Doc, it hurts when I do this
October 7, 2008 5:52 PM Subscribe
I'm tearing myself apart, but only on one side. Why and how can I stop it?
I've noticed that I am twisting and curling myself into painful stress positions, but only on the right side of my body. My right hand gets rolled under my wrist. Usually, I find myself pressing it against a table or some other solid object. Similarly, I will wrap my right leg around any available pole or table leg, putting enough tension on it that my knee starts to ache after a few minutes.
As soon as I notice one of these behaviors, I consciously shift position to something more evenly balanced, but as soon as I stop paying attention, the limbs start curling in.
I've noticed that I am twisting and curling myself into painful stress positions, but only on the right side of my body. My right hand gets rolled under my wrist. Usually, I find myself pressing it against a table or some other solid object. Similarly, I will wrap my right leg around any available pole or table leg, putting enough tension on it that my knee starts to ache after a few minutes.
As soon as I notice one of these behaviors, I consciously shift position to something more evenly balanced, but as soon as I stop paying attention, the limbs start curling in.
you might want to see an orthopedist to rule out any physiological reasons for this. they can refer you to a physical therapist, who can help you train your body to relax.
posted by thinkingwoman at 7:38 PM on October 7, 2008
posted by thinkingwoman at 7:38 PM on October 7, 2008
I am -so- not a doctor, but I study neurological disorders at an undergraduate level in school.
What you're describing sounds to me like a mild form of dystonia. If that's really what it is, you shouldn't mess around with it. With some dystonias (maybe all dystonias-- I don't know because I'm not a doctor) early intervention can improve prognosis dramatically.
Get thee to a real M.D.
Good luck.
posted by palmcorder_yajna at 7:40 PM on October 7, 2008
What you're describing sounds to me like a mild form of dystonia. If that's really what it is, you shouldn't mess around with it. With some dystonias (maybe all dystonias-- I don't know because I'm not a doctor) early intervention can improve prognosis dramatically.
Get thee to a real M.D.
Good luck.
posted by palmcorder_yajna at 7:40 PM on October 7, 2008
Doctor doctor doctor doctor.
It may be nothing, in which case great! But it may well not be nothing. Go to a doctor yesterday, preferably a neurologist.
posted by dirtynumbangelboy at 12:30 AM on October 8, 2008
It may be nothing, in which case great! But it may well not be nothing. Go to a doctor yesterday, preferably a neurologist.
posted by dirtynumbangelboy at 12:30 AM on October 8, 2008
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posted by Weng at 6:06 PM on October 7, 2008 [1 favorite]