24/06/2025
Why I choose Physical therapy as a career! 😒😊
Back In 2012, when I was a FSC student, something unexpected happened to my health. I started having a severe low back pain, it didn't seem serious at start, but that slowly radiating to my left leg and worsening within a few weeks. I tried many medications that prescribed by local doctors, but pain wasn't getting better, and after an MRI advised by orthopedic surgeon, it turned out to be a big problem- L4-L5 disc prolapse. First time I heard the word sciatica and it worse my college years difficult. 🤕
After that, I went through a lot of visits to orthopedic surgeons, Neurosurgeons, Even consulted every famous doctor in lahore, islamabad, Peshawar, multan and travelled to others cities whenever I heard about doctor treats sciatica, tried different medicines and even epidural steroid injection, I visited quacks as well, But despite all that effort, I couldn't find relief. I was experiencing severe and continues pain, and it wasn't improving.
As a whole year passed, all the doctors recommended that surgery was the only option to get rid of the pain. My family and friends were also in favor of surgeon knife. The thought of surgery scared me a lot, I even had a phobia of the word surgery, I disliked those who recommended it. At that time, I feared I might become paralyzed, which is why I didn't want to undergo surgery. Unfortunately, None of the doctors whom I consulted took the time to explain my condition, educate, encourage me or talk about other conservative management.
It's 2014, Me and sciatic pain still living together. I was still dealing with severe pain while trying to go to college. I didn't want surgery, so I consulted another orthopedic surgeon at famous trust hospital in Lahore. Luckily, this young doctor was kind and understanding (Mane onko saaf keh dia mane surgery nahi krwani chahe koch bhi ho jaye) He smiled and said, You're a Pathan, and Pathans aren't afraid of small things like surgery. I told him that I was even afraid of the word surgery. He prescribed medicine and referred me to consult an exercise doctor (He mean physiotherapist) in our physiotherapy department, room number 13 or 23 (exactly yaad nahi hai) and i met a physiotherapist. Even though he didn't do proper assessment, he stretch my muscles and perform few exercises he gave me a list of 18 exercises to do. It seemed like a lot, but it gave me hope. (I recommend maximum of 5-6 exercises for HEP). BTW, He explained and told me I didn't to have surgery, At first, I wasn't sure, but I started doing the exercises, and the pain started gradually going away in 6-8 weeks. I haven't visited the physiotherapist again, nor has the physiotherapist told me to come for regular sessions. When I returned home, there was no physiotherapist in our area but continue my home exercises plan.
By 2015, I was pain free ALHAMDULILLAH 😍 Returned back to playing sports. Feeling changed by this experience, I decided to learn more about physical therapy. In October 2015, I joined a program Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT). I wanted to help others without unnecessary surgeries and medications.
Looking back at that tough time, I remember a Famous Neurosurgeon somewhere in a city where I'm practicing now, said me "Surgery is your only option" a scary decision between the operating table and a life of pain. But today, I'm not only pain free without this f**"k Laminectomy, but I'm also helping others with sciatica, Have treated many patients that surgery was recommended by same surgeon mentioned above. Now, whenever a patient with sciatica consults me, I can feel their pain because I lived with it for a few years.
A big shoutout to all the physiotherapists out there who not only treat and helping people in recovery but also provide hope, motivation, encouragement, and aid in their return to beloved activities.
Dr. Naqeeb Khan PT, DPT, MSPT