medical professional. They can help assess your physical changes and ensure that all aspects of your health are being monitored.

4. Follow-Up on Medications: Monitor how you feel on your current medication regimen. If you notice any unusual changes—positive or negative—be sure to discuss these with your healthcare provider, especially in relation to your recent experience with serotonin syndrome.

Always trust your body; if you feel something is different and it’s beneficial, that’s a positive sign. But, it's equally important to ensure safe practices as you explore this new experience.