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Answered2 years ago

Should I visit a chiropractor or hospital for back pain in Thailand?

Alan *******
asked Sep 17, 2024
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I am living in phrom phong on my first weeks of my 90 day non-0 retirement visa. Everything is in good order except my back! My lower back is out of whack with pain. Of the things on my list I have yet to do, one is get thai health insurance.

Does anyone that has related experience suggest whether I go to a chiropractor with a good reputation (Healing Art on soi 24?) or hospital (Samitivej)? With either I would expect initial imaging to determine the problem. Thanks for any advice. Note this is not asking medical advice but if you use a chiropractor do you recommend that here or recommend hospital physical therapy, etc.
Answer summary
The original poster is seeking advice on whether to visit a chiropractor or a hospital for their lower back pain while living in Phrom Phong on a 90-day Non-O retirement visa. Responses to the post varied, with many users recommending physiotherapy and traditional Thai massage as viable alternatives to chiropractic care. Several users highlighted the importance of getting a proper diagnosis through imaging, like MRI, before deciding on treatment. The community provided insights into various healthcare options in Thailand, including recommendations for specific clinics and therapists, and discussed the importance of securing health insurance.
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John *********
John *********
For what it is worth.....prayer pose from yoga does wonders for lower back pain.
David **********
David **********
A good chiro can work wonders I have chronic L4/L5 pain and used to go to chiro once a month as a maintenance measure. These days however I find the best thing is - drink lots of water (so simple that people don't bother to do it... hydrates the disks preventing pain), lots of walking, lots of swimming and yoga stretching. The more pain I have the more I force myself to walk it off until it loosens up. Use a walking stick of you have to. The worst thing to do in this case is to sit on the couch. If the pain od unbearable try a balm or topical pain killer applied to the skin. All the best.
JoJo ********
JoJo ********
Motion wellness centre ask for anton around 500 pounds for 12 treatments quarter zone injection and b12 his pain has completely gone it’s his second week and has 3 treatments a week he’s a new man after suffering for the last 3 months highly recommended
Peter ********
Peter ********
So in my case this was simple. I’m not saying this will work for you but I swear by it. I dread returning to any Falang country as I’d go bankrupt. And basically no insurance covers it - anywhere. Go to your local public hospital. Ask for the Thai traditional medicine department. Get a massage once or preferably twice a week. Ideally your massage therapist will have a degree in the subject too. The younger ones all do I find. But some more experienced older ones are excellent too. The price is very reasonable. I had a problem with my hand last year. My massage therapist was cautious and wanted me to see the orthopedist. I said “no way”. I trust you and your colleagues. I don’t want Falang treatments thank you. She fixed it. 100%. By the way no one listens to me. Especially my sisters who are Falang doctors. One has never had a massage. The other had one once and said that it hurt. Clueless sorry to say. Finally don’t go to some massage shop in the street. Expensive. Often untrained. Oh by the way if it’s inflamed they won’t do it. I’ve had this explained by them. I guess I understand but not really. I’ve recommended Thai people to go but they wouldn’t do massage because of this. Again, I know nothing. I just know I’d be crippled without this treatment. The only other places on the planet who have worked for me was a similar guy in Singapore. He had the most enormous hands I’ve ever seen and he was 5’ 0”. He was great. And a chiropractor in Oregon who did adjustments to my back with a jack hammer machine. I was in and out in ten minutes. I used to say he worked miracles. He asked me never to say that as some of his patients were weird religious types! 555. Good luck. Message me if you like. I don’t really like posting. I don’t want strange Falang messing up my contacts. 😆 oh and treat them well please. Really well. Don’t be cheap. Decent American and British chocolates and cookies don’t cost much.
Bob ******
Bob ******
Try some Perskindol as a pain reliever and use a lot
Hans-Georg ******
Hans-Georg ******
Better to go to a Physio. They are costing 600-1000 Baht per hour and after a few sessions your back will be fine.
Alan *******
Alan *******
OP
I appreciate all the feedback and seeing how much this community can be supportive - and to know I am not alone with a bad back! 😄🙏
Mike *******
Mike *******
