Spinal Disc Rehabilitation Centre

[bkkrox]

I have two herniated discs in my lower back and have received physical therapy/pain drugs from Bumrungrad for over a year with little to no relief. Any relief I have had from the pain has been very short-lived.

I noticed an ad running in Bangkok Post for SDRC (disc-rehab.com) that boasts a very high success rate with treatment that is non-surgical and pain and drug-free.

Has anyone been treated there or heard of anyone being treated there. Obviously I would consider this option before surgery and so am interested in any experience someone may have had with them.

[lopburi3]

I find no medical facts or qualifications listed on the website; and suspect there are legal reasons for that.

[Tammi]

There's a spine center at Bangkok Nuring Home Hospital. www.bnhhospital.com. Gives itself a good write up.

"BNH Spine Centre

The BNH SPINE CENTRE is the first comprehensive spine treatment centre in Thailand with a highly qualified team of physicians who specialize in spine treatment. It offers the highest standards of medical care, and its team of specialists is acknowledged for their expertise in the diagnosis and treatment of spine conditions, including using state-of-the-art technology for effective treatment of spinal ailments."

You might like to give it a whirl. If you do I would be interested in feedback.

[onethailand]

I have two herniated discs in my lower back and have received physical therapy/pain drugs from Bumrungrad for over a year with little to no relief. Any relief I have had from the pain has been very short-lived.

I noticed an ad running in Bangkok Post for SDRC (disc-rehab.com) that boasts a very high success rate with treatment that is non-surgical and pain and drug-free.

Has anyone been treated there or heard of anyone being treated there. Obviously I would consider this option before surgery and so am interested in any experience someone may have had with them.

I will vouch for SDRC - the equipment is very good. I personally only tried it once myself but I felt good for many days. Normally, however, you will need to book a package which will be a number of sessions over a month or two.

It is definitely a good option to surgery - the doctor will make sure that you can be treated this way first. And naturally it's much less expensive than surgical treatment.

[onomataho]

~~~

If you have not already, you might try to meet with Dr. Nanthedej Hiranyasthiti at Bumrungrad. I consulted with him this past summer regarding my spine problems. I found him to be an excellent physician. Where another BKK doctor (at BNH) had recommended surgery for my condition (herniated lumbar discs), Dr. Nanthedej suggested that I take a "wait and see approach," go easy on the meds, and to resume my normal activity level once I felt better.

I've had three previous back surgeries so I am no stranger to this topic.

I was very impressed with Dr. Nanthedej. He was a voice of reason during a difficult period. Sure enough with more healing time I am feeling much better. I would highly recommend seeking his advice.

~~~

[Captain Chaos]

There's a spine center at Bangkok Nuring Home Hospital. www.bnhhospital.com. Gives itself a good write up.

"BNH Spine Centre

The BNH SPINE CENTRE is the first comprehensive spine treatment centre in Thailand with a highly qualified team of physicians who specialize in spine treatment. It offers the highest standards of medical care, and its team of specialists is acknowledged for their expertise in the diagnosis and treatment of spine conditions, including using state-of-the-art technology for effective treatment of spinal ailments."

You might like to give it a whirl. If you do I would be interested in feedback.

I had surgery at BNH Spinal Centre in August 2005. PM me if you want to discuss. First class in my opinion and has been a complete success to date ... but ... I would still always exhaust all credible non-surgical techniques first, so I suggest the OP should check out the SDRC place (about which I know nothing) and if he's comfortable that they know what they're doing, then explore what they have to offer. If not, talk to the BNH folks.

CC

[chiang mai]

I have two herniated discs in my lower back and have received physical therapy/pain drugs from Bumrungrad for over a year with little to no relief. Any relief I have had from the pain has been very short-lived.

I noticed an ad running in Bangkok Post for SDRC (disc-rehab.com) that boasts a very high success rate with treatment that is non-surgical and pain and drug-free.

Has anyone been treated there or heard of anyone being treated there. Obviously I would consider this option before surgery and so am interested in any experience someone may have had with them.

I also have two herniated discs near the base of my spine, S1 & S2 as I recall - I know I have these because I suffered extreme pain for many months and I have seen the MRI which quite clearly shows they are prolapsed. I agreed to a disectomy (sp) and waited in pain for the date of the operation to come around. Three days before the operation a chiropractor friend of mine called me and I told him about my back. His response was to say, whatever you do don't have the op simply because you cannot un operate. He gave me the number of a chiropractor near my home and I walked into his office bent over and in agony. Forty five minutes later I walked out upright and free of pain - some ten sessions later I have never needed to go back to see him (although I do so periodically to check on my posture and alignment) and I have never had a problem with my back ever since - that was seventeen years ago!

