u/seyriix

Hi all!

A couple of years ago when I was 17 I was diagnosed with Spina Bifida Occulta in my…coccyx, I believe? (No idea, because nothing’s on paper!) I’m now 19, almost 20, with chronic back pain and I can’t help but suddenly wonder if my issues are due to the SBO?

It was found through an unrelated X-ray (fell off a horse!) and I was very dismissively told that it wouldn’t cause any pain or problems but _might_ contribute to arthritis when I’m much older. That’s all I got! :,)

I’ve had problems with my back, tailbone, and my hip for as long as I can remember, but more recently I have been experiencing:
- Severe, debilitating pain when I do any physical activity that utilises my back (no matter how actually strenuous it is). Bending over, reaching up, shovelling, you name it. I’ve had to give up two dream part-time jobs due to being incapable of bearing this pain!
- Significant discomfort when lying down/relaxing.
- Weakened pelvic muscles(, which might be unrelated..?)
- Discomfort and tingling in my left hip and knee after walking for even a short period of time — to where I occasionally have to use a walking aid.
- Pain in my tailbone when sitting down for extended periods of time (2-3 hours.)

Obviously for all of these I should just go to the doctor, and I will, but I just wanted to ask for this community’s thoughts first. Are these common symptoms of SBO that I just wasn’t told about, or completely unrelated?

Any advice is very much appreciated. Thank yous! :,D