“After Just a Few Steps, I Had to Stop… The Pain Felt Like Electric Shocks, and I Was Afraid I Might Not Be Able to Walk Again.”
Back pain, hip pain radiating down the leg, or numbness in the toes may begin as a small discomfort that many people assume is simply age-related soreness or the result of heavy physical use in the past. However, when the symptoms become more severe, when walking just a few steps requires a rest, when the leg becomes weak, or when the pain feels like constant electric shocks, these may be warning signs of nerve compression that should not be overlooked.
This was the story of Mrs. Somjit Aueareepichit, 70 years old, who sought treatment for a herniated disc and bone spurs compressing the nerve after suffering from radiating leg pain, numbness in the toes, and difficulty walking, to the point where she began to fear that one day she might no longer be able to walk normally.
The Beginning: Hip Pain and Aching That Became More Than Ordinary Discomfort
Mrs. Somjit shared that in the past, she used to work as a vendor, which required frequent heavy lifting. Over time, this may have placed accumulated strain on her body and back.
Her symptoms began around three to four months ago, starting with tightness and aching around the hip. At first, it seemed like ordinary muscle soreness. However, the symptoms gradually became more severe and began to affect her walking and daily life.
From someone who used to walk normally, she became unable to walk more than a few steps without stopping to rest. She experienced radiating pain down the leg, numbness in the toes, and leg weakness. The symptoms became so severe that when she walked, her body began to lean to one side because the compressed nerve was interfering with her leg function.
Pain Like Electric Shocks, Needle Pricks, and the Fear of Losing the Ability to Walk
Mrs. Somjit’s pain was not just ordinary pain. It was a distressing sensation, like electric shocks, sharp shooting pain, and the feeling of needles constantly pricking her. These symptoms changed her daily life significantly. Even walking through the market or doing simple daily activities became difficult, because after only a short distance, the pain became so intense that she had to stop.
From someone who used to live normally, she began to lose confidence in her ability to walk and started to fear that, if left untreated, she might no longer be able to walk as before.
Trying Many Treatments, But the Symptoms Did Not Improve
Before coming to S Spine Hospital, Mrs. Somjit had tried several treatment methods as recommended by doctors, including medication, physical therapy, and steroid injections. However, despite trying multiple approaches, her symptoms did not improve as she had hoped. The radiating leg pain, numbness, and electric shock-like sensations continued to interfere with her life.
When she consulted another hospital, she was advised to undergo surgery involving three spinal levels and metal implants, which left her feeling shocked and extremely worried.
In addition to the high cost, what frightened her most was the image she had of major surgery in the past, surgery with a long incision and a recovery period that could take several months, similar to what one of her friends had experienced after surgery and required three months to recover.
Deciding to Visit a Specialized Hospital for a Clear Answer
After feeling concerned about the treatment recommendation she had previously received, Mrs. Somjit’s son suggested that she visit S Spine Hospital, a specialized hospital for spine and joint care, for a detailed evaluation by a spine specialist.
When she met Dr. Pol Anantaworasilp, Mrs. Somjit shared that the doctor spent more than half an hour explaining her MRI and X-ray results in detail. This helped her understand her condition much more clearly.
The doctor explained that her bones were still strong. The true cause of her symptoms did not require surgery on three spinal levels as she had previously been advised. Instead, the problem was caused by one herniated disc and bone spurs at three levels that were compressing the nerve.
Most importantly, the doctor confirmed that she did not need major surgery or surgery on three spinal levels. By treating the exact problem area, removing the herniated disc that was compressing the nerve and clearing the bone spurs, the nerve compression could be relieved.
The doctor’s clear explanation helped Mrs. Somjit feel less anxious and more confident in a modern treatment approach.
Deciding to Proceed with Treatment Immediately Because It Was Not the Major Surgery She Had Feared
After receiving a detailed explanation, Mrs. Somjit decided to proceed with surgery immediately. She was admitted in the morning and underwent surgery on the same day. She recalled that the surgery passed almost without her realizing it. When she woke up again around midnight, the procedure had already been completed.
What impressed her was that the treatment was not what she had feared. It was not the image of a long-incision surgery, a long recovery period, or metal implants across multiple levels as she had worried. Instead, it was a targeted treatment focused on addressing the specific areas compressing the nerve.
The Next Morning, She Could Get Up and Walk Without the Same Pain
The result after surgery happened faster than expected. The next morning, Mrs. Somjit was able to get up and walk immediately without the same pain she had experienced before. Although she felt some dizziness at first due to the effects of medication, by late morning, she was able to walk on her own without dragging her leg as she had before treatment.
From previously walking with her body leaning to one side, being able to take only a few steps before stopping, and constantly feeling electric shock-like pain, her symptoms clearly improved after treatment.
