Cervical spinal stenosis

[Dexlowe]

I don't have a great deal of luck with the social security system, of which I have been a member for many years. In fact I only go to my designated hospital if it's necessary.

So, to check on this problem, does anyone have any suggestions on where to go in Pattaya? Which doctor to see? (Not BPH, please. I have vowed never to allow myself to be ripped off by these pirates again.)

I have also discussed the stenosis with a chiropractor and an acupuncture specialist, and they both want to see some x-rays before proceeding with any treatment. What little I have read on the internet about treatment is that acupuncture seems to be favoured. Any ideas on that?

[NickJ]

How do you know you have stenosis?...There is IVF stenosis and Central canal stenosis.....For Ivf stenosis it helps to be able to have oblique angle x rays to grade the encroachment or Degeneration.....for Cent stenosis an MRI....stenosis is a part of getting older in most. My neighbor was told he needed cervical spine surgery yet he had carpal tunnel syndrome and had it released so is ok now....

[johnatong]

Has this problem been positively investigated (X-rays?, Cat Scan?, MRI? ) and diagnosed by a specialist ?

You may find the content of the link helpful.

http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/spinal-stenosis/basics/definition/con-20036105

Specialist advice could/should be sought from an Orthopaedic surgeon specialising in spinal disorders, a Neuro surgeon or a Neurologist.

[Sheryl]

You should really come into Bangkok for this. While you can find orthos in Pattaya I don't think you will find one specializing in spine.

Dr. Wicharn at BNH hospital Spine Center is excellent.

[Dexlowe]

How do you know you have stenosis?...There is IVF stenosis and Central canal stenosis.....For Ivf stenosis it helps to be able to have oblique angle x rays to grade the encroachment or Degeneration.....for Cent stenosis an MRI....stenosis is a part of getting older in most. My neighbor was told he needed cervical spine surgery yet he had carpal tunnel syndrome and had it released so is ok now....

The reason for my posting is to find out.

But without going into too much detail, the consensus is that the problems I have been having should bear investigating for cervical spinal stenosis. Bear with me - I'm only at the starting point here. Thanks..

[Dexlowe]

Has this problem been positively investigated (X-rays?, Cat Scan?, MRI? ) and diagnosed by a specialist ?

You may find the content of the link helpful.

http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/spinal-stenosis/basics/definition/con-20036105

Specialist advice could/should be sought from an Orthopaedic surgeon specialising in spinal disorders, a Neuro surgeon or a Neurologist.

Thanks for the URL, but have already checked that and others. What I failed to mention above is that I have had various treatments for a cervical problem for many years - physio, chiropractic, traction and so on. So it's not a new problem - just one that is getting more irritating and debilitating. Thanks a lot for your reply.

[Dexlowe]

You should really come into Bangkok for this. While you can find orthos in Pattaya I don't think you will find one specializing in spine.

Dr. Wicharn at BNH hospital Spine Center is excellent.

Thanks, Sheryl. I'm surprised there's no spinal specialist in the Pattaya area, given that spinal problems are increasing everywhere (so some websites say) because of our use of computers and decreasing physical exercise. (My problems, according to a doctor at Sukhumvit Hospital started here.)

Do you have any idea of what a consultation and x-ray would cost at BNH? Much thanks.

[johnatong]

Has this problem been positively investigated (X-rays?, Cat Scan?, MRI? ) and diagnosed by a specialist ?

You may find the content of the link helpful.

http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/spinal-stenosis/basics/definition/con-20036105

Specialist advice could/should be sought from an Orthopaedic surgeon specialising in spinal disorders, a Neuro surgeon or a Neurologist.

Thanks for the URL, but have already checked that and others. What I failed to mention above is that I have had various treatments for a cervical problem for many years - physio, chiropractic, traction and so on. So it's not a new problem - just one that is getting more irritating and debilitating. Thanks a lot for your reply.

The fact that you say the problem is "getting more irritating and debilitating" is a good indication that you should seek specialist advice.

[Sheryl]

You should really come into Bangkok for this. While you can find orthos in Pattaya I don't think you will find one specializing in spine.

Dr. Wicharn at BNH hospital Spine Center is excellent.

Thanks, Sheryl. I'm surprised there's no spinal specialist in the Pattaya area, given that spinal problems are increasing everywhere (so some websites say) because of our use of computers and decreasing physical exercise. (My problems, according to a doctor at Sukhumvit Hospital started here.)

