Are Lumbar Injuries and Coccyx Misalignment the Same?
Is a lumbar strain the same as a dislocated coccyx? Hello, doctor: Due to a car accident, the other party's diagnosis states that there is a contusion on the left flank, but they informed me that their coccyx is misaligned. I would like to ask if the lower back and the coccy...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
Hello, the lumbar and coccygeal regions have different medical terminologies. However, in legal matters, it is generally based on written diagnostic explanations.[Read More] Are Lumbar Injuries and Coccyx Misalignment the Same?
Why Is My Finger Numb After Getting Pinched in a Closet?
Caught hand in the closet door? A few days ago, I accidentally caught my middle finger in the closet door. It hurt so much that I couldn't breathe, and my entire middle finger became red and swollen. Now, when I slightly touch the joint that got caught, my fingertip feels nu...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
Hello, your middle finger has a contusion and swelling, which may cause a tingling sensation in the fingertip. If there are no abnormalities in finger movement and no open wounds, please apply ice for the first three days. If there is no improvement, seek assistance from a physic...[Read More] Why Is My Finger Numb After Getting Pinched in a Closet?
Managing Nerve Pain After a Car Accident: Is Salonpas Safe?
Nerve pain after a car accident? After a car accident, the doctor said that the X-ray showed no obvious external injuries and no fractures. The doctor mentioned that experiencing nerve pain for a week after the impact is normal and advised to continue monitoring the condition. If...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
Hello, as you mentioned, if there is no injury to the head, chest, or abdominal organs, it is still possible to observe first. If there is pain or discomfort and the painful area has no broken skin, you can try using over-the-counter topical analgesic and anti-inflammatory patche...[Read More] Managing Nerve Pain After a Car Accident: Is Salonpas Safe?
Understanding Lumbar Disc Herniation: Symptoms and Treatment Insights
Lumbar disc herniation Hello, Doctor: I sought treatment from the rehabilitation department last October due to lower back pain. An X-ray diagnosis indicated lumbar herniated intervertebral disc (HIVD), and I have been undergoing traction therapy, which has reached its maximum in...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
Hello, based on what you mentioned, it still seems to be related to the lumbar spine. However, the severity may not be sufficient to be detected through examinations. I recommend consulting a neurosurgeon or spine specialist for a more detailed evaluation. (It is advisable to bri...[Read More] Understanding Lumbar Disc Herniation: Symptoms and Treatment Insights
Understanding Hand Stiffness and Numbness: Causes and Solutions for Chefs
Hand stiffness and numbness? Why do my hands feel stiff and cramp-like every morning when I wake up, and why do they feel numb and painful when I make a fist? I am a chef and I cook fried rice and other dishes every day.
Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
Hello, as you mentioned, it may be related to your work and the frequent use of your hands over a long period. It could be due to muscle or fascia strain injuries, or possibly joint inflammation, carpal tunnel syndrome, or nerve compression and inflammation. It might be a good id...[Read More] Understanding Hand Stiffness and Numbness: Causes and Solutions for Chefs
Understanding Head Trauma: Symptoms and Long-Term Effects
Head trauma Four years ago, I hit my head and it was very painful at the time, but I applied medication to help it heal. After a while, I stopped using the medication and had no symptoms. However, there is still a small bump on my head, about 1 to 2 centimeters, and it feels hard...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
Hello, as you mentioned, it is recommended to seek medical attention from a neurosurgeon for further evaluation. Wishing you a speedy recovery. // Dr. Lai Chao-Kang, Chief of Spine Neurosurgery, Changhua Hospital.[Read More] Understanding Head Trauma: Symptoms and Long-Term Effects
Understanding Acute Herniated Discs: When Bed Rest Fails to Relieve Pain
Acute herniated disc, with pain that cannot be relieved even while lying down? My wife experienced severe pain in her right thigh after lifting a heavy object four days ago. The next day, she also had intense pain in her calf and numbness in her toes. The hospital diagnosed her w...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
Hello, you may have a serious lumbar spine issue. 1. If you need to use morphine, it is indeed quite severe. Have you undergone a lumbar MRI? 2. Generally, for symptomatic relief, you can try rest, pain medications, and rehabilitation (though if walking is difficult, rehabilitati...[Read More] Understanding Acute Herniated Discs: When Bed Rest Fails to Relieve Pain
Understanding Nerve Compression: Can Weakness Occur Without Pain?
