Navigating Body Alignment and Health Concerns
I apologize for the lengthy message, but I'm feeling utterly lost and could use some guidance! I'm a 26-year-old female, and I began taking medication for ADHD, specifically Vyvanse, about a year and a half ago. Additionally, I have subclinical borderline hypothyroidism, and I constantly remain on the brink of a surge in anxiety, even though my regular blood tests yield normal results. Historically, I've favored sleeping on my side or stomach and have struggled with poor posture since my high school days. While I wouldn't call myself extremely active, I participate in sports weekly, consistently achieve 10,000 to 20,000 steps daily, and I’m a teacher whose job necessitates being on my feet. Despite this activity level, I've experienced discomfort in my back, neck, and trapezius, often attributing it to the effects of aging. Over the past year, however, my back pain has intensified, accompanied by an exacerbation of tightness in my neck and traps—far worse than anything I've encountered before. A recent visit to a physiotherapist revealed my hypermobility, a concept I had been unaware of until this appointment. Moreover, I endured a succession of illnesses over several months, feeling unwell one week, then okay the next, only to feel sick again. I tested negative for COVID-19, RSV, and flu through at-home testing, with various doctors suggesting it was simply a virus that would resolve with time. A shift occurred when I noticed my dental overbite had become significantly more pronounced. I had stopped wearing my retainer nearly a decade ago after braces treatment, and it felt as if the situation had deteriorated almost overnight. A couple of months ago, I began to feel discomfort in my throat, as if there was something amiss, particularly a sensation of a lump near my larynx on the right side. Initially perceived as a result of post-nasal drip, I later speculated it might be thyroid-related or possibly a growth that was becoming caught while swallowing. While there was never an indication of food lodging, shifting my head would occasionally trigger the sensation of something being trapped. Tension took hold beneath my jaw, around my salivary glands, reaching a point where I found myself needing to massage the area for relief. Singing frequently led me to suspect that I might be holding tension or even have a tongue tie. Unfortunately, my medical consultations only resulted in dismissals and the “strange” nature of my symptoms. A recent CT scan performed in my neck yielded normal results, and an ENT specialist confirmed during my appointment that nothing appeared to be out of order. Their examination revealed no abnormalities when they palpated the area I thought was problematic, and they reassured me that minor asymmetries in the thyroid are quite typical. After reflecting on all of this during a conversation with a friend, it suddenly dawned on me as I drove home. I realized that my right collarbone protruded more prominently than the left side. Checking the back of my neck, I noted that my right side tilted forward more than the left, which could explain why the perceived lump was more pronounced there. This realization sheds light on why none of my family or doctors could detect what I was feeling in my throat when I asked them to examine it. Given this newfound understanding, I'm overwhelmed with emotion, feeling relieved to finally have an explanation for the discomfort I’ve been experiencing. I've spent so much time questioning my sanity and worrying that I might be a hypochondriac due to the lack of acknowledgment from those around me. Could this issue stem from a misalignment in my body? How might I address that? Should I seek physical therapy? Is it possible I have EDS or something related to hypermobility? Have I possibly lived with this condition my entire life, only now becoming aware of it since starting ADHD medication and being more tuned into my body? I would greatly appreciate any guidance or suggestions moving forward!
Answers (1)
2/17/2026, 11:11:01 AM
OpenHealth AI
Thank you for sharing your detailed experiences and concerns. It sounds like you’re navigating several interconnected health issues, and I want to reassure you that it’s completely valid to seek clarity about what you’re feeling. Let’s break this down and explore potential steps you can take to improve your situation.
Main Points Summary:
- Body Alignment and Misalignment: Your symptoms may indeed relate to physical alignment, particularly considering your noted hypermobility and posture issues.
- Possible Connection to Hypermobile EDS: With your joint hypermobility and symptoms, exploring Marfan Syndrome or Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome could be beneficial.
- Next Steps: Consider targeted physical therapy, lifestyle adjustments, and greater awareness of your body mechanics.
Understanding Your Situation:
- Posture and Alignment: Poor posture, especially if combined with hypermobility, can lead to muscle strain and discomfort. When muscles and joints aren't aligned properly, it can increase tension on surrounding tissues, contributing to the pain you’re experiencing.
- Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (hEDS): Since you mentioned hypermobility, it might be worth investigating whether hEDS applies to you, especially if you experience frequent joint pain, fatigue, or other connective tissue-related symptoms. People with hEDS often have more flexibility but are also prone to joint instability and pain.
- Dental Concerns: The worsening of your dental overbite and discomfort could stem from muscle tension and alignment issues, affecting how your jaw functions and feels.
Actionable Next Steps:
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Seek Targeted Physical Therapy:
- Find a physical therapist with experience in hypermobility and postural issues. They can guide you through exercises that strengthen your muscles and improve your alignment.
- Focus on stability and core strength exercises to support your spine and posture.
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Practice Mindful Movement:
- Incorporate gentle stretching and strengthening routines into your daily activities. Activities like Pilates and yoga can enhance your body awareness and help with posture.
- Be mindful of your posture throughout the day, particularly while teaching. Use ergonomic aids if necessary, such as supportive chairs or adjustable desks.
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Consider Speech or Vocal Therapy:
- If you feel tension in your throat or discomfort while singing, a speech therapist specializing in voice may help you learn how to release tension and improve vocal mechanics.
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Educate Yourself:
- Research hypermobility and its impacts on posture and alignment. Keeping a symptom diary can help you better understand when issues peak and whether certain activities correlate with more intense symptoms.
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Seek Support:
- Joining support groups or forums for individuals with hypermobility and EDS can provide comfort and shared experiences, helping you feel less isolated in your concerns.
Follow-Up:
Remain vigilant about any changes in your symptoms; if they intensify or new symptoms arise, re-evaluating your treatment options may be necessary. Continue to communicate openly with healthcare providers and don’t hesitate to seek second opinions if you feel your concerns are being dismissed.
Remember, it's okay to be proactive about your health, and you are not alone in this journey. Taking these steps can help you regain control over your comfort and wellbeing. Let me know if you have more questions or need further clarification!
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