First, go to a spinal consultant and get an MRI. This will either conform or eliminate a serious spinal problem. I was referred to physiotherapy who said I had a age related stenosis. I wasn't happy so got a referral to a consultant and found I had 3 prolapsed discs with my spinal column compressed to 3mm. (Actually 2mm in the end) I needed surgery. You are better off in the long run to find out the underlying issue early.
Magnolia *********
Magnolia *********
Lay flat on the floor and raise one leg above your head 10 times. Then raise the other leg above your head 10 times. Drink a glass of water every hour for 8 hours and thank God for another day. Do this every day for 10 days and your back will feel much much better. You got to stretch those muscles. Hope this helps.
Frank ********
Frank ********
@Magnolia ********
yep, stretch and more stretch. I do that in the morning, helps me get through the day. Getting ready for nerve obliteration next month prior to my trip to Thailand.
Gordon *******
Gordon *******
Don't worry about insurance the hospitals are cheap
Janet **********
Janet **********
My husband is studying to be a doctor of Thai traditional medicine and is very talented in various techniques, not just traditional Thai massage. He has a shop near the end of the purple line at Bang Yai. PM me if you want contact info. He is fluent in English and teaches already. I hope you feel better soon. 🪷
Kirsten *********
Kirsten *********
Osteopath is better than chiropractor. I used the osteopath centre Bangkok for both shoulder and back issues. A good osteopath will either diagnose you or refer you for imaging if needed.
Dave **********
Dave **********
Acupuncture....
Bob ********
Bob ********
Lookup "LifeBalanceClinic" on the Line App. Dr Tinkarporn.
*****************************
A good physio and Acupuncturist, I see him for my back periodically, fixes it , he is not far from Sathorn.
John **********
John **********
If your used to a normal European mattress, medium to soft, a Thai mattress, hard to rock hard, can take some getting used to and initially bring on excruciating back pain, get a memory foam topper, do some excercise, walking is always good, apply liberal amounts of Volteren and take some pain killers, not opiates!!
Henrik *****
Henrik *****
Talk with your travelinsurance, they know the best / nearest options, even if they not have to pay.
Kate *******
Kate *******
Might be worth getting your insurance sorted first so it’s doesn’t have to be a pre-existing condition.
Cathryn *********
Cathryn *********
I have an excellent spine doctor at Bumrungraad. Let me know if you want her contact info. I fly to Thailand to see her, she is that good.
Sue ******
Sue ******
@Cathryn ********
what is her name please?
Cathryn *********
Cathryn *********
@Sue *****
I was first seen by Dr Withawin Kesornsak, he is a Neurosurgeon in the spine center. He advised me to delay surgery as long as possible. He referred me to Dr. Nattaya Udomsakdi. She is a pain management specialist in the Spine center. I have been seeing her on an as needed basis for the past 3-4 years. With the treatments she does for me, I am able to live without pain meds. That is a win for me! And she is incredibly patient. I get incredible anxiety with anything medical, and she is great dealing with that. Good luck.
Sue ******
Sue ******
@Cathryn ********
thank you I’ll def check them out🙏
Cathryn *********
Cathryn *********
@Sue *****
I also thought I needed surgery. I really appreciated the Neurosurgeon advising me not to have it without trying treatment. How many surgeons send business away? Anyway, I am very satisfied with the care I get at Bumrungraad. Been going there for decades.
Sue ******
Sue ******
@Cathryn ********
I’m waiting on surgery but trying all options first
Cathryn *********
Cathryn *********
@Sue *****
you are most welcome. Good luck. Back pain is the worst.
Sue ******
Sue ******
@Cathryn ********
Thanku!!!🙏🙏🙏
Olav *********
Olav *********
Find a lady massager thath are doing hard massage and you get the same resault.
Neale *********
Neale *********
A cheap Charlie initial trick would be to take some ibuprofen or other inflammatory medicine regularly for one or two weeks as it might be an inflammation problem, then go down the more expensive options. I have a history of back problems and it usually works.
Maii *****
Maii *****
MRI then take the report to the Chiro, usually more then 12 sessions of chiropractics n deep tissue release sports massage...can take 1.5 to 2yrs of release n healing w ur back from yrs n yrs of hard work takes its toll therefore takes time in healing w chiro n sports massage SO WORTH IT!
Robin ********
Robin ********
In pattaya there's a back bloke , English, did some stuff for stu redmond and others . Supposed to be the best .
Sue ******
Sue ******
@Robin *******
do you have his contact details please?
Robin ********
Robin ********
@Sue *****
I don't . But if you did a post asking i'm sure one of the ex pats would know .
Robin ********
Robin ********
@Sue *****
I know he had a shop between 3rd Road and sukhumvit
Sue ******
Sue ******
David *******
David *******
Is it sciatica ?
Brook ********
Brook ********
Go to any hospital and see a specialist.

