Is It Time to Seek Medical Advice?
Hi there, I’m a 15-year-old female. Since I was about ten, I’ve sensed that something isn’t quite right with my back. It appears that my spine has developed an S-shaped curve, making it seem as if I’m perpetually arching my back. I suspect this condition might be lordosis. However, I’ve come across information suggesting that lordosis can be a typical occurrence. Despite that, my instincts tell me that something is off. Whenever I walk or stand, I experience discomfort in my lower back, abdomen, and hips. This pain intensifies if I remain in those positions for extended periods. I’m uncertain if this is typical or if it warrants concern? Thank you for your help!
Answers (1)
8/8/2025, 8:40:45 AM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to be concerned about your back, especially since you've noted changes over several years. You are correct that curvatures in the spine can occur and may be normal, but it's vital to pay attention to your discomfort and instincts.
Key Points:
- Your symptoms of lower back, abdomen, and hip discomfort, especially when standing or walking, could indicate an underlying issue that may need to be addressed.
- Lordosis can be normal in certain situations, but the amount of discomfort you're experiencing suggests that further evaluation may be beneficial.
Explanation:
Lordosis refers to the inward curve of the spine, typically in the lower back. Some degree of lordosis is normal, but when pronounced, it can lead to discomfort and changes in posture. Given that you've noted these discomforts for several years, and they intensify with activity, it's essential to take proactive steps to assess your situation further.
Next Steps:
-
Monitor Your Symptoms: Keep a log of when your discomfort occurs, its intensity, and if any specific activities aggravate it. This information can be crucial for understanding your condition.
-
Postural Awareness: Pay attention to your posture throughout the day, especially when sitting, standing, or walking. Regularly check in with how you’re positioning your body and try to maintain a neutral spine position.
-
Gentle Stretching and Strengthening: Engage in gentle exercises aimed at strengthening the core and stretching the back muscles. Activities like yoga or specific back exercises can be helpful, but it's vital to avoid any movements that increase your pain.
-
Seek Guidance: Although consulting a healthcare professional may feel daunting, consider speaking to a trusted adult or school nurse about your experiences. They can help facilitate a consultation with a specialist who can assess your spine more thoroughly.
-
Stay Active but Rest When Needed: While staying active is beneficial, ensure you’re also giving your body adequate rest when discomfort arises.
Pay attention to your body, and remember that it’s always okay to seek help when something doesn’t feel right. You deserve to feel comfortable and supported in your body. If anything about your symptoms worsens, don't hesitate to reach out for professional guidance.
Related Questions
Managing Anemia Linked to Chronic Disease (Lupus)
What is the best approach for treating anemia of chronic disease when the underlying condition isn't currently "active"? As someone diagnosed with lupus, I recently had a follow-up appointment with my rheumatologist's nurse practitioner, and I learned that I am experiencing anemia again. This isn’t a new development for me, as I have dealt with anemia intermittently, primarily categorized as anemia due to chronic illness. However, I have recently noticed additional symptoms related to my anemia that I have not encountered before, and I find myself without treatment alternatives suggested by my doctor. Some of the troubling symptoms I’m facing include: * dizziness * shortness of breath * an accelerated heartbeat * a strong pulse * persistent fatigue With all my inflammation tests coming back normal, my treatment remains limited to the plaquenil that has been a part of my regimen for several years. So, what options do I have for managing this anemia? Would it be advisable to consider medications like Celcept or Prednisone again, or are there other strategies available for addressing my anemia effectively?
The Consequences of a Bone Fracture in an Alzheimer’s Patient
I am a 22-year-old whose mother, aged 58, is battling Alzheimer’s disease. Her diagnosis came in August 2022, but the signs had been noticeable around 8 to 10 years prior. The progression of her dementia is quite pronounced; she is unable to engage in meaningful conversations and experiences significant aphasia. Additionally, she faces incontinence issues, visual hallucinations, frequent difficulties with eating, and loss of motor coordination, among other concerning symptoms. Listing every issue would indeed take more time than I have. Last night, she had a fall at her care facility. The nursing staff reached out to my father, who was celebrating my birthday with me far from home. They initially informed him she had fallen but reassured him that there seemed to be no major injuries beyond some presumed bruising. However, earlier today, my father informed me they were preparing for an ambulance; the nurses suspect that she may have fractured her leg. It appears deformed and she is experiencing considerable discomfort. They are taking her to the hospital for further examination, but the staff now seems quite convinced of a fracture. I’ve come across information indicating that bone fractures might exacerbate the symptoms in certain Alzheimer's patients—most of what I’ve found pertains to hip fractures specifically. I’m looking for insights from individuals who might have dealt with similar situations, as I prefer personal experiences over general medical sources. Thank you for any guidance you can provide!
