Finding Help for Skeletal Issues
At 63 years of age, standing 5'8" and weighing 188 lbs, I have encountered significant challenges related to my skeletal structure. In my thirties, I was diagnosed with degenerative scoliosis, leading to surgical intervention where rods were placed from T5 to S1. These procedures were beneficial, as I regained 2 inches in height, yet the curvature of my spine remains unsolved, leaving me with a visible tilt to the right and a pelvis that is not level. Consequently, when I stand or walk, the majority of my weight leans onto my right leg. As I've grown older, various orthopedic complications have arisen, including a left hip labral tear that necessitated a hip replacement, an increasingly severe bunion and supination in my right foot, discomfort in my right lateral ankle, and persistent pain in my right knee. For each specific issue, I have been directed to different specialists such as hip surgeons, podiatrists, and knee orthopedists. However, no comprehensive evaluation of my overall skeletal mechanics has been conducted to identify potential improvements that might help mitigate additional issues in the future. While I am fortunate to have an excellent physical therapist who assists with my individual problems, the referrals tend to focus on isolated concerns. I am curious if there exists a particular specialty or type of practitioner who could address my skeletal alignment holistically. I am not looking for surgical solutions, but rather for options like orthotics, braces, or similar aids that could alleviate my joint pain and help prevent further deterioration of my condition.
Answers (1)
8/7/2025, 3:50:55 PM
OpenHealth AI
It's great that you're seeking a holistic approach to manage your skeletal issues given the complexities of your condition. A comprehensive evaluation addressing alignment and overall biomechanics can indeed help alleviate pain and prevent further complications. Here’s how to address your concerns effectively:
Understanding Your Situation
You have a history of scoliosis and related orthopedic complications that require careful management. Isolated treatments can help specific areas but may overlook the interconnectedness of your skeletal system. A holistic approach can improve your overall stability and reduce joint pain.
Next Steps
-
Look for a Physiatrist (Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Specialist): These physicians specialize in non-surgical management of musculoskeletal issues and can provide a holistic assessment of your entire skeletal structure. They will consider all your concerns together rather than in isolation and offer guidance on rehabilitation strategies, pain management, and exercises tailored to your needs.
-
Consider a Podiatrist with a Focus on Gait Analysis: A specialist in this area can assess your walking patterns and foot alignment. This analysis can lead to personalized orthotics that improve support and alignment, potentially reducing strain on your knees, hips, and back.
-
Seek a Physical Therapist Specializing in Orthopedic Rehabilitation: Since you already have a good relationship with a physical therapist, communicate your desire for a more integrated treatment plan. They may refer you to or collaborate with another physical therapist specializing in holistic skeletal mechanics.
-
Inquire about Orthotics and Bracing Options: Work with your healthcare team to explore custom orthotics and braces that can provide support and alleviate pain across involved joints. These aids may help improve alignment and distribute weight more evenly, potentially reducing the burden on specific limbs.
-
Exercise and Stretching Regimen: Engage in gentle, supervised exercises that focus on flexibility, strength, and posture improvement tailored to your condition. Swimming, walking, or yoga (with adaptations) can be beneficial and may help overall skeletal mechanics.
-
Regular Monitoring and Adjustment: As you explore these options, keep track of any changes in pain levels or function. Regular follow-ups with your healthcare team will allow adjustments to your treatment plan as needed.
Reassurance
It’s completely understandable to feel overwhelmed by the complexities of your situation. Remember, advances in interdisciplinary care can significantly enhance your quality of life. By taking these steps, you're proactively addressing your health, which is a powerful approach.
Feel free to reach out if you have further questions about specific exercises or treatments!
Related Questions
Understanding a Nodular Finding on My Appendix: Seeking Clarity
I'm a 22-year-old female, standing 4'9", with a background of EDS and anxiety. Recently, on January 30, 2026, I visited the emergency department due to kidney discomfort, which turned out to be a kidney stone. While reviewing my CT scan report to recall the size and location of the stone—still lodged and proving quite troublesome—I stumbled upon a mention of a nodular area on my appendix. This detail was not brought up by my doctor during my visit. Although I suspect it may not signal a serious issue, I'm curious if this is something I should discuss further with my primary care physician. Can anyone clarify what a nodular finding on the appendix means? I came across some information suggesting it could indicate a tumor, but I’m aware that online medical searches can often lead to misunderstandings. Any insights would be appreciated!
Dealing with Esophageal Cramping and Heartburn while on Oral Minoxidil
Hello everyone. I’m a 37-year-old male who frequently experiences alopecia areata, particularly during stressful periods at work. Recently, my dermatologist recommended oral minoxidil in 2.5mg capsules to speed up my hair restoration process. Since I began this treatment, I’ve encountered several side effects, including elevated heart rate, dizziness, shortness of breath, heartburn, and esophageal cramps, albeit not all at once. Most of these issues have subsided, but the cramps and intermittent heartburn persist. I find the cramps tend to occur after meals, accompanied by a sensation as if I can feel the food moving through my esophagus; this uncomfortable feeling can linger for hours before fading, only to return with my next meal. The discomfort isn’t severe enough to incapacitate me, but it can be quite bothersome, with some days being better than others. Should I consider halting the medication, or should I wait until my next scheduled appointment to discuss this? I live in a rural area, making it difficult to find sooner availability, as the next appointment isn’t for another month. I appreciate any advice you might have!
