#self-diagnose

Then she makes a post saying you can't self-diagnose yourself....

Even starts it with "I know I'm gonna get shit for this but-"

And I commented politely explaining reasons why someone isn't able to get a diagnosis, and their experiences are still valid regardless of whether they have a piece of paper signed by another person or not.

She replied, "I disagree," then deleted my comment.

I said that since she doesn't consider my autism as valid then we shouldn't be friends. And that being new to the community, she's going to come across a lot of self-dxers who have probably had trouble convincing loved ones they experience something, then imagine after that hearing another autistic dismissing you?

She said I'm not going to argue and if her post upset me I should get off her page, then she blocked me.

I know she's ignorant but it really upset me, because I don't have a diagnosis for a number of reasons, but I am 100% sure I'm autistic. I've done the research, I've taken the tests online, I KNOW my own mind more than an NT doctor does.

Introduction

The human spine is a remarkable structure that provides support, stability, and flexibility to our bodies. However, due to various factors such as age, lifestyle choices, injuries, and medical conditions, spine problems can occur, leading to pain, discomfort, and reduced quality of life. While self-diagnosing spine problems can be a useful initial step, it is crucial to seek professional medical advice for accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment. This article aims to shed light on self-diagnosis of spine problems and highlight the best spine surgeon in Bangalore for individuals seeking advanced care and treatment options.

Understanding Self-Diagnosing Spine Problems

Self-diagnosing spine problems involves individuals attempting to identify and understand the potential cause and nature of their back or neck pain. The widespread availability of medical information online and self-assessment tools has empowered people to gather preliminary knowledge about their symptoms. However, it is important to remember that self-diagnosis has limitations and should not replace professional medical evaluation.

Benefits and Limitations of Self-Diagnosis

Self-diagnosis can serve as an initial step to gather information and evaluate possible causes of spine problems. It allows individuals to become more aware of their symptoms and provides a basis for informed discussions with healthcare professionals. However, self-diagnosis has inherent limitations, including the risk of misinterpretation, lack of medical expertise, and potential for anxiety or unnecessary worry. It is essential to approach self-diagnosis with caution and view it as a starting point rather than a definitive diagnosis.

Common Spine Problems and Symptoms

Spine problems can manifest in various ways, each with its own set of symptoms. Some of the most common spine problems include:

Herniated Disc: This condition occurs when the soft cushion-like discs between the vertebrae rupture or bulge, causing pressure on nearby nerves. Symptoms may include localized or radiating pain, numbness, tingling, and muscle weakness.

Spinal Stenosis: Characterized by the narrowing of the spinal canal, spinal stenosis can lead to compression of the spinal cord and nerves. Symptoms often include pain, numbness, weakness, and difficulty walking or maintaining balance.

Scoliosis: Scoliosis refers to an abnormal sideways curvature of the spine. It can cause pain, uneven shoulders or hips, and an asymmetrical appearance of the spine.

Degenerative Disc Disease: As we age, the discs between the vertebrae can undergo wear and tear, leading to degeneration. This can cause chronic pain, stiffness, and reduced flexibility.

Spinal Fractures: Fractures in the spine can result from trauma or osteoporosis. Symptoms may include severe pain, limited mobility, and changes in posture.

The Importance of Consulting a Spine Surgeon

While self-diagnosis can provide a general understanding of spine problems, it is crucial to consult a qualified spine surgeon for accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment options. Spine surgeons are highly specialized medical professionals with expertise in the diagnosis and surgical management of spine conditions. They possess the knowledge, skills, and access to advanced diagnostic tools necessary to evaluate spine problems comprehensively.

Choosing the Best Spine Surgeon in Bangalore

Bangalore, known as the "Silicon Valley of India," boasts a robust healthcare infrastructure with numerous well-equipped hospitals and experienced spine surgeons. When seeking the best spine surgeon in Bangalore, several factors should be considered:

Expertise and Experience: Look for a spine surgeon with extensive experience in treating various spine conditions. Consider their qualifications, training, and specialization in specific areas such as spinal deformity correction, minimally invasive surgery, or complex spine reconstruction.

Reputation and Track Record: Research the surgeon's reputation and track record. Read patient testimonials, seek recommendations from trusted sources, and inquire about their success rates, complication rates, and patient satisfaction levels.

Hospital Infrastructure: Assess the hospital where the surgeon practices. Ensure that the hospital is well-equipped with advanced diagnostic technology, surgical facilities, and a multidisciplinary team to provide comprehensive care.

Collaborative Approach: A good spine surgeon should adopt a patient-centric approach, involving the patient in the decision-making process and considering non-surgical alternatives before recommending surgery.

Continued Education and Research: A progressive and up-to-date spine surgeon will actively participate in research, attend conferences, and contribute to medical advancements in their field.