Do you have any idea of what a consultation and x-ray would cost at BNH? Much thanks.

consultation maybe 1500 baht, xrays a few hundredor so, then a few hundred hospital add-on charge so total probably between 2000 - 2500 baht. If you need an MRI that's a lot more, can save sevetsl thousand baht by doing it at an outside imaging center.

Dr. Wicharn is also at Bandkok Christian Hospital once a week for a few hours, I think Sunday but not sure. Will cost less there.

[Dexlowe]

Has this problem been positively investigated (X-rays?, Cat Scan?, MRI? ) and diagnosed by a specialist ?

You may find the content of the link helpful.

http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/spinal-stenosis/basics/definition/con-20036105

Specialist advice could/should be sought from an Orthopaedic surgeon specialising in spinal disorders, a Neuro surgeon or a Neurologist.

Thanks for the URL, but have already checked that and others. What I failed to mention above is that I have had various treatments for a cervical problem for many years - physio, chiropractic, traction and so on. So it's not a new problem - just one that is getting more irritating and debilitating. Thanks a lot for your reply.

The fact that you say the problem is "getting more irritating and debilitating" is a good indication that you should seek specialist advice.

Really? You mean TV is not the place for this?

Mate, read again - I'm at the starting point and seeking advice on where to go, such as given by Sheryl above. If you read her post, you'll know there seem to be no orthos specialising in spinal problems in Pattaya, which is part of the dilemma. However, thanks to her, I now know where to go - my journey can now advance to the next phase - thanking you muchly for your sage advice.

[balo]

You should really come into Bangkok for this. While you can find orthos in Pattaya I don't think you will find one specializing in spine.

Dr. Wicharn at BNH hospital Spine Center is excellent.

Thanks, Sheryl. I'm surprised there's no spinal specialist in the Pattaya area, given that spinal problems are increasing everywhere (so some websites say) because of our use of computers and decreasing physical exercise. (My problems, according to a doctor at Sukhumvit Hospital started here.)

Do you have any idea of what a consultation and x-ray would cost at BNH? Much thanks.

I have a sciatica problem from an old back injury that needs to be checked out. I am going to BNH myself next week . I hope my insurance will cover some of it . But I already asked for the prices of MRI which is 14000 baht for every body part. 1000 baht consultation fee.

I think you need MRI , X-rays will not be enough in many cases.

So I am prepared to pay maybe 20-30k to get a real diagnosis incl MRI scan .

Edited May 9, 2016 by balo

[johnatong]

Has this problem been positively investigated (X-rays?, Cat Scan?, MRI? ) and diagnosed by a specialist ?

You may find the content of the link helpful.

http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/spinal-stenosis/basics/definition/con-20036105

Specialist advice could/should be sought from an Orthopaedic surgeon specialising in spinal disorders, a Neuro surgeon or a Neurologist.

Thanks for the URL, but have already checked that and others. What I failed to mention above is that I have had various treatments for a cervical problem for many years - physio, chiropractic, traction and so on. So it's not a new problem - just one that is getting more irritating and debilitating. Thanks a lot for your reply.

The fact that you say the problem is "getting more irritating and debilitating" is a good indication that you should seek specialist advice.

Really? You mean TV is not the place for this?

Mate, read again - I'm at the starting point and seeking advice on where to go, such as given by Sheryl above. If you read her post, you'll know there seem to be no orthos specialising in spinal problems in Pattaya, which is part of the dilemma. However, thanks to her, I now know where to go - my journey can now advance to the next phase - thanking you muchly for your sage advice.

Are you habitually rude ?

You are not "at the starting point" as is now claimed.

What you say is is this " What I failed to mention above is that I have had various treatments for a cervical problem for many years - physio, chiropractic, traction and so on. So it's not a new problem"

[Dexlowe]

You should really come into Bangkok for this. While you can find orthos in Pattaya I don't think you will find one specializing in spine.

Dr. Wicharn at BNH hospital Spine Center is excellent.

Thanks, Sheryl. I'm surprised there's no spinal specialist in the Pattaya area, given that spinal problems are increasing everywhere (so some websites say) because of our use of computers and decreasing physical exercise. (My problems, according to a doctor at Sukhumvit Hospital started here.)

Do you have any idea of what a consultation and x-ray would cost at BNH? Much thanks.

I have a sciatica problem from an old back injury that needs to be checked out. I am going to BNH myself next week . I hope my insurance will cover some of it . But I already asked for the prices of MRI which is 14000 baht for every body part. 1000 baht consultation fee.

I think you need MRI , X-rays will not be enough in many cases.

So I am prepared to pay maybe 20-30k to get a real diagnosis incl MRI scan .

Great - thanks for that - hope everything goes well with your test.

