I hurt my back last week and it was sheer agony. I couldn’t even bend to sit on the toilet, I could barely get out of bed and when I walked, there was a sharp shooting pain going down the back of my right leg. I was so desperate I went to a GP to get a super strong painkiller jab. For some reason, the needle punctured something and I have been carrying a big huge ugly bruise on my arm.
On the advice of several friends, I called a few chiropractors just in case it was a slipped disc. My friend Sharon eventually managed to get me a last minute appointment with ARC OF LIFE at Shaw Centre. Dr Andrew Ching was pleasant and easy-going. He asked why I didn’t ice my injury. My weak reply was “Uh… I put a medicated plaster over it”, to which he laughed and said “Right… that makes perfect sense because you’re Chinese.”. It was funny and so daft!
About an hour into the treatment, I was breaking into light sweat and it was a workout I didn’t want. He made me push and pull and twist and bend and he used what looked like a stun gun on several spots where he said he had to “reactivate”. I did some research and found out that it was called a Impulse Chiropractic Instrument. It works. I swear, I was more mobile the following day. Even after I finished my GP’s supply of painkillers, I felt no pain. I also went for an X-ray to see what the root of the problem is. I have a follow-up appointment with Dr Ching to analyze it but I seriously hope it’s just muscle strain. Maybe I should lay off the strength training for a while.
And so, there you have it. First world problems. Whilst I no longer see my psychiatrist, I now have a chiropractor. I can’t go to the gym and run. I went swimming today and it was my first workout in 6 days. It felt GRRREAT!!! Hougang Swimming Complex is a 10-min stroll from my apartment. Entry fee was $1. I will try to go back at least twice a week and stop running until my back is stronger.
An Exercise In Trivial Pursuits 
Chloe, I was quite interested to read your post because just today I went to the doctor’s and asked about a referral to a chiropractor. A friend has recommended I see one to see if I can get rid of the daily headaches that assault me. Well, the doctor said, “We don’t endorse alternative medicine.” And that was that! After reading your post I told the Significant Other to check if the medical insurance covers it because if it does, I’m going, period! I’m glad you’re feeling better! And swimming is great exercise! Good for you! 🙂
Hello Bella, it’ll be best to visit a chiropractor that someone has personally visited. From what I’ve learnt, there are 3 types of chiropractors – symptom relief/crisis care chiropractors whose primary role is to relieve pain; Maintenance Chiropractors who see patients until they are out of pain; and Corrective/Wellness chiropractors who correct the shape of the spine and work on improving the function of the central nervous system. Hope you find one that suits your needs and your health goals!
Chloe, thank you for the information! I think I need a symptom relief chiropractor pronto! My back is killing me!