One of the Best Spine Surgeons in Bangalore: Dr. Yogesh Pithwa

Among the highly regarded spine surgeons in Bangalore, Dr. Yogesh Pithwa stands out for his exceptional expertise and patient-centric approach. Dr. Pithwa is a renowned spine specialist with years of experience in diagnosing and treating various spine conditions. He holds an impressive academic background, having pursued advanced training in spine surgery from reputed institutions in India.

Dr. Pithwa is known for her compassionate and personalized care, taking the time to thoroughly evaluate each patient's condition and develop tailored treatment plans. He is well-versed in the latest advancements in minimally invasive techniques, complex spine reconstructions, and spinal deformity correction. Dr. Yogesh Pithwa is associated with prestigious hospitals in Bangalore, which provide state-of-the-art facilities and a multidisciplinary team for comprehensive spine care.

Conclusion

In an age where information is readily available for us to absorb, therapists often find themselves sitting in a room with a new client who is attached to their own self-diagnosis. More often than not, clients will google search their symptoms because they are tired of not knowing why they feel or behave the way they do. They want answers, and rightfully so. Having the language to articulate what is happening within our emotional bodies is a critical piece to working through many of our personal problems.

As a therapist, I view self-diagnoses as a result of the collective feeling misguided and uniformed about mental health and wellness. It is the result of how our social and cultural worlds have created messages on what health and wellness should and should not look like. These messages typically form in an “us” versus “them” dialogue. For example, the image of someone doing yoga is more likely to be associated with positive mental health than the image of someone going out for drinks on a Wednesday night. But who’s to say the person doing yoga isn’t experiencing mental health issues and the person going out for drinks isn’t flourishing? There’s more than meets the eye and one doesn’t always mean the other. Experiences are unique and symptoms should never be generalized.

So, what are the main things to watch out for when looking up the symptoms you are experiencing?

1. Education Versus Attachment

I will always support my clients’ interest in researching their symptoms and experiences. Psychoeducation is a large chunk of the therapeutic experience. As I mentioned earlier, language plays a large role in the healing process. It can help us identify what we feel, why we feel it, how it affects us, and what to do when the feelings arise. Research can include reading books or watching videos that share stories similar to our own. They can help alleviate feelings of loneliness and expose us to individuals and groups that are going through what we’re going through. There is nothing inherently wrong with wanting to better understand who were are, how we are, and why we are.

The issue begins when we start to label ourselves without seeking professional guidance. Attaching to self-diagnoses can inhibit the type of support we receive. Symptoms can and do overlap between diagnoses. Luckily mental health professionals are trained in how to discern one from the other. However, without the proper assessment, a misdiagnosis can lead to improper treatment. That’s why it is important for individuals seeking therapy to find a therapist that they feel safe with, and are confident in the therapists ability to thoroughly assess their needs.

2. Knowing When to Ask for Help and Where to Go.

Self-diagnoses can inspire individuals to solve mental health problems on their own. Of course, we as therapist want our clients to feel empowered and in control of their lives. We know there is an abundance of self-help resources that can transform an individual’s life without ever stepping into a therapist’s office. What I encourage individuals to pay close attention to is the severity and frequency of their symptoms. Whether it be for suicidal ideation or intent, or determining whether to be medication, it’s important that individuals know when to ask for help and where to go. In many ways, therapists are also a community resource. Even if you’re not in therapy, reach out to your local mental health providers to learn more about the types of support systems in your area.

3. Your Diagnosis Doesn’t Define You

Before you decide to self-diagnose, please know that it does not define you. Stigma surrounding mental illness can lead individuals to believing they are their illness – that if they are experiencing depression that means they are a depressed person. But this line of thought is both limiting and disempowering. Who you are is separate from your mental illness. Many therapist like myself, strive to guide clients towards sitting in the seat of the observer – noticing and observing when and how their mental illness shows up without attaching to it. The goal would be to help our clients create a space for healing, where they can be experiencing a mental illness and still thrive in life. Many books and educational videos promote this as well. Yet, without the proper guidance towards these modes of learning self-diagnoses can easily lead to negative or limiting perceptions of self.

"Mental illness isn't an excuse. Just deal with the trauma and function like a normal person."

Said by... The same person.

I started with the turmeric and gave it four weeks. Two weeks and I didn’t notice much. But by the fourth week I felt ... lighter. No, I hadn’t lost weight; I just didn’t feel like I was dragging around extra pounds, barely able to lift my feet to go up steps.  And I wasn’t as medicated sleepy anymore. Sure, I get tired and I get those 3 pm nap attacks, but they were normal, not so overwhelming. 

But the biggest change has been my mood. I’m happier, and I rarely use that term.  Shit happens and I get upset but it’s much easier to slough it off and go on about my day.  I get down, but it’s not as deep. And when I am up, it’s not a medicated high.  I’m getting more done, starting projects, writing to beat the band. Making plans, decorating, thinking about next week and the one after it.