Expert: Dr. J. Shawn Leatherman - 3/20/2007

Question
I am currently suffering with severe chronic pain.  I am 32 years old, female, and suffered a severe car accident when I was 16.  I broke my right femur in half and had a concussion.  My femur healed wrong, it overlapped and now my leg is over 1 inch shorter.  I have developed scoliosis (27 degree curve lower spine and I think 24 degree curve upper spine).  I have been diagnosed with fibromyalgia, severe tension headaches, epstein barr virus from a bad case of mono, my left ribcage caves in causing severe 24/7 pain and now the right hip S/I joint.  I also have endometriosis, chronic fatigue, IBS, depression, anxiety and panic attacks just to name a few :).  I am looking for a more alternative approach to deal with my chronic pain.  I keep getting cortisone shots into the S/I joint, but only lasts 1-2 months and I know that cortisone makes the bones weak and concerns me.  I have changed my diet, taking more whole food supplement vitamins, and trying more natural approaches since I am
on a lot of prescription drugs which I do not like.  Is there any brace I could use for my back and some type of belt for the S/I joint besides just chiropractic care?  I have been to a few chiropractors but really looking for one that deals gently with fibromyalgia.  Any info would be greatly appreciated and thank you for taking the time to answer my long request.

Sincerely,
Meredith Mason
Orange County, New York  

Answer
Dear Meredith,

Sorry to hear about all the issues...you have definitely been down a rough road.

With your history, I am assuming that your scoliosis started to develop after you had the crash and the shortened leg.  With a significantly short leg, you need to have this balanced with orthotic shoes to compensate for the loss.  this will balance the pelvis and allow for the spine to go through some nature righting mechanisms.  It is unlikely that this will be enough to show correction of the scoliosis, but it is start.

Now, there are chiropractic physicians who can help you with this problem by restructuring the curves in your back without drugs or surgery.  I am certified in this technique and have seen some amazing changes occur.  There is also a newer brace technology on the market called SpineCor which has been very effective in reducing scoliosis and relieving tension not only on the spine, but the internal organs as well.

With a case as complex as yours, I would highly suggest that you check out this website:  www.idealspine.com  for more information and links to the Spinecor.  This new brace is going to be the focus of a bunch of new research in the next few years and I think would be great not only for the scoliosis, but the fibromyalgia, SI pain, and your organ based issues.  I will actually be attending lectures later this year on new applications and certification on the Spinecor, so many other doctors will be training on the appropriate applications as well.  

Respectfully,
Dr. J. Shawn Leatherman
www.suncoasthealthcare.net