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About The Siuslaw news. (Florence, Lane County, Or.) 1960-current | View Entire Issue (June 10, 2017)
SIUSLAW NEWS | SATURDAY, JUNE 10, 2017 TO YOUR GOOD HEALTH Neck Deformation Appeared Suddenly DEAR DR. ROACH: One day, I woke up and my neck was bent for- ward. Now my chin almost touches my chest. How much worse can this get? One doctor said he may have to break my neck and reset it. I can’t look people in the face anymore; I’m looking at their belt buckle. -- R.W. ANSWER: I can think of several reasons why your neck may be bent forward. One is a muscle problem. A severe muscle spasm in the neck can force the neck into an unnatural position, often very painful to move. This can go on for weeks. However, most people can force their neck into a normal position. The second is a nerve problem. Cervical dystonia is the most impor- tant of these. Dystonia can present itself with the neck pointing to the side, forward or backward. It typi- SALOME’S STARS ARIES (March 21 to April 19) Recently obtained information could open a new opportunity for a career change. But temper that Arian impa- tience and act on it only when all the facts are made available. TAURUS (April 20 to May 20) You’re moving into a more active cycle. So put your ideas back on the table, where they’ll be given the atten- tion they deserve. Expect a favorable change in your love life. GEMINI (May 21 to June 20) A friend might ask for a favor that you feel would compromise your values. Best advice: Confront him or her and explain why you must say no. A true friend will understand. CANCER (June 21 to July 22) A relationship continues to develop cally gets better and then worse, and is associated with sustained muscle contractions. What the doctor said about “breaking your neck” doesn’t make sense to me. However, since your doctor has suggested a possible spine surgery, the third, and most likely cause, is a skeletal problem. Kyphosis is the term for an abnor- mal forward deformity of the spine (as opposed to scoliosis, which is to the side). There are numerous causes, but in older men, the most likely is osteoporosis, which can cause very severe kyphosis, espe- cially when in conjunction with ver- tebral fractures. I wonder if you had a vertebral compression fracture that made things suddenly worse. Unfortunately, surgery for kypho- sis has a very high complication rate and shouldn’t be considered unless you are facing serious impediments, such as diffi culty breathing or in- tractable pain. The best treatment is an exercise program. An orthopedic surgeon or physiatrist could make precise recommendations for your physical therapist. DEAR DR. ROACH: I am a 75-year-old male on Coumadin who recently took a fall. I badly bruised my shin. Initially, it swelled up the size of half a grapefruit but now, two weeks later, it’s still very tender and the size of half an orange. I fi rst iced and elevated it. Lately I have tried heat, an elastic wrap and even my TENS unit, but nothing seems to reduce the swelling and sensitivity. Any suggestions? -- B.N. ANSWER: A bone bruise, called a periosteal hematoma, happens when small blood vessels are bro- ken in the lining of the bone, called the periosteum. The blood collects and forms a tender lump at the site of injury. It can happen at any bone, but the shin is very common due to its being very superfi cial. Warfarin (Coumadin) works by preventing the liver from making blood-clotting proteins, making for a larger blood collection, which takes longer to heal. As long as your INR is in range, though, it will eventually heal. READERS: Worried about the strength of your bones? The osteo- porosis pamphlet explains how to prevent this universal condition. Readers can obtain a copy by writ- ing: Dr. Roach -- No. 1104W, 628 Virginia Drive, Orlando, FL 32803. Enclose a check or money order (no cash) for $4.75 U.S./$6 Canada with the recipient’s printed name ad- dress. Please allow four weeks for delivery. along positive lines. Meanwhile, a brewing job situation could create complications for one of your pet projects. Look into it right away. LEO (July 23 to August 22) Your interest in a co-worker’s project could lead to a profi table experience for you both. But before you agree to any- thing, be sure to get all your legal I’s dotted and T’s crossed. VIRGO (August 23 to September 22) Be careful whose counsel you take about a possible long-distance move. Some advice might not necessarily be in your best interest. Stay focused on your goals. LIBRA (September 23 to October 22) Someone might try to complicate eff orts in an attempt to work out that confusing job situation. But don’t let that keep you from sticking with your decision to push for a resolution. SCORPIO (October 23 to November 21) A disagreement on how to handle a family problem could create more trouble for all concerned. Look for ways to cool things down before they boil over. SAGITTARIUS (November 22 to December 21) An unexpected change in long-standing workplace proce- dure and policy could provide a new career target for the Archer to aim at. Start making inquires. CAPRICORN (December 22 to January 19) You’re fi nally able to get back into the swing of things, as those temporary doldrums begin to lift . Expect some surprising disclosures from a new colleague. AQUARIUS (January 20 to February 18) Rely on your innate sense of justice to see you through a dilemma involving a family member. Other relatives who’ve stood back soon will come forward as well. PISCES (February 19 to March 20) A new friend seems to be pushing you to take risks -- fi nancial or otherwise. Best advice: Don’t do it. Th ey might have a hidden agenda that hasn’t surfaced yet. 5 B Siuslaw N ews ! AD IT DAY E R TO www. the siuslawnews.com E -E DITION • S PORTS • T OP S TORIES • O BITUARIES • W EATHER • F ORUMS • B LOGS
