Question
QUESTION: hi there

Ive been suffering from anxiety and chest pains, 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 like problems?

Many Thanks

David

ANSWER: Hi David,

Do you know which type of Ehlers danlos syndrome that you have been diagnosed with? There are some forms that can result in cardiac defects which may be responsible for your anxiety and chest pains.

Joint restrictions and muscle tightness in the thoracic spine region can also cause pain to be referred to the chest. Chest pain can also be caused by the joints that the thoracic spine forms with your ribs. Since your ribs move when you breathe in and out, this can cause chest pain and resulting anxiety because you are unable to take full breaths.

"Congenital failure of fusion of the SI vertebral body posteriorly" is called Spina bifida occulta. 揙cculta?means hidden, and the defect is not visible. Spina bifida occulta is rarely linked with complications or symptoms. About 10% of the general population has spina bifida occulta and most do not report any symptoms.

I hope this helps!

Dr. Liza




---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: thank you dr liza!

1.could Spina bifida occulta influence instability of the pubic symphysis/pelvis?

2. no, i dont have the cardiac/vasular variant of ehlers danlos syndrome, just the hypermobility type.

Many Thanks again

DAvid

Answer
Hi David,

Spina bifida occulta [SBO] can affect the stability of the sacroiliac joint [joint between the sacrum and pelvis]. This only occurs in about 0.1% of people with SBO and can contribute to back pain and hamstring tightness. In your case, Ehler Danlos is the more likely cause of pelvic instability.

Dr. Liza