Sitting too forcefully on a chair? Hello, Doctor! I would like to ask you a question. Recently, while sitting on a chair, I mistakenly thought it was a sofa chair, so I sat down with a lot of force without controlling my weight. I’m not sure if it’s just my imagination, but I fee...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
Hello! 1. Do you still have the symptom of slight weakness in your right foot? If it has resolved, just keep an eye on it and be cautious in the future. If it persists, I recommend visiting a hospital for evaluation. 2. In cases of nerve compression, is it necessary to experience...[Read More] Understanding Nerve Compression: Can Weakness Occur Without Pain?
Understanding Coccydynia: Causes and Treatment for Tailbone Pain
Coccydynia Recently, whenever I bend my head down while sitting at work, I experience a pulling pain in the tailbone area, and I also feel pain when bending backward. What could be the cause of this? I have not had these symptoms before, but they started after I began practicing ...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
Hello, you may have some issues with your lumbar and sacral vertebrae. 1. If the symptoms are not severe, it is recommended to rest more and use a lumbar support. Avoid movements that cause discomfort. Discuss with your yoga instructor whether any adjustments to your poses are ne...[Read More] Understanding Coccydynia: Causes and Treatment for Tailbone Pain
Understanding Post-Surgery Symptoms: Is It Sciatica Again?
Disc surgery has been performed? Seven years ago, I had spinal disc surgery. Recently, I have been experiencing tingling and occasional sharp pain in my left calf and thigh, which feels similar to the symptoms I had before the surgery, although it's not as severe as it was b...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
Hello, based on your description, it is likely that you are experiencing sciatica. However, I still recommend visiting a hospital for a professional evaluation by a physician. Wishing you a speedy recovery. Dr. Lai Chao-Kang, Director of the Spine and Nerve Surgery Department, Ch...[Read More] Understanding Post-Surgery Symptoms: Is It Sciatica Again?
Understanding Numbness in the Right Leg: Possible Causes and Solutions
Numbness and tingling in the right foot? For the past week, I have been experiencing a tingling and cool sensation in my right thigh and near the pelvis. This feeling is especially noticeable when sitting. There is no pain, but it is quite uncomfortable. What could be the possibl...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
Hello, as you mentioned, it is too brief. However, I suggest trying local heat therapy first. If there is no improvement after 3-5 days, I recommend that you visit a clinic for a consultation. You may start with a neurosurgery evaluation. Wishing you well from Changhua Hospital.[Read More] Understanding Numbness in the Right Leg: Possible Causes and Solutions
Understanding Lumbar Artificial Discs: Benefits and Recovery for Active Lifestyles
Artificial intervertebral disc Hello, I would like to ask about my previous lumbar disc surgery, which I found online is referred to as "lumbar spinal fusion surgery." Recently, I came across another procedure called "lumbar artificial disc replacement," which...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
Hello, the lumbar spine consists of many segments. If the <old> segments have already fused, they cannot be replaced with a <lumbar artificial disc>. However, for other <new> segments that are affected, it can be assessed based on the condition to determine if i...[Read More] Understanding Lumbar Artificial Discs: Benefits and Recovery for Active Lifestyles
Understanding Concussion Symptoms After a Minor Motorcycle Accident
Concussion issues If you were hit by a motorcycle and fell on your buttocks without hitting your head, but are now experiencing dizziness that has become more frequent over the past two weeks, it is possible that you could be experiencing a concussion, especially if there was any...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
Hello, as mentioned: "There was no direct impact to the head, but I feel dizzy and lightheaded. Initially, it was just a little dizziness, but after two weeks, it has become more frequent." Since there was no direct trauma to the head and no external injury, it cannot b...[Read More] Understanding Concussion Symptoms After a Minor Motorcycle Accident
Is My Leg Numbness a Sign of Disc Herniation Recurrence?