I now see a chiropractor where ever I chose to live and am a firm believer. Most recently my chiro in Phuket Town was instrumental in relieving pain as a result of a frozen shoulder.

If you chose not to or can't see a chiro, try the following tips: nose over toes when rising from a sitting position. When rising from a prone position, do so from your side, not from your back. Avoid rotation of the torso. Good luck

[Tammi]

I have two herniated discs in my lower back and have received physical therapy/pain drugs from Bumrungrad for over a year with little to no relief. Any relief I have had from the pain has been very short-lived.

I noticed an ad running in Bangkok Post for SDRC (disc-rehab.com) that boasts a very high success rate with treatment that is non-surgical and pain and drug-free.

Has anyone been treated there or heard of anyone being treated there. Obviously I would consider this option before surgery and so am interested in any experience someone may have had with them.

I also have two herniated discs near the base of my spine, S1 & S2 as I recall - I know I have these because I suffered extreme pain for many months and I have seen the MRI which quite clearly shows they are prolapsed. I agreed to a disectomy (sp) and waited in pain for the date of the operation to come around. Three days before the operation a chiropractor friend of mine called me and I told him about my back. His response was to say, whatever you do don't have the op simply because you cannot un operate. He gave me the number of a chiropractor near my home and I walked into his office bent over and in agony. Forty five minutes later I walked out upright and free of pain - some ten sessions later I have never needed to go back to see him (although I do so periodically to check on my posture and alignment) and I have never had a problem with my back ever since - that was seventeen years ago!

I now see a chiropractor where ever I chose to live and am a firm believer. Most recently my chiro in Phuket Town was instrumental in relieving pain as a result of a frozen shoulder.

If you chose not to or can't see a chiro, try the following tips: nose over toes when rising from a sitting position. When rising from a prone position, do so from your side, not from your back. Avoid rotation of the torso. Good luck

A good chiropracter is worth his weight in gold. 7 years ago I could climb stairs with extreme difficulty and walking on the flat was even a problem. Then there appeared in Pattaya and Jomthien a chiropracter from Alberta, Canada. It took a few sessions but he sorted things out and I've had no problem since. Too bad he went back to Alberta. Are there any good chiros is Thailand besides the one in Phuket who, I've heard, folks like?

[onethailand]

I have had lower back problems for the last 20 plus years. I have been to a number of Chiropractors during this time and the goods ones help, Though it only last from 1 week to a month . Last year I had to go to the U.S. and while there I went to a Chiropractor that I had been to in the past. We started talking about a device he had that was called a spinal decompression machine . He had metioned the machine before but normally I am there for only 1 or 2 days at a time . This time I was going to be there for 2 + weeks so i tryed it and it helped alot . since then I have had 1 adjustment and go for Thai massage once a week or so ( But I dont let them walk on my back anymore) and other than just a little stiffness once an a while it feels pretty good. So If this is in fact the same machine I would say dont give it a second thought. I might add that this machine I used has a table you lay down on after they strap you into a harness around your your waist. There is wire that hooks to the belt once you lay on the tablet. When they turn on the machine the table tilts and the wire becomes tight, Thus putting you in traction. After every couple of minuets the wire slacks for a bit and then resumes. The whole thing takes about 1/2 hour and should be done 30 times or so ( I only did 15 ) anyways thats about all know, Hope its the same machine

It's the same machine.

[Nomad97]

I am not promoting this product, only informing that it is available in Thailand. Amway sell a rotating table that works by body weight alone. You adjust the table for your correct height, strap your legs/feet into the device and by using your arms as a counter-balance the device will rotate and suspend you by your feet. The weight of your body will do the rest and gently extend your spine.

Edited November 13, 2007 by Nomad97

[Tammi]

I am not promoting this product, only informing that it is available in Thailand. Amway sell a rotating table that works by body weight alone. You adjust the table for your correct height, strap your legs/feet into the device and by using your arms as a counter-balance the device will rotate and suspend you by your feet. The weight of your body will do the rest and gently extend your spine.

How about just hanging yourself on a door or doing the door knob trick?

[bkkrox]

Thanks everyone for your replies...I have made an appointment for later on this week and will report back on how it went. I too was worried that the website does not list medical qualifications,will ask loads of questions. BNH Spine Centre will be my next stop as they use minimally invasive surgical technique,although avoiding surgery altogether is my hope.Thanks again.

Edited November 14, 2007 by bkkrox

[sleepyjohn]

In the interest of balance I am going to bang on about causal relationships.

I hear a lot about good results experienced by some treatments.

It is not a forgone conclusion that because you underwent some "treatment" the treatment and any benefit are linked and I think it's worth remembering.

After extrememly serious lower back problems....even the beginnings of impotance and permanent loss of use of the right calf muscle and several patches of numbness, I was offered a laminectomy. I decided against it.

