Observe the pain carefully to see if there is more than just…
ordinary neck soreness?
Khun Wiyada shared that at first, she had stiffness and soreness around the shoulders and neck, so she decided to undergo physical therapy with traditional Thai massage. However, the pain did not go away and gradually worsened. She kept monitoring her symptoms and eventually noticed a suspicious symptom one morning after waking up. When she bent her neck to stretch and twist the muscles as she usually did every day, she felt a sharp tingling sensation down to the tip of her left little finger, like an electric shock. The same happened when she lifted her neck up. She then decided to see a doctor for a thorough examination. After undergoing an MRI scan, it was found that her symptoms were caused by a herniated cervical disc pressing on the nerve at the 5th-6th vertebrae.
“At first, the initial X-ray showed cervical spine degeneration.
The doctor in Surat Thani province recommended that I undergo physical therapy again.
But after about a week, there was no improvement, so I decided to have an MRI.
The MRI revealed a herniated cervical disc pressing on the nerve at the 5th-6th vertebrae.
When I consulted with the provincial doctor, he recommended surgery.
At that time, I didn’t know what to do or what was involved.”
Researched until confident that
treatment must be at…
Phyathai 3 Hospital
After learning that surgery was necessary, at the same time, Khun Wiyada contracted COVID-19 and returned to quarantine in Bangkok. This gave her time to research and make a decision about treating her degenerative cervical disc disease. She searched for information about cervical disc surgery on Google and found data from many hospitals. Ultimately, she chose to receive treatment from Dr. Teerachai Phanitpong at Phyathai 3 Hospital.
“I searched on Google and found a lot of information,
but I was drawn to Dr. Teerachai at Phyathai 3 Hospital,
who is a specialist surgeon
in spine and nervous system directly.
So I decided to consult and receive treatment from him.”
The doctor gave good advice
Happy after surgery
No pain at all
After deciding to receive treatment from Dr. Teerachai, Khun Wiyada shared her impression that the doctor gave very good advice. He clearly explained the surgical options, how the surgery would be performed, the types of artificial discs available, their properties, and advantages. He also explained possible complications. Although she initially felt worried, the doctor’s advice gave her more confidence. After the surgery, she was not disappointed because she experienced no pain at all.
“Before surgery, I had read a lot, so I was quite worried about the pain at first,
but the doctor explained everything clearly and answered all my questions, which eased my worries.
After the surgery, I was even more impressed because I didn’t feel any pain, and the wound was quite small.
Until today, I have no pain, just some internal stiffness on the first day only.
I feel very comfortable and happy after the surgery.”
Impressive service
Helps increase confidence
in treatment
At first, when she learned that she had degenerative cervical disc disease and needed surgery, Khun Wiyada was quite worried. But since she had tried all other treatments without improvement, she thought surgery was necessary. When she received consultation at Phyathai 3 Hospital, both the doctor’s advice and the service from all staff made her more confident, relieved her worries, and ultimately led to successful treatment.
“All the staff in every department, from the registration room
to the surgical department, gave good advice.
Everyone was kind and very friendly,
including the staff in the ward.
Everyone took very good care of me, and the food was delicious too.”
Degenerative cervical disc disease is caused by work habits and lifestyle. If we do not change our behavior, such as sitting for long periods without changing posture, working at a computer with poor ergonomics, not exercising, and not stretching, the risk of developing this disease increases.
Moreover, regularly observing any abnormal symptoms in your body is very important. If suspicious symptoms are detected early and you see a doctor promptly, there is a higher chance of quick recovery and preventing the condition from worsening, as Khun Wiyada experienced. She was treated successfully and was able to return to work and live normally without pain.
“If you start to have any abnormal symptoms, you should get checked immediately,
because I noticed my symptoms early,
so it only took two months from pain onset to complete treatment.
I want everyone to observe their symptoms carefully.
If you feel tingling in your fingertips when bending or lifting your neck, or if you have pain,
go see a doctor immediately and get an MRI for the clearest diagnosis,
so you can receive treatment and recover quickly.”
From the heart of a service user
For more information, please contact
Neurosurgery Clinic
Brain and Nervous System Center
Phyathai 3 Hospital, 2nd Floor
Tel. 02-467-1111 ext. 3262, 3263
Call center 1772
