mother in law was told she has a herniated disc. is surgery really needed? if so, it is my understanding that a neurosurgeon is best....appreciate any advice...thank you< in process of finding out more details...it is lumbar and not clavical.....

I would have thought Chaiyaphum is a pretty remote location for a neurosurgeon. Probably Bangkok or Khon Kaen. Possibly Sheryl can help you on the necessity for surgery.

hi..i wonder the same thing......can mother in law go to any government hospital and get free care ? i have contacts with doctors in bkk but not in chaiyaphum or khon kaen...but i dont know if free care will be offered outside of her home in chiayaphum.....thank you for answering...greatly appreciated

She has to start at the hospital where she is registered under the 30 baht scheme and get a letter from them referring her to a facility with necessary specialist (assuming they do not have one). That way it is free. If she goes somewhere else on her own without referral letter she has to pay full cost.

 

Herniated discs do not always (or even usually) require surgery unless there is cord compression. Usual initial treatment is medications plus physical therapy.

 

In addition the fact that there is back pain and a herniated disc(s) does not necessarily mean the pain is due to the disc herniation. Many asymptomatic people have herniations.

 

If surgery is indicated it may be done by either an orthopedic surgeon or a neurosurgeon. My personal bias is for orthopedic surgeons specializing in spine.

 

 

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sheryl.....thank you so much for your advice....the time you give to the members of this forum and your advice is most valuable....again, thank you