[Dexlowe]

Thanks for the URL, but have already checked that and others. What I failed to mention above is that I have had various treatments for a cervical problem for many years - physio, chiropractic, traction and so on. So it's not a new problem - just one that is getting more irritating and debilitating. Thanks a lot for your reply.

The fact that you say the problem is "getting more irritating and debilitating" is a good indication that you should seek specialist advice.

Really? You mean TV is not the place for this?

Mate, read again - I'm at the starting point and seeking advice on where to go, such as given by Sheryl above. If you read her post, you'll know there seem to be no orthos specialising in spinal problems in Pattaya, which is part of the dilemma. However, thanks to her, I now know where to go - my journey can now advance to the next phase - thanking you muchly for your sage advice.

Are you habitually rude ?

You are not "at the starting point" as is now claimed.

What you say is is this " What I failed to mention above is that I have had various treatments for a cervical problem for many years - physio, chiropractic, traction and so on. So it's not a new problem"

Yes, I am when people are patronizing. The point of the OP was to get directions for specialist advice and so on. And technically to me anyway, it is a new thing for reasons I won't go into right now.

[Thanyaburi Mac]

Let's keep it civil here, guys.

Mac

[gamini]

I have severe spinal stenosis. MRI is a must to identify how far it has progressed. Unfortunately mine is very advanced and it seems that surgery is the only option. I would recommend Bangrumrad spine centre. Contrary to a lot of posts about being very expensive, it is oly slightly more than other private hospitals but it is absolutely the best.

[Sheryl]

You should really come into Bangkok for this. While you can find orthos in Pattaya I don't think you will find one specializing in spine.

Dr. Wicharn at BNH hospital Spine Center is excellent.

Thanks, Sheryl. I'm surprised there's no spinal specialist in the Pattaya area, given that spinal problems are increasing everywhere (so some websites say) because of our use of computers and decreasing physical exercise. (My problems, according to a doctor at Sukhumvit Hospital started here.)

Do you have any idea of what a consultation and x-ray would cost at BNH? Much thanks.

I have a sciatica problem from an old back injury that needs to be checked out. I am going to BNH myself next week . I hope my insurance will cover some of it . But I already asked for the prices of MRI which is 14000 baht for every body part. 1000 baht consultation fee.

I think you need MRI , X-rays will not be enough in many cases.

So I am prepared to pay maybe 20-30k to get a real diagnosis incl MRI scan .

If the extra running around town is worth it to you, you can get the MRI for 7,200 baht here http://www.mrithailand.com/index.php

If you do, be sure to get the films to take with you as the doctor will not go by the report but rarther read the films himself. (They will give you a report, but ignore it - reading by the specialist familiar with your condition is far more reliable).

[balo]

You should really come into Bangkok for this. While you can find orthos in Pattaya I don't think you will find one specializing in spine.

Dr. Wicharn at BNH hospital Spine Center is excellent.

Thanks, Sheryl. I'm surprised there's no spinal specialist in the Pattaya area, given that spinal problems are increasing everywhere (so some websites say) because of our use of computers and decreasing physical exercise. (My problems, according to a doctor at Sukhumvit Hospital started here.)

Do you have any idea of what a consultation and x-ray would cost at BNH? Much thanks.

I have a sciatica problem from an old back injury that needs to be checked out. I am going to BNH myself next week . I hope my insurance will cover some of it . But I already asked for the prices of MRI which is 14000 baht for every body part. 1000 baht consultation fee.

I think you need MRI , X-rays will not be enough in many cases.

So I am prepared to pay maybe 20-30k to get a real diagnosis incl MRI scan .

If the extra running around town is worth it to you, you can get the MRI for 7,200 baht here http://www.mrithailand.com/index.php

If you do, be sure to get the films to take with you as the doctor will not go by the report but rarther read the films himself. (They will give you a report, but ignore it - reading by the specialist familiar with your condition is far more reliable).

Yes I would like to save some money if possible . But what if the doctor want me to take MRI of another body part ? My problem is the spine and the nerve running down my leg , will it all be covered for 7200 baht ?

I have some extra time befor ethe appointment with Dr Wincharn , he is on vacation until next week . I will drive up from Pattaya so I can stop at the MRI place before going to the hospital .

Edited May 10, 2016 by balo

[johnatong]

balo

If you have "Sciatica" the pain you feel in the leg originates in the lower back (spine) and that is what would be the subject of an MRI scan.

I cannot envisage another body part that would require scanning but you must be guided by your doctor.

[Sheryl]

Yes, lumbar spine should cover it.