Dear Editor,
Every now and then one comes across something which proves of invaluable help. For me, one such is the article on Spinal Surgery in your Features column of Sunday, November 5th 2006, written by Dr S Kotwal.
I have been experiencing, for the past 18 months at least, severe stiffness and pains in my lower back, right hip and leg, so I found Dr. Kotwal’s article relevant and therefore of interest. My problem seemed to defy medical diagnosis. My GP prescribed painkillers and a heat rub cream. No improvement. An X-Ray suggested arthritis, which called for sessions of physiotherapy. Ditto. The physiotherapist eventually referred me to a consultant, who said it might be sciatica or a pinched nerve. He mentioned a scan and possible surgery, which would require referral to yet another consultant. He left the decision to me, the alternative being injections.
During a recent Caribbean holiday, on a whim, I decided to douse the lower back and painful hip area under a hot shower for roughly a minute. I did this morning and evening. After 2 days I suddenly felt my hip ‘ungluing’ – akin to the steaming open of an envelope. Every day I continued the shower treatment and by the end of the holiday, the stiffness and much of the pain had disappeared. On my return to London, I let my GP know of this accidental and miraculous relief in my condition, which appeared to have puzzled so many medical people for so many months.
I re-read Dr Kotwal’s article, which I had saved on my computer, and I gained an insight into what could be happening to me. On my next (hospital) appointment I will certainly let the consultant know of the relief from stiffness by using the ‘hot water treatment’. My thanks to all concerned.
A Prosperous New Year to your readers.
Yours faithfully,
Geralda Dennison
