Wrong grammar: It's not "slip disc" but "disc bulge" - so says an orthopedic surgeon and consultant.
When I saw the Doctor say this on a health program on Channels TV, I said to myself "orishirishi Doctors".
How can this Doctor wake up one morning and change a name Nigerians have given to a condition since I was born?
I decided to to prove the Doctor wrong!
Wikipedia Search
"Spinal disc herniation(most popularly called "Slipped disc"!
Spinal disc herniation, also known as a slipped disc, is a medical condition affecting the spine in which a tear in the outer, fibrous ring of an inter vertebral disc allows the soft, central portion to bulge out beyond the damaged outer rings.
Disc herniation is usually due to age-related degeneration of the outer ring, known as the anulus fibrosus, although trauma, lifting injuries, or straining have been implicated as well. Tears are almost always postero-lateral (on the back of the sides) owing to the presence of the posterior longitudinal ligament in the spinal canal. This tear in the disc ring may result in the release of chemicals causing inflammation, which may directly cause severe pain even in the absence of nerve root compression.
Disc herniation are normally a further development of a previously existing disc protrusion, a condition in which the outermost layers of the anulus fibrosus are still intact, but can bulge when the disc is under pressure. In contrast to a herniation, none of the central portion escapes beyond the outer layers. Most minor herniation heal within several weeks. Anti-inflammatory treatments for pain associated with disc herniation, protrusion, bulge, or disc tear are generally effective. Severe herniation may not heal of their own accord and may require surgery. The condition may be referred to as a slipped disc, but this term is not accurate as the spinal discs are firmly attached between the vertebrae and cannot "slip" out of place.""
So, the Doctor was right!
Hear the Doctor!
More than two thirds of human beings moving around have back aches arising from spinal conditions. Incidentally, many hide it because in this part of the world, it's like almost shameful to be sick, instead of seeing the body as something that can break down any time.
I was glued to the TV and this is why!
I hardly slept last night due to back pains. I kept screaming in pains. I called Lagos by a little past 5am and a familiar "female voice" said "Listen, see what you should immediately do. Don't allow that pain to persist. I was told by a Doctor pains increase our blood pressure. Get pain relievers from a Pharmacist as soon as you can. But before the pharmacy opens, take a walk. A long one, you would feel better".
I set out immediately. "Adi agwa ochi nti n'agha esu". It was a two hour walk after which I rode a stationary bicycle for just 5 minutes. I took my bath and sipped some coffee. I slept off sitting down, making efforts to "sit straight".
Guess what?
I woke up as "sprightly" as PMB and fit for "another decade"
Where are all those pains? What has fallen in line? I'm not certifying myself 100% but much better without swallowing any pain relievers and I don't intend to. After all, I was raised up in "uka Faith" - we no dey drink medicine and I still have it in me today except it's out of control.
It was so bad last night that I contemplated going for a "body massage" today.
Thank God I didn't!
Hear the Doctor!
"Sometimes they bring people to us already crippled from body massage. With such pains, some go for massage and have people walk on them 'with their knees' and finally crippling them for life".
The Doctor continued!
Some cases may even require surgery but the major preventive measures are:
*Anytime you sit down, sit-in such that your bom-bom must be touching the back of the seat. Mostly use seats with back rests so you can rest your back and reduce the pressure on the spinal chord - sitting straight.
*Health first! Even if you work in hotels dressing rooms, don't bend forward to do that. It puts pressure on your spines. What you can do "bending", you can also do "squatting" around the bed - squat not bend.
*Don't sit for too long. Occasionally stand up.
*Dont be ashamed. See your Doctor, an orthopedic. You may actually need a surgery.
No matter how you hate someone, don't wish him back pain. It's an evil wish.
I remain Sam
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