X-Ray on My Terms?

[DumbFarang]

I've been spending a ton of money and time at Bumrungrad hospital trying to track down the source of myofacial pain, tightness, and trigger points in my right hip and left shoulder, which I've had for more than 10 years and which I believe is related to several injuries I've sustained recently.

I finally got a full spine x-ray taken which clearly shows some mild scoliosis in my lower spine, that my hips are uneven, and that apparently my right leg is a bit longer than my left. All my own research suggests that this fits perfectly with the definition and symptoms of functional scoliosis caused by leg length discrepancy, and that I may be able to finally solve my problems by simply wearing a shoe lift one one foot. There is ample literature about this online.

My doctors have told me that it is not functional but structural scoliosis, that a shoe lift won't help, and that I should pursue more physical therapy, but they have pretty much failed to explain to me how they can be so sure. I frankly do not feel like I can trust them at this point, after having been recommended surgery and MRIs and all kinds of stuff I definitely don't need. I feel like my current doctors have become an obstacle to my treatment.

I would like to get to the bottom of this myself, by having a full spine X-Ray done with a shoe lift one one foot to make my hips level. Is there anywhere I can go in Bangkok that will do this for me?

Thanks a bunch,

DF

[NancyL]

Sheryl will come along soon and give you the proper medical answer, but my thought is why not just start wearing a shoe lift and see if your problem improves?

[h90]

I hope you took all you X-Rays with you?

I don't know for Thailand but in my country the hospitals don't like to hand them out.

[Robby nz]

From what I read about Bumrungrad, while they are often the recommended hospital and undoubtedly have good doctors they are a business and the object of any business is to make money.

It would seem that they can, at times, at least prolong treatment or recommend a more expensive treatment where something less expensive would suffice.

You are right to get another opinion and as has been previously mentioned get all your X rays and results of other tests, they are yours and you have paid for them.

Sorry cant help with a recommendation as it is not a problem I have had.

[DumbFarang]

Anyone else have any advice before I let this post fade away? I'm really at an impasse with my treatment. Any morsel of wisdom is hugely appreciated.

[Sheryl]

In functional scoliosis, the spine is curved bot not rotated. In structural scoliosis, there is rotation. This difference can clearly be seen on Xray. So if having seen your Xray the doctors are sating it is structural scoliosis, it probably is. Which does not necessarily mean it is the cause of your pain. It and your pain could both be resulting from the same, other, underlying cause, or they could even be unrelated.

Structural scoliosis, if it were congenital, would have been discovered usually in childhood or adolescence at the latest. When it newly occurs in adulthood it is usually due to degenerative changes in the spine, especially if in someone over the age of say 50. You don't mention your age.

Unless leg length discrepancy is 5mm or more, a shoe lift is usually not indicated, rather just physical therapy.

The best advise I can give you is to take your Xrays over to Dr. Wicharn at the BNH Hospital Spine center (or at Bkk Christian, where he also has hours once a week) and get his opinion. In my experience he is the best spinal specialist in Thailand.

[DumbFarang]

Sheryl, thank you so much! The bit about the rotation of the spine being an important indicator is extremely informative.

I will book an appointment with Dr. Wicharn right away.