He never imagined that back pain could one day leave him unable to walk. This is the story of Mr. Sitthichai Kongkaew, a businessman who traveled to work in China. Before that, he had been working in Thailand and had long developed lifestyle habits that placed him at high risk for spinal problems. He spent more than 10 hours a day sitting continuously at work, and this pattern had continued for nearly three years. 

At first, there were only mild warning signs, and he did not pay much attention to them. However, about two weeks before his planned trip back to Thailand, his symptoms became significantly worse. He developed severe pain in his left hip that radiated all the way down to his foot, along with numbness in his toes. The pain became so intense that he could no longer walk properly and found it extremely difficult to sit down or stand up. It reached the point where he began to fear that he might become bedridden. 

Challenges of Receiving Treatment Abroad 

While in China, Mr. Sitthichai sought treatment at two hospitals. In both cases, the doctors advised immediate admission. However, the treatment he received consisted only of medication and intravenous fluids. He also felt that the care was not thorough and that his condition was not clearly explained in detail. Even after undergoing a CT scan, he was only told that there was a possibility of a herniated disc compressing a nerve, and he was advised to remain on strict bed rest for at least one month. 

However, Mr. Sitthichai felt that treatment with medication alone was not enough. He had to take nearly 10 pills per dose, three times a day, which made him increasingly concerned about the long-term effects on his body. 

The Decision to Return to Thailand and Receive an Accurate Diagnosis  

Because he lacked confidence in the treatment approach he had received, Mr. Sitthichai began searching for information on TikTok and YouTube. There, he came across reviews of S Spine & Joint Hospital. After learning more about the medical team and the hospital’s treatment standards, he decided to return to Thailand immediately. 

When he arrived at S Spine & Joint Hospital, the doctors arranged a detailed MRI examination and found that he had a Stage 4 ruptured or severely herniated disc, which is considered a serious condition. The doctor clearly explained all treatment options, especially minimally invasive endoscopic surgery using MIS techniques, which offers a small incision, less pain, and faster recovery. It was exactly the kind of treatment he had been looking for, allowing him to return to work without a long recovery period. 

Post-Surgery Results That Exceeded Expectations 

What surprised him most was that within just one night, he was able to get up and walk to the bathroom on his own without the same pain he had experienced before treatment. The severe pain that had once left him unable to walk was noticeably gone, leaving only slight tightness around the surgical wound, which is normal after surgery. 

In addition, the hospital atmosphere made him feel relaxed, almost as if he were staying in a hotel. This greatly reduced his anxiety about undergoing surgery. 

A New Beginning and a Willingness to Share His Experience 

After treatment, Mr. Sitthichai said he felt as though he had been given a new life. He is now determined to take better care of his health so that he can return to living, working, and spending time with his family to the fullest. 

He also shared a message for anyone experiencing back pain or suspecting a spinal problem: do not ignore it or wait until the symptoms become severe. Receiving timely diagnosis and treatment at a specialized hospital equipped with the right technology can help reduce suffering and significantly improve the chances of recovery. For him, this hospital is truly “number one in Thailand” for spinal care.