I have had no treatment at all since.

My back has never had such a good five years since I was 19.

Edited November 14, 2007 by sleepyjohn

[onethailand]

Thanks everyone for your replies...I have made an appointment for later on this week and will report back on how it went. I too was worried that the website does not list medical qualifications,will ask loads of questions. BNH Spine Centre will be my next stop as they use minimally invasive surgical technique,although avoiding surgery altogether is my hope.Thanks again.

Have a good chat with the Dr while you're at it. He's very straight-forward and happy to answer all your questions. But be aware that the treatment may only be part of the solution, and that one visit isn't going to miraculously cure you - but I bet you feel a lot better right away

Good luck.

[lopburi3]

Are you saying this facility is run and staffed by licensed medical doctors? For some reason the web site fails to mention that.

[onethailand]

Are you saying this facility is run and staffed by licensed medical doctors? For some reason the web site fails to mention that.

The best answer I can give is that you call the number on the website. But if you ask me if there are licenses on the wall, the answer is yes.

[onethailand]

Any updates, bkkrox? Would like to hear how it's going.

[bkkrox]

Any updates, bkkrox? Would like to hear how it's going.

Hi One,

Have started treatment at the clinic...after about the 5th visit I noticed a significant improvement ie less pain,less discomfort and more mobility. Had to have an MRI so the doctor could see exactly the present condition of my spine (He is a doctor of chiropractic (DC)) It is not a cheap treatment... I have two herniated discs so effectively will have to go through 2 treatments(20 to 30 visits each),each costing approx 60 000 THB.Still compared with surgery it is not that expensive. I have to have the traction every day so you should be in the general area of BKK for up to a month. The system they use is the only one available in Thailand.So far only have positive things to say and will update when I am further into the treatment.

[BangkokGavin]

Disc Re-hab Centre - absolutely brilliant. Mine is the worst case they have seen, having 3 herniated discs

in the neck. One of them was touching the spinal cord, as seen on MRI scan. I knew perfectly well from the start that treatment was going to take quite some time. I had 30 sessions before having a new MRI scan.

The new scan showed an approx 50 percent improvement. A clear channel was shown between the spinal cord and the discs. The gap between the vertebrae has increased and the discs are re-generating.

I am now ready to do another 30 sessions in a bid to restore the cervical spine to normality, after which I

can go on to having the natural curve put back - the bones had straightened, probably due to years of bad posture.

The treatment is totally painless - I almost went to sleep on several occasions. I could feel the computerised traction working away, pulling and releasing - absolutely no problem. The other vital part of the treatment is the 'Light Pad' which is placed under the neck for around 15 minutes. The light emitted is a certain frequency/intensity optimal to stimulate the blood flow in the tissues surrounding the damaged area. This part of the treatment is carried out immediately prior to the traction. After the traction, an ice-pack is placed under the neck for about 15 minutes.

The manner of the doctor and physiotherapist is impeccable. I have been going twice per day and actually look forward to it with the assurance that I am being attended to by people who know exactly what they are doing.

[jimmym40]

WOW, great to hear you are having relief from your pain. I have had two herniated discs and a double fusion of the lower back in 1991. Relief last for about a year, then the pain returned. I have degenerative disc disease. And since, I've discovered thru MRI I have spurs in my neck which caused my left arm to go knumb at times. Right now I'm just living with the pain/uncomfort. Don't want to risk another surgery.

I may have to look in to this treatment, however, I live in ChiangMai. So you say your treatment is twice a day (for 15 days?).

What is the cost of this therapy?

How long do you perceive the relief will last?

Any other information/details will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks.

[bkkrox]

Hi Jimmy,

As a general rule each herniation will require 20 to 30 visits. Right now the cost of 20 visits is THB 60000. Once treatment is complete you will have to do a series of (simple) stretches each morning to strenghthen the 'core ' area. There are many cheap hotels in the area and the clinic has people from other parts of Thailand staying in hotels for 20 to 30 days while they do the treatment.

In answer to how long the improvement lasts ,some patients have had no discomfort since completing treatment others have had problems. I have found testimonials on the web and read studies that have been conducted and they are overwhelmingly positive.

I think I am right in saying that treatment will only be 2x a day if you are treating different discs. Each disc can receive treatment once a day to allow time for healing.

The clinic is about to get another machine as it has proven very popular,the doctor and assistants are very professional and friendly.You should give them a call and ask them specifically about your case.In every case they need to see a current MRI.

Good luck and for me it is 'so far so good.'

[MrSquigle]

I went and had one treatment, now I know you need more than one, but I felt nothing, not a thing. Usually after any treatment before I felt the immediate relief, even if it only lasted that day.

The method was so soft I could barely feel it and I have had better massages in various establishments of both ill repute and high repute.

