“A good surgeon has to be good not only at surgery
but also at treating patients without surgery.”
“Every patient requires unique treatment and exercise regimen. We need to assess and analyze in detail to recommend what is the most suitable and beneficial for them.” This point of view, derived from the long clinical experience of Dr. Chaiyot Thiranont, an orthopedic surgeon specializing in spine surgery, bespeaks the attention that leads to satisfying treatment results. He also related his interesting personal stories.
- Curious about economics, but mom wants him to be a doctor.
It was common knowledge that students from Triam Udom Suksa School in those days chose to enroll in a few university faculties. Initially, Dr. Chaiyot was interested in economics due to the 1997 "Tom Yum Krung" financial crises requiring an IMF bailout. But this intention had to be shelved.
“Even though I was interested in economics, my mom preferred me to study medicine. If I did not go along, I might not be allowed to enter the house (laughing). But I was okay with that. At least I did not have to go against my will too much. Most of my classmates, nearly three-quarters, chose to study medicine. As a teenager, I loved to hang out with friends; it made learning fun. I became increasingly attracted as it made me understand my body and can apply knowledge to look after family members.”
“I was drawn to orthopedics because I like things that have structure. I like robots and working with concrete objects, and bone is the closest thing to that, so I chose orthopedics. For my sub-specialty, I chose the surgery I was adept at, spine surgery. I have never regretted the choice. As a practicing orthopedic surgeon, I feel I am in the right place.” Dr. Chaiyot avers confidently.
- What to do if back pain is self-inflicted
Based on his clinical experience in treating patients, Dr. Chaiyot found that most back pains are due to the lifestyles and behaviors of patients. With proper advice, the patient’s quality of life will improve.
“Common spine disorders are of two groups. The first is due to degeneration, such as degenerative disc disease, lumbar disc herniation or rupture, and spinal nerve compression. The second consists of illnesses and symptoms caused by office syndrome: neck, shoulder, and scapular pain.
“These conditions are lifestyles and unhealthy posture related; poor muscle strength, weight, and genetics may also play a role. Studies found that we are born with differing body parts strength, including bones, intervertebral disc, and various joints.”
- A surgeon desiring to help patients avoid surgery.
For treatment approaches, Dr. Chaiyot focuses on integrating knowledge and treatment methods for long-term efficiency. Hence, he intricately assesses and examines the patients to identify suitable treatment strategies.
“I usually assess and give weight to the needs of patients. I believe there are not many spine disorders that require surgery. Patients’ conditions can improve with lifestyle changes and exercise. If there’s a definite indication for surgery, I will choose surgery as treatment.”
In Dr. Chaiyot’s opinion, a good surgeon must be good not only at surgery but also at treating patients to steer clear of surgery. Desiring to help patients resume their lives as fully as possible, he strives to acquire more knowledge in other fields that is ancillary to his professional spheres, such as exercise, yoga, Pilates, and chiropractic, which focus on building strength and improving posture.
“After a deep dive into the subject, I found that different patients require different treatments and exercise regimens. A thorough assessment and analysis is needed to recommend what is beneficial and suitable for patients. With more well-rounded knowledge in other fields, I realize I understand more about patients’ problems and become a more complete doctor.”
“Throughout my career, spine surgeons can save and change a patient’s life. Surgery can transform a bedridden patient into being able to walk, be happy again, go back to work, and take care of their families. We treated them in time, preventing them from being disabled. I saw with my own eyes that their lives have improved, which means I have achieved my intentions and endeavors.”
Success in helping patients turns into sheer inspiration, affirming that he is indeed in the right place.
- An orthopedic surgeon who is enamored of the taste and vignettes of wines.
To our surprise, Dr. Chaiyot enjoys drinking and learning about wines from every world corner.
“Wine is like an art. A winemaker is an artist. Each artist creates a unique piece of work. Even the wines from the grapes planted next to each other taste different if the brewing processes are not the same. Winemakers have different formularizations and purposes in winemaking. They don’t follow the same rigid guidelines on how to make excellent wines. They would adopt the approach they believe yields fine wines and share the unique taste to others, which makes wine tasting fascinating.”
Besides wine tasting, Dr. Chaiyot prioritizes exercise. Maintaining a healthy body is a way to slow degeneration and is beneficial to bones.
“Bones and muscles work as a unit, enabling us to make any movement. Strong muscles can help carry weight and provide good support to joints, preventing their overuse. I suggest any types of exercises that strengthen core muscles.
“Strong core muscles will prevent overtaxing smaller peripheral muscles. Hence, degeneration of bones and joints will occur more slowly.”
Dr. Chaiyot recommends maintaining healthy postures and avoiding sitting or staying still for too long. Frequent standing or moving your body activates and strengthens your muscles, which will help maintain healthy bones that can last a long time.
Dr Chaiyot Thiranont
An orthopedist specializing in spine surgery
Doctor profile
