Patient Testimonial – Ms. Trieu Thi Thuan (80 years old, Phung Chi Kien, Cau Giay, Hanoi)
I am 80 years old this year. I spent my entire career as a hydraulic engineer, constantly traveling and taking care of myself. At my age, I don’t ask for much anymore. All I hope for is to remain independent—to walk on my own, eat by myself, and manage my daily life without becoming a burden to my children and grandchildren.
But at the end of 2023, I suddenly started experiencing pain across my lower back. At first, I thought it was simply because I was getting older or that the weather had changed. I didn’t pay much attention to it.
However, the pain gradually became worse. It wasn’t ordinary back pain. It started in my lower back and radiated all the way down my leg, sometimes reaching my toes. There were days when I couldn’t sit, couldn’t stand comfortably, and couldn’t even lie down without pain. Every time I turned over in bed, it hurt. Some nights, the pain was so severe that tears would simply roll down my face because I couldn’t find any position that brought relief.
I went to the hospital for an examination. The doctor told me I had severe spinal degeneration and multiple herniated discs from L2 to L5. The most serious level was L4-L5, where the disc had collapsed and slipped forward, compressing the nerve. That was why I had been suffering from constant pain.
The doctor prescribed medication, and I took it continuously for four months. While I was taking the medicine, the pain improved. But as soon as I stopped, it came back. The cycle repeated over and over again. Later, after researching online, I realized that the medications were mainly painkillers and muscle relaxants. They eased the symptoms but did not treat the root cause.
I asked the doctor if there were any other options because I simply couldn’t endure the pain anymore. He told me that since my spinal discs had already collapsed significantly, surgery was the only remaining solution.
When I heard the word “surgery,” I became very frightened. The doctor explained that the procedure would require about three hours under general anesthesia. At my age, with underlying health conditions, I was terrified. After discussing it with my son, he honestly admitted he was worried I might not tolerate such a major operation. In the end, I decided not to undergo surgery.
During that period, my life became confined almost entirely to my room. My bedroom was on the second floor, and every meal had to be brought upstairs by my family. After eating, someone would come back to clear everything away. I only dared to walk around my room or to the bathroom because I was afraid the pain would strike or that I might fall. Sometimes I lay there alone, wondering if this was how I would spend the rest of my life.
Fortunately, one of my friends had also suffered from a herniated disc. She had been treated at ICCARE for several months and had regained her mobility. She encouraged me to give it a try.
When I arrived at ICCARE, I was examined by an international chiropractor and underwent imaging again. The diagnosis was consistent with what I had received at the hospital, which reassured me. The doctor carefully explained my condition and introduced their treatment approach—one that does not rely on medication or injections, but instead combines chiropractic spinal adjustments with advanced rehabilitation technology.
When I heard that I wouldn’t need surgery or medication, I felt a huge sense of relief. So I decided to begin treatment.
On my very first visit, I could barely walk. One of the staff members had to help support me as I entered the clinic.
The doctor performed a chiropractic adjustment. The sensation was unlike anything I had experienced before. It felt as though my spine had been stuck or out of alignment, and was finally being gently restored to its proper position. It wasn’t painful at all. Instead, I could genuinely feel that my body was being realigned.
When the treatment finished and I stepped off the table, my body immediately felt lighter. Walking became easier, and the pain was noticeably less intense. It had been a very long time since I had felt that comfortable.
Afterward, I received treatment with therapeutic rehabilitation equipment. During the session, I didn’t notice much, but once it was over, my lower back felt much less tense. My whole body felt lighter, and the stiffness that had bothered me for so long had eased significantly. On my way home, I kept wondering how I could feel noticeably better after just one session.
That was when I decided to continue with the treatment program.
Today, I have completed my sixth treatment session. Honestly, I would say my condition has improved by more than half. I haven’t needed to take another single painkiller, and walking has become much easier. The constant pain that used to follow me every day is no longer there.
The greatest joy for me is that I can now walk downstairs by myself and have meals together with my children again. I no longer have to stay upstairs waiting for someone to bring food to me. Sometimes I even walk to the entrance of the alley and chat with my neighbors. Life feels so much brighter and more enjoyable now.
At my age, I don’t ask for anything extraordinary. Being able to walk independently and take care of myself is more than enough. To me, that is something truly precious.
I don’t know what more I can say except that this treatment has been exactly what I needed. Without medication and without surgery, my body has gradually recovered. I am sincerely grateful to the doctors and every member of the ICCARE team for their dedication and compassionate care.