IMO, waste of money at 2000b.

[BangkokGavin]

WOW, great to hear you are having relief from your pain. I have had two herniated discs and a double fusion of the lower back in 1991. Relief last for about a year, then the pain returned. I have degenerative disc disease. And since, I've discovered thru MRI I have spurs in my neck which caused my left arm to go knumb at times. Right now I'm just living with the pain/uncomfort. Don't want to risk another surgery.

I may have to look in to this treatment, however, I live in ChiangMai. So you say your treatment is twice a day (for 15 days?).

What is the cost of this therapy?

How long do you perceive the relief will last?

Any other information/details will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks.

Hi Jimmy,

Your questions have been covered by bkkrox but I can add that initially I had gone to a famous hospital in Phuket complaining of pain in the left arm. I had just had a 'Wellness' checkup so it wasn't anything to do with the heart. At first, I had an x-ray that showed some problems in the cervical spine, then subsequently, an MRI scan. The consultant told me an operation was necessary and that it could be carried out the following week. I then checked out all the blogs and all the relative web sites I could find in a bid to secure non-surgical treatment. I happened to see an advertisement for the clinic in the Bangkok Post!

I have discussed the question of permanent rehabilitation with the clinic doctor and from what he told me, I can say there is every chance of a successful recovery with the proviso that I attend once per month for a check up and possible adjustment.

[jimmym40]

Thanks GAVIN and rox. From your experiences and treatment, this sounds very interesting to me and will have to give it serious thought. If you can be so kind to provide me with the phone number and approx location (what is the closet sky train stop). I am familiar with the route and that will give me an idea of the location.

I may be coming down to Bangkok for the auto expo 29 Nov - 10 Dec and will set aside some time maybe to visit the clinic. Probably do not have enough time to get an MRI to bring down with me. At the moment I have having some dental work done, root canal and crown.

Please keep us posted on your results.

Oh, do they have a web page that I can view?

Thanks again.

[bkkrox]

Thanks GAVIN and rox. From your experiences and treatment, this sounds very interesting to me and will have to give it serious thought. If you can be so kind to provide me with the phone number and approx location (what is the closet sky train stop). I am familiar with the route and that will give me an idea of the location.

I may be coming down to Bangkok for the auto expo 29 Nov - 10 Dec and will set aside some time maybe to visit the clinic. Probably do not have enough time to get an MRI to bring down with me. At the moment I have having some dental work done, root canal and crown.

Please keep us posted on your results.

Oh, do they have a web page that I can view?

Thanks again.

Hi Jimmy,

check out www.disc-rehab.com the phone numbers are listed there. The closest (its very close!) BTS station is Phrom Phong..the same stop as Emporium shopping centre.

You can stop by and have a chat with the doctor.

Good luck mate.

[BangkokGavin]

Thanks GAVIN and rox. From your experiences and treatment, this sounds very interesting to me and will have to give it serious thought. If you can be so kind to provide me with the phone number and approx location (what is the closet sky train stop). I am familiar with the route and that will give me an idea of the location.

I may be coming down to Bangkok for the auto expo 29 Nov - 10 Dec and will set aside some time maybe to visit the clinic. Probably do not have enough time to get an MRI to bring down with me. At the moment I have having some dental work done, root canal and crown.

Please keep us posted on your results.

Oh, do they have a web page that I can view?

Thanks again.

Yes Jimmy, the website is www.chiropractorbangkok.com The location is exactly at Phrom Phong BTS, Exit 5 and the phone number is 02-259-5857, mob: 086-102-0914.

When you go down Soi 33/1, the 'Bulls Head' is on the right. Directly opposite the 'Bulls Head' is the entrance to a small soi that bends back onto Sukhumvit. Look down that Soi to the 2nd floor of the buildings on the left and there is a sign for the clinic. Entrance is by stairs next to a hairdresser.

[onethailand]

I went and had one treatment, now I know you need more than one, but I felt nothing, not a thing. Usually after any treatment before I felt the immediate relief, even if it only lasted that day.

The method was so soft I could barely feel it and I have had better massages in various establishments of both ill repute and high repute.

IMO, waste of money at 2000b.

Have to ask, which treatment did you have, and what condition? Your description resembles the standard chiropractic treatment rather than the disc rehab, which you will definitely feel if you have any compression of the spine.

Rox and Gavin - glad to hear it. I hope your treatments continue to improve your situation.

Jimmy - a lot depends on your situation. You should also tell the doc that you are having dental work done, he will ask you on your first visit, I believe. But I think you can have a MRI done quite quickly.

Any solution not involving surgery is preferable to a surgical procedure. I have no clue if all situations can be treated (I presume not, hence an MRI), but like many people, I'm sure, I'd always look for an alternative to surgery.