Orthopedics make alot of $$

I went to the orthopedic specialist and got an X-ray done for my spine as I keep experiencing back pain. I guess my back muscles went into spasm and that’s what caused the excruciating pain that did not allow me to sit freely or stand for long periods of time like I used to be able to do. It’s like having back cramps and the best relief was to lie down in bed. Anyway the X-ray showed nothing much just a stiff back and maybe an unstable disc where the disc at lumbar 5 location tends to move a little and touches on the nerve root causing the pain in my left bum and a slight numbness or weakness in my toes. Back pain may not seem like much to many people but when it interferes with your lifestyle and your daily activities, I do think there is cause for worry. In any case, I am glad my spine is quite normal, just that the L5 disc may look a tad compressed. The recommended solution is to try physiotherapy for 6 weeks and strengthen the back muscles through exercises targeted at the back.

So I went to the rehabilitation centre on Sat and got a huge shock at the price tag. 8 sessions cost me $900! Wow. There goes my money. Very sad and depressed. If I were healthy, I need not have to spend such money but anyway it has to be done and spent and I will just save more, cut down on my expenditure and try to be healthier. Note that physiotherapy is not claimable unless there is hospitalization as in my company’s health policy. So sianz.

Well, I have been a good girl and doing back exercises for the past one week and my back pain is much better. Hopefully the physiotherapy will help to strengthen my back and from then onwards I will take good care of my back and be more active. I shall swim, cycle, go for aerobic or dance classes, etc. In all fairness, I must say that the physiotherapy is making my back better, at least I feel much more normal now.