Spinal Pain, My Reality

After many occasions of acute lower back pain and years of discomfort, and lost count of the chiro back adjustments video on YouTube, I finally made the decision to visit the chiropractor in Seremban.

So, here I am. Mostly needing to start taking better care of myself, and partly wanting to experience cracks and pops of relief, expecting to feel a lot better after the first visit.

the reception area

kids play area...those aren't my kids

Immediately I can see they use standing tables for their staff, and of course tall chairs that go along with it. At a small corner they provide a play area to keep the kids occupied and a filtered water dispenser. Thoughtful.

After filling up the form, it was my turn and there I met Dr Torsen. I can't remember how to spell his name correctly. He's Caucasian and speaks like he came from Ikea Land. "These are old films", he said. Looking at the x-ray films that I got from Columbia Hospital in Puchong almost 2 years ago.

He sat me on a chair, raise my left arm and ask me to tilt my head, and a bunch other postures that I can't remember, then I lie face flat on a thickly cushioned table moved my legs independently and knocks on my knees to check my reflexes.

"Your lower back feels somewhat rigid, so the vertebra above it has to compensate for your body's movements. To make sure, we'll need a better quality x-ray scan so we can assess your condition better and advise accordingly."

So I paid the consultation fee of RM198 and went to Columbia Hospital in Seremban to get my latest x-ray scans.....and paid RM383 for it.

gulp

With RM581 already gone in a span or a few hours, I wonder if I should already start feeling cured, somewhat....

Some might ask, why not go to the government hospital? Well, last I check....they don't really have a "Chiropractor" in a hospital. Plus, I've been to Columbia Asia Puchong, met the Orthopedic did the x-ray and MRI scan and Dr Thong told me either I could get under the knife or just simply go for physiotherapy.

At this point, y'all know what was my decision.

Then I was just given some pain killers. That was RM1,700 or so. If looking for a second opinion takes me to another hospital, government or private, still I know I'l get the same opinion anyways. Heck.

Back to Dr Torsen's, and he said, "you have a condition called SCHEUERMANN SYNDROME". He then continued, "other's call it disease, but I like to call it syndrome...it's less dramatic that way". He smiles.

We discussed about what caused it, how it developed and how to improvise, if not then slow it down. The point of no return had passed when we all stopped growing. That's when the bones are set to be until we leave this world.

After further discussion, my main takeaway is now I have a better understanding of why I feel a certain way sometimes, recognise and acknowledge it, and mentally tune it out.

"If any corrections need to be made, it's in our early teenage years. You and I, don't have that privilege any more", says Dr Torsen. He also said that my condition is mainly due to genetics. So I turned my focus to my children.

Once done, the clinic assistant ushered me back to the lobby where I took the photos above. Then showed me the equipments that they will use for my treatment, and what it will cost me.

Twice a week for 12 weeks. RM5,445. How am I gonna pay for this. Its not like I have a day job. Even if I can make this much money in the short to mid term, I always think about my children.