Can herbal potions treat my backache better than drugs?

Dr Flo, I am 25 years old. For three years now I have had persistent backache. I don’t remember having had an accident that I could blame for this.

I recently asked my parents about it and they said it is hereditary. They told me to use herbal medicine instead of seeing a doctor. I started taking

herbal medicine as recommended by my parents, but there has been no improvement. I can’t sit or stand for long because of pain which seems to be

affecting my spinal cord. The pain has also spread from my lower back, all the way up to my neck. Should I continue to wait for the herbal medicine

to work? I’m conflicted about going against my parents’ advice, but I need to see a doctor for further treatment to end my suffering. Kindly help. RB

Dear RB,

It would be good to find out why your parents prefer herbal medication to seeing a doctor. It may be due to religious beliefs or due to past experiences. Tell them about your frustration with herbal medication since it is not working for you.

The lower back supports the upper body, and helps with movements of the lower body. Because it gets a lot of mechanical stress and strain, it can easily get injured. In fact, up to 80 per cent of adults suffer from lower back pain at one point or the other. The pain can range from mild to very severe, making it difficult to move. It can also last a short time or many months or years.

The back is made up of bones, joints, ligaments, muscles, inter-vertebral discs, nerves and the spinal cord. If any of these are injured in any way, you can get lower back pain. You can also develop back pain due to skin problems (e.g. herpes zoster) or problems with the internal organs protected by the back e.g. the urinary tract, the internal reproductive organs and the digestive tract.

It can be mechanical pain, that is, pain in the muscles, joints or ligaments that is triggered by movement, physical activity, poor posture or loading. It can also be radicular pain, which is the pain that develops when a nerve is compressed or inflamed, causing pain in the back and/or also in the thighs and legs. The pain may also be due to problems with the discs, arthritis, or from infections and even tumours.

Since the pain you have is chronic (has lasted over six months), it would be advisable for you to visit a doctor so that you can have a thorough examination, including having an X-ray or MRI scan of the spine done, so that you can know the exact cause of the pain. You can use medication to reduce the pain and inflammation.

 You would also benefit from using warm compresses, massage and physiotherapy. Avoid working while bending or lifting heavy things. A lumbar support may also help. Also maintain good posture at all times.

Dr Flo, I have been using the three-month injection for family planning. I was due for an injection last December, but I didn’t go for the clinic. I haven’t had my monthly period since then. When I’m on family planning I don’t get periods, so I thought since I didn’t get the injection, my periods would resume. My last period was in September before I got my first injection. I’m worried that I might be pregnant, yet I haven’t had intercourse for the last five months since my husband is out of the country. Please help! Stella

Dear Stella,

The most widely available injectable family planning drug contains the hormone progestin, which works by preventing ovulation, thinning the uterus lining and by thickening the cervical mucus. It is highly effective and long-acting.

A common side effect of using this method is menstrual changes including heavy bleeding, light bleeding or lack of periods.

From the last injection, it takes an average of 10 months before the return of fertility. This means it can take several months before periods are back to normal, ovulation occurs normally again, and the cervical mucus and the lining of the uterus go back to normal. This differs from person to person, and may also depend on how long someone used the injection.

Dr Flo, I have a problem with the size of my penis – it is too big. Every time I have sex with a woman, she dumps me shortly after that. Is there a way to reduce the size of my organ or can I get a woman who is compatible with a well-endowed man? I have been trying to get such a woman through trial and error for eight years without success. Please help. James

Dear James,

The average penis size is seven to 10 cm in length and nine to 10 cm in circumference when flaccid, and 12 to 16 cm in length and 12 cm in circumference when erect.

A few people fall above or below this, though in most cases, this does not affect function.

Rarely, some people may have overly large penises due to some diseases like sickle cell disease or priapism.

You should consult an urologist, and rarely, if necessary, surgery can be done to reduce the size, but there are risks of scar formation and change in sensation.

 Instead, focus on technique to make intercourse pleasurable for your partner. With adequate foreplay, muscle relaxation, lubrication and proper communication, you will have found the right person for you. You can also use additional lubrication from lubricants such as KY Jelly.

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