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
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