Hospitals have experience, resources and diagnostic equipment like MRI's that a chiropractor or Chinese doctor will not have.

THEN, once you have identified the cause(s), formulate a treatment plan WITH your doctor - a plan that MAY include physical therapy.
Luebbener ********
Luebbener ********
You might be able to help yourself. Search Liebscher&Bracht on youtube.They have a English and German channel. Most of the time it’s just some muscle that needs stretching.
Matt ******
Matt ******
Find a good Thai healing massage and have several sessions. Only $20 for 2 hours
Mark ******
Mark ******
Spine balance clinic on Ratchadamri helped me immensely. Highly recommended
Tom ******
Tom ******
See Spine Balance Clinic around Ratchadamri. Chiropractic doctor is excellent and physical therapy is provided during each visit based on your needs. Cost is very reasonable too
Carlos *********
Carlos *********
I'd try a thai massage. It's almost like a chiropractor and you'll have a time finding a chiropractor. Last time I looked there were 2, but that was years ago.I did the thai massage.

I hope you feel better soon
Tulip ********
Tulip ********
I went to private hospital, saw consultant, no waiting, prescribed muscle relaxant, ultra sound, massage and physio. Paid for weekly sessions, 500 baht. Went for four weeks, Consultant cheap as chips.
Eric **********
Eric **********
Get yourself a script for pain killers and a serious muscle relaxant… only thing that works for me.
Robert *****
Robert *****
@Eric *********
plus it’s over the counter in Thailand.
Jon ******
Jon ******
I've been living with lower back pain for over 20 years "L3, L4, L5" the best treatment for me was stretching and yoga. I do both daily and the most improvement out of everything else like the chiropractor or pills, cheers
Jens *********
Jens *********
@Jon *****
I broke my back in four places and have bin sore all mi life went for PRP stemcels 2 months ago now no pain.
Sue ******
Sue ******
@Jens ********
did you have the treatment in Thailand? Can you recommend anywhere here?
Sue ******
Sue ******
@Jens ********
Thanku so much 🙏🙏
Jens *********
Jens *********
@Sue *****
yes I had it here in Thailand. There are a few clinics that do this type of treatment. I use Zen clinic in Pattaya and I recommend them. I have bin with them for 12 years while using TRT treatment. PRP is when they use your own blood to make stemcels and they charge 5000Tbh. Per session. Using stemcels made from umbilical cords is more expensive. PRP treatment last up to 3 years.
Bo ********
Bo ********
@Jon *****
I’m right there with you. Degenerative discs from service injuries. As long as I train and stay active and keep the weight off, I am pain free.

A week bender of drinks and debauchery and I can’t move.
Graham *******
Graham *******
ibuprofen
Jens *********
Jens *********
PRP stemcels instant pain relief...!!
Tore *********
Tore *********
If you love your back, don’t go to Chiro. Go to a real Physiotherapist. I got very good experience with BPC.

As for health insurance, a global plan with one of the big ones like AXA or Cigna is safest bet for a farang. (No US coverage)

Might wanna do a MRI to check for hernia etc, not that expensive out of pocket. In Bangkok diags seems cheap, treatment expensive
Annette *********
Annette *********
@Tore ********
except they don't cover pre existing conditions so useless.
Tore *********
Tore *********
@Annette ********
very few does 🤷🏻‍♂️ But have to start somewhere. In some cases they do though
Bo ********
Bo ********
I’m in your boat, before you get hate from everyone for not having insurance. I’ll get there, just wasn’t the first thing on my list 😂😂😂.

My first question would be, can I just pay cash for whatever procedure I need? As long as that’s a yes, I’m fine.

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