I'm taking a week off training to give the bits and parts that regenerate slowly the time they need. My last bench press session has given me elbow joints which make themselves felt several times during the day.

Also, last night, I took T-Nation's advice and had a good nice look at my fabulous back musculature by taking a mirror to look at a mirror reflecting my back (2 mirrors). And what I found beside a sinewy and much improved back was a dark red spot on my spine at precisely the location where I've had constant back pain for the last 2 months. I've been worrying about it the whole day and have decided to have trained eyes look at it. Gleneagles Hospital at Jln Ampang is one of my company's panel hospitals, so I'm thinking of going there on Friday. How do I go about it? Do I make an appointment over the phone to see a chiropractor or what? Or do I have to go to the outpatient section first? I've never done this before. Please advise.

---

Added on July 14, 2009, 8:16 pmThe other panel hospital is Tawakkal near Bulatan Pahang.

This post has been edited by kotmj: Jul 14 2009, 08:16 PM

I would go see an out patient and have them refer you to a bone specialist.
Probably do an X ray too.

When everything is diagnosed, then I might go see the chiropractor.

Thanks. I'll try to see if I can avoid the outpatient section by calling them first. Maybe call a few numbers. It's always very full, the outpatient section.

You can go to a General Practitioner ("GP") first and get their recommendation.

Usually if the GP thinks that it is severe enough to warrant a X-ray they will recommend you to do one and subsequently may or may not ask you to consult a specialist.

You can always opt for a or several 2nd opinions or if you feel that you disagree with the 1st GP.

I called them just now. It's possible to make an appointment directly with a certain Dr. Shu, Orthopaedic Specialist, except that he isn't in his office. Don't docs have cordless phones or something?

---

Added on July 15, 2009, 2:03 pmI've an appointment with him tomorrow.

This post has been edited by kotmj: Jul 15 2009, 02:03 PM

Dark red spot? O_o

Sounds scary, hope its not anything serious though, X-ray is a must.

Bro, if dark red spot means got inflammation di, shouldn't wait till Friday man.

U could try the chiro but i think ur better off making an appointment with an orthopaedist. Contact hospital, say u got back pain & want to see a specialist, and register for an appointment, they can sort out ur consultation and X-ray at the same time/location.

That's essentially what I did. Wished your comment came earlier. Orthopaedic surgeon tomorrow. I said over the phone I injured my spine in the gym. The nurse asked if any one of my legs feel numb! Thankfully not!

---

Added on July 16, 2009, 3:34 pmHe made me do the whole set of ROM stuff in all degrees of freedom. Walked around his office, squatted, bent side-to-side, touch my toes, bent backwards, endured his karate chops across my spine, etc. Turns out it's nothing. "You may continue squatting. Do it the right way by getting a personal trainer."

This post has been edited by kotmj: Jul 16 2009, 03:34 PM