A man shared a cautionary story about a strong sneeze that left him weak and collapsed. An MRI revealed a herniated disc, believed to have resulted from an old injury. He warns those with frequent back pain to see a doctor promptly to avoid serious issues.
On 22 September 2026, another cautionary story emerged for those who strain their bodies, especially their backs. A man recounted that just one powerful sneeze caused a herniated disc, leaving him weak and collapsed to the floor.
Mr. Phitsanu told Thairath Online that on the day of the incident, he had just used nasal spray for hemorrhoids before sneezing much more forcefully than usual. At the time, he was holding a heavy bag and was putting all his weight on one leg, which caused him to collapse immediately.
“One side went numb. My right leg had no strength at all. It felt like being shocked by electricity, completely powerless. I realized I could only use my arm and the other leg, so I had to squat down. It wasn’t just pain—it was intense pain, like a 10 out of 10,” said Mr. Phitsanu.
Regarding the cause, Mr. Phitsanu suspects it was an "old lesion" from five years ago when he twisted his body awkwardly to adjust his car seat. At that time, the injury was severe enough to prevent him from walking. Luckily, this time he could still be supported to walk to the hospital. An MRI revealed a herniated disc, but it had not yet slipped out, so surgery was not necessary.
He has been cautious ever since, avoiding heavy work and lifting. However, he did not expect that a single sneeze that day would trigger his old injury. While such incidents are rare for most people, he advises anyone with frequent back pain to see a doctor promptly because untreated conditions can worsen.
Finally, he wants to share his story as a warning for those who drive, lift heavy objects, or engage in activities involving frequent bending and twisting. Such strain can accumulate unnoticed until the body can no longer cope. If a disc slips fully, surgery may be required, and others might not be as fortunate as he was.