Neck Pain Specialist | Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Dr. Trinh — Orthopedic specialist, Ho Chi Minh City

Does your father or mother struggle to turn their head to look behind — having to turn their whole body instead?

Stiff neck, heavy shoulders, numbness running down the arm — signs the neck bones and joints are having trouble. An orthopedic specialist can examine to find exactly where the problem is, before the arm weakens further.

Does this sound like your mother or father?

A day in the life of a parent living with neck and shoulder pain

Waking up in the morning, the neck is stiff and turning the head to either side hurts sharply — they have to turn their whole body instead.

Shoulders and upper back feel heavy as if carrying a stone; the pain spreads up toward the head as the day goes on.

Numbness runs from the neck down to the shoulder, arm, and fingers — sometimes objects slip easily from their grip.

At night, no pillow position feels right for the neck; sleep is shallow, and they wake up still tired.

And their biggest worry: "If the numbness continues like this, will the arm keep getting weaker?"

Long-lasting neck and shoulder pain will not heal on its own

A child's decision to bring their parent for an early exam, or to keep waiting — the difference is large:

Bring them for an exam now

Know clearly if it's muscle tension or worn cervical bone
Most cases treated with medicine and movement — no surgery needed
Less numbness, easier neck turning, better sleep

Exam soon: know clearly if it's muscle tension or worn cervical bones; most cases treated without surgery; less numbness, easier neck turning, better sleep.

Keep waiting another 1–2 years

Nerve compression in the neck worsens
Arm numbness and weakness increase, objects drop more often
Severe cases need longer, costlier treatment

Delay 1–2 years: nerve compression in the neck worsens; arm numbness and weakness increase, objects drop more often; severe cases need longer, costlier treatment.

Why does coining (cạo gió) the neck and shoulder area not relieve the numbness?

Many Khmer people call this pain "khyâl cap" (wind-catching), and coining the neck and shoulder area is the most common home remedy. Coining can bring real, temporary relief — that's normal. But when the cervical spine is worn down or a nerve is being compressed, coining alone can't reach the root cause. A specialist exam is needed first to know what to do next.

The doctor examines first, then advises based on the actual case. No promise of a specific outcome — only a proper exam so you know the right next step.

Know the exact price before anything is done

You do not need to transfer any money in advance — payment is made at the clinic counter only after you have met the doctor. The doctor examines first, then tells you the exact price before doing anything — no hidden extra charges.

Full package price (US dollars)

Neck & shoulder consultation Full package, no extra charge	50 USD 10 USD
Joint injection Full package, no extra charge	From $190
Arthroscopy (keyhole joint surgery) Full package, no extra charge	full package price quoted after exam
Joint replacement Full package, no extra charge	full package price quoted after exam

Operating room — The doctor and team in the operating room

* Prices above are full package, one-time, no hidden extras. Final price depends on each patient's actual case after the doctor's examination.

The trip from Cambodia

Bus: Phnom Penh – Ho Chi Minh City

Via Bavet – Moc Bai border crossing

Khmer-speaking pickup available, with an interpreter staying with you through the whole exam

Message us on Messenger to book an appointment

Inside the operating room — real footage of the doctor and team

Real footage, September 2026

Frequently asked questions

Q: Why does the neck get sore from sitting at a computer for a long time? A: It's usually not osteoarthritis — most of the time it's simply posture. The neck muscles hold one position all day; tilting the head forward just 2-3 cm doubles the load on the neck. Raising the screen to eye level and moving gently every 30-45 minutes usually helps.

Q: Is it dangerous if the neck makes a cracking sound? A: If it cracks without pain or numbness, it's usually just gas bubbles in the joint capsule or a ligament sliding over bone — harmless. An exam is needed only when it comes with pain, numbness, or arm weakness. Deliberately cracking the neck for the sound is not recommended.

Q: Is neck and shoulder pain always from degeneration (osteoarthritis)? A: Usually not. In younger people it's mostly muscle strain and posture. True cervical spine degeneration usually comes with pain and numbness radiating down the shoulder blade and arm. Seeing the word ‘degeneration’ on an X-ray at age 30-40 is common and doesn't necessarily mean it's the cause of the pain.

More about the doctor and the trip

About Dr. Trinh Coming from Cambodia Patient questions

Other conditions we treat

Knee pain Gout Back pain Herniated disc Shoulder pain Home