Lifting heavy objects frequently for over 30 years resulted in back pain, numbness, and radiating pain down the leg, making it impossible to walk long distances. Enduring the pain for a long time, he delayed surgery, but eventually, his body sent warning signals, leading to spinal screw fixation surgery due to a slipped disc compressing the nerve. Who would have known the outcome would exceed expectations? Just one day after surgery, he was able to walk well. The pain, numbness, and even weakness disappeared.
Kunsomphat Chaloeisilp, 55 years old, a private business owner, shared his health problems he faced about 3 years ago. He began experiencing back pain, leg pain, and leg numbness. He sought treatment at a nearby clinic, took medication sometimes, and occasionally received injections. Initially, the symptoms improved, but over time, the medication only relieved pain for a few hours, requiring more frequent doses. He then switched to physical therapy, but the symptoms did not improve.
Later, the symptoms worsened, and he felt that if it got any worse, he might not be able to walk. This was the turning point that made him decide to seek treatment from a specialist through surgery. The reason he knew surgery was necessary was because the doctor he had seen explained the various treatment methods for slipped discs compressing nerves and also explained that the cause of the condition was due to lifting heavy objects for a long time, from his youth until the age of 52.
After deciding, his wife searched the internet and found information about spine specialists from several hospitals. However, due to various factors, they chose to call Phyathai 3 Hospital. They felt even more confident because just from the initial phone inquiry, the nurse provided clear and comprehensive information. They then scheduled an appointment with the doctor and requested to stay at the hospital for treatment since they lived in a different province and traveling back and forth was inconvenient.
When they arrived, it was past the consultation hours, but the nursing team took good care of him, preparing him for a thorough physical examination along with an MRI scan. The next day, he met Dr. Teerachai Phanitpong, a neurosurgeon and spine specialist at Phyathai 3 Hospital. The doctor was very kind, provided detailed and easy-to-understand information about the surgery, and gave them the opportunity to decide on the method of surgery.
Kunsomphat added, after my wife and I received complete information from the doctor, we agreed to proceed with the surgery immediately. We chose the doctor to perform spinal screw fixation surgery for the slipped disc compressing the nerve using a minimally invasive technique. The surgery involved making a small incision along the midline of the spine in an area without muscle, working through the use of X-ray imaging.
Due to several factors, I underwent surgery the next day. My spinal screw fixation surgery had to be done at two levels because one level had a slipped disc compressing the nerve, while the other level was already degenerating and not strong enough to hold the screws. The surgery was successful, and just one day after surgery, the doctor allowed me to get up and walk, with close care from the staff. That was a very good moment because I immediately felt that the back pain, leg pain, numbness in the buttocks, and radiating pain down the leg all disappeared. Importantly, there was no pain at the surgical site, which made my wife and me feel very satisfied with our decision.
Kunsomphat concluded, I am one of those who have experienced the feeling of “I wish I had surgery much earlier.” I want to share this with those who are deciding whether to have surgery for a slipped disc compressing the nerve. I will say, go ahead and have the surgery, but make sure it is done by a spine specialist. It is even better if the method reduces pain because it allows for a good recovery without pain from the wound and enables you to return to daily life happily and pain-free again.