Is this a recurrence of a herniated disc? Six years ago, I underwent minimally invasive surgery to remove a portion of a herniated disc at the L4/L5 level due to pain and numbness in my left leg, and I recovered well. However, two months ago, after sneezing, I noticed numbness fr...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
1. Does this count as a recurrence of a herniated disc? A: It is possible. Please arrange for further examinations such as X-rays and MRI to confirm. 2. Is the numbness in the foot due to nerve compression? A: It is possible, but it could also be due to other issues. 3. If th...[Read More] Is My Leg Numbness a Sign of Disc Herniation Recurrence?
Understanding Cauda Equina Syndrome: Risks and Recovery Options
Cauda equina Hello doctor, it seems that I have compressed my cauda equina nerves, resulting in erectile dysfunction. Can chronic compression lead to complete nerve damage? I am currently undergoing rehabilitation treatment, and I experience a stimulating sensation during bowel m...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
Hello, 1. It seems that I have compressed the cauda equina, causing erectile dysfunction. Can chronic compression lead to complete nerve damage? A: If the compression is severe, it is possible. 2. I am currently undergoing rehabilitation therapy, and I feel a stimulating sens...[Read More] Understanding Cauda Equina Syndrome: Risks and Recovery Options
Understanding Neck Pain When Tilting Back: Causes and Treatment Options
Pain occurs only when the cervical spine is extended? Hello... I have been suffering from a neck injury due to sports for 10 years. Since the injury, I have been able to look down, bend to the left and right, and tilt my head to the left and right without any issues. However, I e...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
Hello, when you lean back, you experience pain in the entire posterior neck area. This may be due to poor stability of the cervical spine during extension. It is recommended to arrange for dynamic X-rays or further examinations. I suggest you visit the neurosurgery outpatient cli...[Read More] Understanding Neck Pain When Tilting Back: Causes and Treatment Options
Understanding Cauda Equina Syndrome: Risks and Recovery Options
Cauda equina Recently diagnosed with a herniated disc, which has been ongoing for two to three years without active rehabilitation. During this time, I have also lifted heavy objects and engaged in intense exercise. Is there a significant chance of cauda equina syndrome leading t...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
Hello, 1. Is there a significant chance that a herniated disc is compressing the cauda equina and causing erectile dysfunction? It is possible, but it is recommended to visit a clinic for an MRI and other examinations for proper assessment. 2. Severe injuries are more commonl...[Read More] Understanding Cauda Equina Syndrome: Risks and Recovery Options
Understanding Nerve Damage Symptoms and Recovery Chances After Surgery
Nerve damage I would like to ask about the symptoms of nerve damage. What are the chances of recovery? (I have already undergone nerve repair surgery.) Thank you!
Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
Hello, since you have undergone nerve repair surgery, it is important to consult your original surgeon based on the trust between doctor and patient. Wishing you a speedy recovery.[Read More] Understanding Nerve Damage Symptoms and Recovery Chances After Surgery
Understanding Mild Thoracic Scoliosis: Treatment Options and Corrections
Mild thoracic scoliosis? Recently, an X-ray examination showed a slight scoliosis of the thoracic spine. Should any treatment be undertaken? Currently, there is no discomfort. Is it possible to correct it?
Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
Hello, the X-ray examination shows a slight scoliosis of the thoracic spine, which is not uncommon. In addition to congenital factors, there are also acquired issues during the developmental period of schoolchildren, such as poor posture. Whether treatment is necessary depends on...[Read More] Understanding Mild Thoracic Scoliosis: Treatment Options and Corrections
Understanding Nerve Repair Surgery: Recovery and Expectations
Doctor, please help me..? Doctor, I would like to ask about the surgery for nerve repair. Is it likely for the fingers to regain movement after the procedure? Additionally, how long does it typically take to see any movement? I have already undergone surgery by Dr. Chuang at Chan...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
Hello. In short, medicine is complex. After nerve suturing, it takes time for the nerves to regenerate and regain function. Since you have undergone surgery, any postoperative issues should be addressed with the original surgeon. Wishing you a speedy recovery.[Read More] Understanding Nerve Repair Surgery: Recovery and Expectations