Korean Job Discussion Forums

steelhead · Posted: Sun Nov 20, 2005 6:02 pm Post subject: My BACK is Killing me

So,

About 3 months ago, I hurt my back some how. Nothing momentus, just one day it hurt a bit and a week later I was immobile. It subsided, I knew it was there, but wasnt really preventing me from doing anything. These days, its on and off. Today I woke up and could hardly move. Its a scary feeling. Ive always been very athletic, played sports my whole life. Right now I feel partially handicapped. Where once I used to be able to put my hands flat on the floor in front of me, I only dream of being able to touch my toes.

I went to a physio here. He said it was a herniated disc, I asked a chiro friend back home, he gave me some definative tests, and I passed so that wasnt it. I was going for the therapy, the ultrasound, heat, etc, but one day I got put into this traction thing, and it seriously DEKCUF my back up.... I almost couldnt get up off the machine. That was the last time I went there............

Im considering going to a chiro. Its pricy but Im gettin desperate.

Suggestions?

Kimchieluver · Joined: 02 Mar 2005

Demorral (sp?). Lots and lots of demorral.

Swiss James · Joined: 26 Nov 2003 Location: Shanghai

Sorry to hear that, I was told that there are no licensed chiropractors in Korea, that it was "illegal"?

Qinella · Joined: 25 Feb 2005 Location: the crib

Have you had X-rays taken yet?

That would be step one. Don't waste money on a chiropractor. Instead, find a physical therapist.

Sorry to hear about your ailment. Crying or Very sad

Get x-rays, figure out what's going on.

Big Mac · Joined: 17 Sep 2005

I have been visiting a chiropractor in the International Clinic building in Itaewon for a few months now.

His name is Philip Yoo. He is Korean, but was born and educated in the United States. Therefore he speaks English as well as you or I.

He's as good as any chiropractor I've been to in Canada. He charges 30,000 Won a visit, which is comparable to Canada.

Here is his website: http://www.backtohealthcenter.topchiro.com/

steelhead · Posted: Sun Nov 20, 2005 7:11 pm Post subject: c

There is a chiro in Itaewon, my buddy went for his neck. They did a a video analysis, with alignment and such.

I had xrays done at the physio. Same pysio that almost killed me inthat wierd traction device. I almost died.

Demonicat · Joined: 18 Nov 2004 Location: Suwon

Its 180 in the different way, but I get debilating back pain (mid back area) occasionally. It started back when I was in the US (and had no health insurance) so I played around with different drugs and stretches, until I finally figured out what it was...Stress. Turns out that some of us bottle up stress so much that it essentially "locks" up our muscles in a spasm. Maybe you need some chill time.

billybrobby · Joined: 09 Dec 2004

i don't know what a 'physio' is, but if you're asking a chiropractor because you don't trust his opinion, he must be a real shady character

moptop · Joined: 05 Jul 2005 Location: Gangwondo

I would suggest going to an Oriental doctor for some accupuncture. When I have back problems, I go to an Oriental hospital in Isu called Kangnam Uerim Oriental Hospital. The number is 02-536-8200.

If you come out of the subway at Isu (blue line) exit one, walk straight for about ten minutes until you get to a passenger overpass, turn right down the road just before this. It's on the left side. They really helped with my back problems that I usually go to a chiro to fix.

I took a Korean friend the first time though they do speak a little bit of english there. Now I just go for treatment by myself. With traditional medicine, muscle therapy (laser and TENS machine), and accupuncture it cost me 24,000 won with my medical card.

You have to be pretty open minded about some of the treatments. I had the cupping done: the doctor lightly pricked my back with a tiny knife so spots of blood appeared. He placed an open ended glass bulb over the cuts and lit the wick sticking out of the end. This creates a vaccuum and the "bad" blood is drawn from the affected areas. I don't know if I believe this, but the fricking thing worked. My pain is almost gone. I only have to go back a few more times, and the cost is less than the initial visit. They have helped me with knee problems too.

I would definately reccommend this place to others...

Demonicat · Joined: 18 Nov 2004 Location: Suwon

hey mopper, you didn;t happen to see how much it was without the card did you?

moptop · Joined: 05 Jul 2005 Location: Gangwondo

Nope, sorry!

But I know medical covers 70%. On my initial visit, I also saw a western doctor at the same hospital, who speaks decent english, but I didn't think the visit was necessary. If you cut that out it would probably cost less. Maybe have a korean friend call the hospital for some quotes?

Hollywoodaction · Joined: 02 Jul 2004

Hollywoodaction · Joined: 02 Jul 2004

Kenny Kimchee · Joined: 12 May 2003

You can always try these:

http://www.menshealth.com/cda/article.do?site=MensHealth&channel=health&category=back.pain&conitem=d6f999edbbbd201099edbbbd2010cfe793cd____

moptop · Joined: 05 Jul 2005 Location: Gangwondo

Hollywood,

If you read the OP they said that it probably ISN'T a herniated disc. I also don't consider accupuncture faith healing. I believe there have been medical studies proving the effectiveness of accupuncture. If it works don't knock it...if it doesn't then try something else. It's a lot cheaper and less invasive than some other treatments out there. There is also a western doctor at the hospital.