Alternative Options to Montelukast and Concerns Regarding Discontinuation
Hello, I have a friend, a 36-year-old male, who was initially prescribed a medication called Alsove-DM, which contains Acebrophylline (200 mg), Desloratadine (5 mg), and Montelukast (10 mg), by a pulmonologist for a duration of five months. Recently, he switched to another medication called Montair FX, which includes Montelukast (10 mg) and Fexofenadine (120 mg), following a prescription from his general practitioner in mid-June. He has been taking Alsove-DM once nightly and has been on Montair FX for the last two months, taking one tablet during the daytime. While researching today, he stumbled upon information indicating that Montelukast carries a black box warning issued by the FDA regarding serious neuropsychiatric side effects. This warning applies to both of the medications he has been prescribed, leaving him quite alarmed since neither physician had advised him of these risks prior to prescribing this drug. He is now feeling quite anxious about the situation. Here are some questions he has: 1. Are there any risks of addiction associated with these medications? How can one identify if they have developed an addiction? 2. If he misses a dose or abruptly ceases taking the medication, might he experience psychological withdrawal symptoms? The information available online seems quite vague on this matter. 3. Are there safer alternatives available for long-term management of his condition? 4. Is there anything else he should be aware of relating to these medications? Thank you!
Alternative Methods for Treating Keloid Scars Beyond Injections
At 21 years old and standing at 5’4" and weighing 118 lbs, my journey with keloid scars began when I turned 18, believing my first one to be merely a pimple. After consulting with three different dermatologists, I finally received an accurate diagnosis along with appropriate treatments. My dermatologist prescribed a cream for morning use, a specialized keloid gel, and adhesive sheets designed for topical treatment. Unfortunately, despite completing that regimen, my scar continued to expand, leading us to explore injections as an alternative. We opted for Kenacort-A 40mg; however, obtaining them proved difficult since they aren’t available in my country, forcing me to procure five vials from abroad. The injection process occurred every six weeks, but the pain was excruciating—perhaps the worst I’ve encountered, as the keloid is situated on my chest. Each injection felt as if the needle were piercing through my heart, followed by intense bleeding and discoloration. Extreme tension and pain seized my chest, making breathing difficult, and the discomfort lingered for at least three hours after the procedure. Despite exhausting the supply I had brought, it was not sufficient, and on top of needing to purchase more, I developed three additional scars around the original keloid on my chest, along with two more on my back—all within just eight weeks. This situation now means I face multiple injections for each new scar that has emerged. The financial burden and the unbearable pain involved are overwhelming; particularly today, after receiving injections in four areas on my chest, I fainted shortly after leaving the clinic due to the intensity of the pain. We’ve experimented with various pain relief methods, such as applying numbing cream two hours prior to treatment, but none have yielded significant results. My doctor suggested that keloids might be hereditary, or that my skin tends to produce them abundantly, yet I have a nagging feeling that there’s more to this situation. It feels unbearable to think about potentially developing new scars monthly and enduring continual injections for the foreseeable future.
Help with Recurring UTI Symptoms
A 31-year-old woman shares her recent experience with urinary tract infection (UTI) symptoms. Last month, she encountered UTI signs and was prescribed a five-day course of Macrobid, which successfully alleviated her issues. However, a month later, the symptoms returned, prompting her healthcare provider to prescribe five days of Keflex. Although this offered some relief, the discomfort returned shortly after completing the treatment. Seeking further assistance, she visited urgent care, where she received a seven-day prescription for Cipro. Currently, after taking four doses since Wednesday afternoon, she feels her symptoms have not improved. She is now wondering whether she should wait longer to determine if the medication is effective, especially with an impending vacation on Saturday that is causing her some anxiety.