Ongoing Symptoms Post-Concussion: Seeking Insights
Hello everyone, I’m a 25-year-old male and experienced a significant car accident about two and a half years ago. Although I didn't black out during the incident, I felt disoriented and unsettled immediately afterward. Since that day, my health has noticeably deteriorated, and I'm attempting to discern whether my current struggles are commonplace or if something more serious might be overlooked. Here’s what I've been grappling with: I endure daily headaches that typically originate in the back of my head or neck, gradually migrating towards my temples or eyes. Conditions that intensify these headaches include bright screens, excessive light, noise, and bustling surroundings. When I attempt to power through the discomfort, I sometimes see halos around lights or experience visual static. Mentally, I find myself exhausted very quickly. Concentrating becomes a challenge, and I frequently lose track of my thoughts or encounter difficulty finding the right words. Engaging in conversations or attending meetings can drain me significantly. Additionally, I become easily overwhelmed, especially in loud or crowded situations. Tinnitus is another issue I face, as the ringing in my ears is a constant presence. Since the incident, I’ve noticed weakness in my left hand; my ring and pinky fingers often curl up like claws. An electromyography (EMG) test revealed damage to the ulnar nerve, which accounts for some of this phenomenon. Unfortunately, it hasn't improved, impacting my ability to type, grip objects, and carry out everyday tasks. I also experience occasional facial twitching, jaw tightness, and short bouts where different parts of my body feel weak or tremble, but these symptoms are temporary. Fatigue is a significant battle for me. I struggle with poor sleep quality, waking up feeling unrested, and sometimes experiencing anxiety first thing in the morning. Even on days when the pain level is tolerable, my energy depletion restricts my activities. Here’s a summary of what medical evaluations have revealed: • My brain scans returned normal results, revealing only minor, nonspecific findings like white matter changes in certain regions. • The blood vessels in my brain appeared healthy. • EEG results indicated some slowing but no evidence of seizures. • More invasive tests ruled out any major health concerns. • Mild sleep apnea was detected. • Cognitive assessments showed deficits in attention, processing speed, and memory. • Eye examinations indicated challenges with tracking and focusing post-injury. What has proven somewhat beneficial includes: • Migraine medication has helped lessen the severity of my headaches. • Telecommuting allows me to take frequent breaks. • Engaging in occupational, speech, and vision therapy whenever possible has been somewhat advantageous. I maintain a full-time job, but managing it drains a considerable amount of my energy, leaving little for family interactions, social engagements, or time for recovery. I’m at a stage where I’m seeking clarification on several points: 1. Is it common for post-concussion symptoms to persist for such an extended period despite normal scan results? 2. When is it appropriate to seek an alternative explanation rather than accepting a diagnosis of merely post-concussion syndrome, stress, or anxiety? 3. Is it typical for fatigue to be the most pronounced and debilitating symptom? 4. Are there often overlooked aspects, such as sleep quality, visual processing, nerve health, or nervous system function, that should be reevaluated? I’m not seeking a diagnosis—just some insight. I want to determine whether I’m on a reasonable track or if I should be considering different inquiries. Thank you to all who have taken the time to read my message.
Excruciating Nerve Sensitivity
Greetings, everyone. I recently underwent surgery to address a cervical rib issue on the left side, utilizing the transaxillary method. Today marks ten days since the procedure was performed last Wednesday. I was discharged from the hospital Saturday morning and felt fine initially, aside from the typical discomfort associated with surgery such as pain, numbness, and some swelling in my left arm, which limited mobility. My surgeon assured me this was normal. However, come Monday morning, I experienced a sudden sensation that I initially thought was pain in my left hand, predominantly affecting my pinky, ring, and middle fingers, extending to my arm and shoulder. A visit to the doctor clarified that this was not just pain—I was experiencing hypersensitivity, specifically involving the ulnar nerve. A week has passed, and the intensity of the hypersensitivity is unmanageable. It feels as if my hand is simultaneously being burned, stabbed, and electrocuted. I have been prescribed medication like pregabalin, yet it only provides temporary relief lasting no more than an hour or two. While the swelling in my arm has subsided, the hypersensitivity and numbness continue unabated. Although I can move my arm and hand to a degree, my strength is noticeably reduced, which may be a lingering effect from the surgery. I was concerned there might be a hematoma at the incision site irritating the brachial plexus, but an ultrasound revealed no signs of blood accumulation. I'm currently in a challenging predicament and would deeply appreciate any suggestions or remedies you might offer, as the discomfort has become unbearable; at this point, I'd even consider amputation of my arm over enduring this agony.
[30M] Intermittent Crackling Noise from Chest Area
Hello everyone, I've been experiencing a crackling sound that occurs occasionally when I laugh heartily or cough. It seems to originate from my chest, but I'm not entirely sure if it might also be related to my throat. Interestingly, there’s no mucus or phlegm that surfaces when this happens. Despite my attempts, I can’t reproduce the sound by quickly exhaling or taking deep breaths. I don't struggle with wheezing or experience shortness of breath. There’s a persistent cough I’ve had since dealing with the flu last December, but I can recall having these sounds before that incident. Additionally, I suffered from asthma as a child, which I suspect could be a contributing factor. I'm planning to schedule an appointment with my primary care physician for a comprehensive evaluation, ideally including an X-ray. Meanwhile, I would greatly appreciate any advice or insights you might have. Thank you in advance!