Question
I was diagnosed with scoliosis about 14 years ago. Ideal with the pain that I have off and on. I can't afford to go to a chiropractor monthly as I need to so I just deal with the pain. Recently I have experienced some numbness on my right side from about the middle of my back and radiating around to the midline of my stomach with sharp pains periodically that take my breath. Is there anything I can do to alleviate this short of going to the doctor?

Answer
Hi Aretha

Thanks for your question.

In general for pain I suggest a number of things, some of which you may already be doing. These include:

*Progressive exercise that combines some core strengthening, cardiovascular conditioning, and stretching. There are a number of activities that might meet these requirements, including yoga (modified to meet your needs), walking, Pilates, moderate weight lifting, low impact or water aerobics, tai chi or Qigong.

*Massage therapy. If cost is an obstacle here as well, try having a friend or family member learn some light massage techniques, or the clinic at a massage therapy school.

*Relaxation techniques such as body scan meditation, progressive muscle relaxation, various breathing techniques. Yoga also helps with breathing.

*Be vigilant about your posture at work, the ergonomics of any chairs at home or work, height of computer monitors, etc. If these are not right, you can be stressing your back for hours every day.

In terms of your worsening symptoms, I am not familiar with those specifically. Radiating pain is usually a sign that you need to see a doctor, but you may want to go ahead and try some of these other techniques over the short term to see if you get any results.

With exercise, etc., you need to be careful not to overdo, but just do a little every day or so and gradually increase the intensity.

The website below has some of this same information, along with a little more detail.

Best wishes

Barry

http://www.chronic-pain-alternatives.com