Of all the common complaints, there is one which can still defy modern, medical science, one which plagues millions of people around the world every day. One in which, in many cases, cannot be cured, and in some instances defies diagnosis. This one issue can bring misery, pain and debilitation. Ask any doctor, and they will tell you how notoriously difficult it can be to deal with back pain.
Back Pain While Travelling or Living Abroad
If there is one advantage of living in Bangkok, then it must be the world class medical facilities it has to offer. The city has an almost embarrassing number of modern, high tech hospitals with world class accreditations. The city’s hospitals boast some the world’s best trained, multi-lingual medical personnel who utilize cutting edge technology and procedures. Whatever your complaint you can rest assured, Bangkok offers the very best of medical care.
With back pain, it can be very difficult to get to the root of the problem. Although some common causes can be easily diagnosed, this would usually be when there is a physical manifestation of a problem. Sciatica is one such condition, this can easily be diagnosed via a physical exam, an MRI and a CT scan. Other conditions are more problematic, but being in Bangkok you can be sure you have access to the very best diagnostics of anywhere in the world.
What Treatments Are Available
There are a number of ways in which back pain can be treated, very often a combination of more than one form of treatment or therapy are appropriate. Some useful therapies are simply a matter of a lifestyle change, being self-aware is a vital component of successful treatment.
Firstly, a back pain sufferer needs to evaluate their lifestyle. Identify stress factors and be aware of your body at these times. Tests conducted by The American Institute of Stress show that at the moment we feel under stress, the muscles in the back begin to tense up, this can cause pain or exasperate any existing condition.
Anti-Inflammatory Options
An anti-inflammatory diet can be of very great benefit in some cases of back pain. Some studies have shown that inflammation has an undeniable connection to some types of back pain. Inflammation can be eased with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), ibuprofen and naproxen being common.
Lifestyle Self-Therapy
But the drugs should not be relied on alone. An anti-inflammatory diet can play a big part in relieving back pain induced by inflammation. Dietary studies have shown that some foods are high in anti-inflammatory properties, this group of foods include, fruit and vegetable, fish, nuts and whole grains.
It may not be immediately obvious, but weight loss is very often an effective contributory treatment. The bones, joint and muscles work hard to support the body through every waking hour. Being overweight increases the load bearing stress on the spine and the muscles in the back. Where necessary, an appropriate diet to reduce weight will have a positive effect on back pain.
Another lifestyle choice that may be a cause or contributing factor to back pain is a person’s choice of footwear. Here, fashion may be playing a part, and women are more likely to be affected. High heeled shoes create enormous stresses on muscles and tendons that they were not designed to take which can lead to lower back pain. Footwear should be flat and have good support, cushioned insoles are also an advantage.
An appropriate dietary regime can be combined with exercise to further increase the positive effects on back pain. Stretching exercises and those that strengthen the back and neck muscles will help to reduce pain and discomfort in the back. An exercise and dietary regime may be included as part of a treatment plan from your doctor to compliment other appropriate treatment.
Physical Therapy
All the major hospitals in Bangkok have qualified physical therapists. These practitioners draw individual exercise plans for each individual. They will coach and instruct each sufferer in the correct way to conduct their exercises, as well as the frequency and duration of them. They can also give advice on correct posture which is vital in combating back pain.
Spinal manipulation, or chiropractic manipulation is a successful therapeutic treatment which involves adjusting, massaging and stimulating the spine with the hands. This treatment should only be conducted by a fully qualified practitioner, usually by a licensed chiropractor, physical therapists or osteopathic doctors.
Alternative Therapies
Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS). This involves adhesive electrodes being placed on the back. On activation, the battery-powered device sends electrical impulses into the back via the electrodes, this interrupts the pain impulse signals, thus, relieving discomfort. Although this therapy is tried and tested, and devices are easily available, it should still only be undertaken after consultation with your doctor.
The traditional Chinese medical practice of acupuncture has gained popularity for many medical conditions, including back pain. Although there is no scientific proof that acupuncture is beneficial, there is anecdotal evidence of it, although some of that evidence may be somewhat sketchy. Research shows that the procedure will work for some people and not for others. This of course leads to speculation that the perceived success is psychosomatic. So, as with any other treatment, expert advice is strongly advised.
Cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) has gained an enormous amount of press coverage in recent years, including the Thai press. In September of this year these substances were removed from the banned substance list by the Thai government. There is now a great deal of evidence to suggest that these hemp derivatives aid in pain relief, although there needs to be far more scientific research before a true picture of its benefits emerges.
Surgical Options
Although not seen as an immediate option to cure back pain, in some cases, after more conservative treatments have failed, surgery may be appropriate. There are of course some conditions where a surgical procedure is essential, such as a serious infection or tumor. Severe trauma following an accident may also require emergency back surgery. Following are some of the most common forms of back surgery.
Discectomy
A discectomy is where part of a herniated disc that is causing pain is removed. There are two forms of discectomy. Percutaneous, this is the removal of part of a disc, using a laser or suction procedure. This is done through a narrow probe inserted through a small incision in the back. Microsurgical, this is undertaken through a small incision. Using a microscope, the surgeon will remove a damaged part of a disc with a small part of the bone covering the spinal canal. Laminectomy
Laminectomy is a surgery procedure designed to correct a narrowing of the spinal column (Stenosis) which causes pressure on the nerve roots. During this procedure the surgeon will remove and spurs which have resulted from osteoarthritis.
Spinal Fusion
Spinal fusion literally fusses two or more vertebrae to form a single unit. This stops any movement between the vertebrae, thus eliminating any pain that was being experienced within those joints from normal movements.
Vertebroplasty and Kyphoplasty
These two surgical procedures are very similar. They are undertaken to alleviate pain, and other associated problems associated with compression fractures of the vertebrae. Both procedures involve the building up of a fractured bone with a cement-like material. This is injected into the damaged vertebrae through a needle about the size of a straw. Up to this point the two procedures are, for all intents and purposes, the same, but kyphoplasty involves an additional step. Prior to injecting the bonding material, the surgeon will insert a small balloon-like device into the compressed vertebra which is then inflated. The theory behind this additional step in the procedure is to help bolster the height of the damaged vertebra. This will have a positive effect in reducing the level of deformity post-surgery.
In Conclusion
Back pain is often the result of a minor injury, strain or overuse of the muscles in the back. Very often the pain will fade over time and minor injuries will heal, faster with if professional treatment is sort. However, if back pain is accompanied by other symptoms, such as fever, numbness, foot drop, or if it is the result of an accident, then you should always seek the help of professional medical experts.
Whatever your back problem may be, professional advice should be taken before undertaking any treatment. All of Bangkok’s major hospitals have the necessary skilled personnel to assess your condition and advise on the correct treatment.
Visit back pain treatment in Bangkok if you’re looking for the professional hospital for the back pain treatment.
