Should I be upset or what?

Been having back pain/soreness since a few years back. Did not think much of it and thus did not seek medical help at all.

However, things got pretty much worse since last year. I would feel the soreness even on days that I did not exercise or just on a normal trip to somewhere when I have to stand throughout the journey or just after ironing my clothes.

Thought it might be due to certain exercises that I have been doing wrongly. Checked with a few instructors and was told that basically, my techniques were pretty good. So, continued to wonder about the situation some more, drag some more, until Christina showed her concern about it one day and strongly recommended that I see a specialist. She recommended Dr. Low Wye Mun, her team doctor (She’s a competitive cyclist, so cool!)

Was a bit apprehensive when I went for my appointment last Tuesday. Wondered what I will find out. Something good or bad?

After a full examination and various tests, the diagnosis was that I have scoliosis. Scoliosis is a lateral or sideways curve (sort of an S-shaped curvature) in the spine that can be seen when viewing the spine from behind. Dr. Low told me that scoliosis can be present at birth and mine would be the case but it is considered mild and thus I won’t be needing surgery or back braces (lucky me). However that is also the reason why my condition has not been discovered before.

Basically, I have weak back muscle strength and due to my increased exercise volume which added on more stress on my back versus the low adaptation of my muscles, they became very stiff.

So my management plan includes 1) medication to reduce muscle inflammation. 2) Physiotherapy to improve the mobility and flexibility of the spine and 3) Strengthening of my back through certain exercises and improve posture.

It is not necessary for me to cut out exercising totally but I need to monitor which exercises are suitable and which are not. Will have to minimize those that are associated with back soreness, like squats and some pilates moves until my back gets stronger.

Being a sports physician, he certainly knows how hard it will be for me to lower the intensity and reduce the time I workout. However, he did tell me it was a temporary thing and it will be for my own good which I totally agree. It’s just the thought that depresses me.

Never had I imagined that I would have to go for physiotherapy. I mean it’s not something that one will think of wanting isn’t it? But really think mine is not serious. So will probably need a session or two only.

Was given some information on stretches that I can start doing now to relief soreness. More will come after my back strengthens. Hmm…..

Doc Low is a really nice doctor (with a really heavy american accent) though. Exceptionally friendly, very professional and very patient. Took time to explain things to me although I got a little confused in the end, haha. Good doctor. I felt that I’ll be well taken care of.

But no matter what, I have to get my back well. Like what Dr. Low said, once I recover and have my back strengthen, I will be able to go back to doing the sports I like, the usual frequency & intensity and no worries about back soreness. I can even start training for marathons, yea. :) Am really glad I went to see him and that Christina recommended him. Just made my appointment for my first physiotherapy, hope everything goes well! *cross my fingers*