Consult Ratchatapak Raksintham, MD (Dr. Art), an orthopaedic spine surgeon in Hua Hin, Thailand, about back pain, neck pain and spinal conditions. Treatment is individualized following a clinical assessment.
Comprehensive assessment and individualized care for a range of spinal conditions. Treatment decisions depend on symptoms, examination, investigations, and each patient's goals.
A herniated disc occurs when its soft center pushes through the outer layer, potentially irritating nearby nerves. Symptoms may include back or neck pain, pain radiating into an arm or leg, numbness, or weakness.
Most people improve without surgery through activity adjustments, physical therapy, and medication.
Seek urgent care for loss of bladder or bowel control, groin numbness, or severe or worsening weakness.
Spinal stenosis is narrowing within the spine that can press on nerves, usually in the lower back or neck. Symptoms may include pain, numbness, weakness, or difficulty walking.
Symptoms can often be managed with physical therapy, activity adjustments, and medication. Severe cases may require surgery.
Seek urgent care for loss of bladder or bowel control, groin numbness, or severe or worsening weakness. New walking or balance problems require prompt medical assessment.
Spinal deformity is an abnormal curvature or alignment of the spine, such as scoliosis or excessive rounding. It may cause uneven shoulders or hips, back pain, muscle fatigue, or difficulty walking.
Treatment may include monitoring, physical therapy, pain management, or bracing in growing children. Severe or progressive cases may require surgery.
Seek urgent care for new loss of bladder or bowel control or rapidly worsening weakness.
Treatment is individualized based on symptoms, examination, imaging findings when needed, and shared decision-making. Many spinal conditions can be managed without surgery.
Medication and physiotherapy are often the first steps in treating back and neck pain without surgery. An individualized plan may include:
An epidural steroid injection delivers anti-inflammatory medication near irritated spinal nerves to help relieve radiating arm or leg pain when conservative treatment has not provided enough relief.
Usually performed with imaging guidance, it may ease symptoms and support rehabilitation. Relief varies and may be temporary; the injection does not repair discs or reverse spinal narrowing.
Surgery may be considered for disabling symptoms despite non-surgical care, significant nerve compression, progressive weakness, or spinal deformity.
Options depend on the condition and may include:
Benefits, risks, and recovery vary. Your specialist will discuss suitable options, alternatives, and risks, including infection, bleeding, nerve injury, and persistent symptoms.
Contact Dr. Art by email or LINE to arrange an appointment. Consultations can be requested at Hua Hin Hospital, San Paolo Hospital, Bangkok Hospital Hua Hin or Bangkok Hospital Phetchaburi. Please confirm the hospital, date and time in advance.
Contact Dr. Art Doctor profileThis page provides general patient education and does not replace a medical assessment.