Expert: Gerald Anzalone, D.C. - 11/27/2008

Question
hi there

Ive been suffering from anxiety and chest pains and eye pain, though the 2 may be unrelated.

Additionally ive been diagnosed with hypermobility/ ehlers danlos syndrome.

1. "congenital failure of fusion of the S1 vertebral body posteriorly", what problems/symptoms can this cause?

2. also, i beleive the thoracic spine can refer pain to the chest?

3. what structual problems with the spine or any other joints could cause chest pain / anxiety/ eye pain like problems?

Many Thanks

David

Answer
David,

To answer your questions:

1. Congenital failure of fusion of the S1 vertebral body posteriorly is most likely a benign finding. Ehler's Danlos Syndrome (EDS) is a genetic defect, and the vertebral non-union in this case probably is just an expression of another congenital abnormality, but most likely one that will not cause symptoms.

2-3. However, I am most concerned about your report of chest pain. EDS is a genetic connective tissue disorder characterized by collagen defects and joint hypermobility, but the most ominous conditions that EDS can produce include aortic dissection (the most common cause of death in young people with EDS) and mitral valve prolapse. Aortic dissection commonly produces acute chest pain that radiates to the back.

EDS is also associated with colon rupture, easy brusing and bleeding of hyper-elastic skin, and delayed wound healing.

Therefore, I strongly recommend that you see your medical physician immediately for further evaluation and recommendations for management. Eye pain such as you have described may be associated with a vascular problem or may be a completely independent problem; medical evaluation is required.

Additionally, hypermobility is a contra-indication to manipulation, so chiropractic manipulation is not an option for thoracic spine pain, and to answer your question, thoracic spine pain commonly produces back pain, not chest pain.

I hope that this answers your question.