Understanding Inflammatory Back Pain: Is It Ankylosing Spondylitis?
Ankylosing Spondylitis Hello, Doctor! I would like to ask about my HLA-B27 test result, which came back negative, but X-rays show inflammation in my sacroiliac joints, approximately at a grade two level on both sides. Does this mean I have ankylosing spondylitis? Although I don&#...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Hello, online user: Inflammation of the bilateral sacroiliac joints, combined with morning lower back pain, raises the suspicion of ankylosing spondylitis. However, it is still recommended to consult a rheumatologist for further differential diagnosis. Most patients experience li...[Read More] Understanding Inflammatory Back Pain: Is It Ankylosing Spondylitis?
Understanding X-ray Discrepancies in Sacroiliitis Diagnosis
Regarding the X-ray issues related to sacroiliitis, please continue with your questions? First, I would like to thank the doctor for the response. As the doctor mentioned, serum tests are only a reference. I am more concerned about the X-ray findings. Although inflammation may no...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello Mr. Lu, thank you for your question. The sacroiliac joint appears irregular on X-rays, making it challenging to determine the presence of arthritis, as there can be discrepancies in grading. As for which hospital's X-ray results are more reliable, there are many influe...[Read More] Understanding X-ray Discrepancies in Sacroiliitis Diagnosis
Understanding Sacroiliitis: X-Ray Findings and Clinical Implications
Regarding X-ray issues in sacroiliitis? Hello, Doctor. I have been experiencing chronic lower back pain and suspect it may be ankylosing spondylitis. Recently, I underwent a re-evaluation during my military service. I previously had a negative serum test at National Taiwan Univer...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Dear Mr. Lu, Thank you for your message. The diagnosis of ankylosing spondylitis primarily relies on clinical symptoms and imaging studies, while serological tests serve as supplementary references. Therefore, if the symptoms are consistent and imaging shows abnormalities, we ma...[Read More] Understanding Sacroiliitis: X-Ray Findings and Clinical Implications
Understanding Joint Pain: Insights on Juvenile Spondyloarthritis
Joint pain issues Hello, doctor. I just learned about this website today and looked into the content regarding juvenile ankylosing spondylitis. I feel that some aspects resonate with my experience, and I hope you can provide me with some guidance. When I was in the third year o...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Hello, based on your description, if you are experiencing joint pain along with swelling in the affected joint, it indicates the presence of a rheumatic disease. Sciatica or bone spurs would not typically cause joint swelling and pain. I recommend that you visit a nearby rheumato...[Read More] Understanding Joint Pain: Insights on Juvenile Spondyloarthritis
Could I Have Ankylosing Spondylitis? Understanding Symptoms and Self-Diagnosis
Is it possible to have ankylosing spondylitis? Hello doctor, recently I have experienced occasional heel pain after sitting for long periods (about over an hour). I previously consulted a neurologist, and X-rays revealed osteophyte formation at the L4 and L5 vertebrae, resulting ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, ankylosing spondylitis often presents with chronic back pain, especially when the pain lasts for more than three months. This should be taken seriously. If the symptoms are only short-term, there is no need for excessive concern; however, if the symptoms recur or become pe...[Read More] Could I Have Ankylosing Spondylitis? Understanding Symptoms and Self-Diagnosis
Seeking Medical Advice on Sacroiliac Joint Inflammation from X-ray
I would like to inquire about the condition of sacroiliac joint inflammation? I have attached my X-ray of the pelvis and would like to ask the doctor if there is evidence of sacroiliitis. I was diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis approximately six years ago, with a positive HLA...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Hello, based on the X-ray images you provided, it appears to show grade II sacroiliitis (I use "appears" because sometimes the transmitted images are not very clear). The diagnosis of ankylosing spondylitis requires two key conditions: 1. Bilateral sacroiliitis of grade...[Read More] Seeking Medical Advice on Sacroiliac Joint Inflammation from X-ray
Understanding Left Lower Back Pain: Possible Causes and Insights
Lumbar issues? Hello, doctor. I have pain in the left side of my lower back. Symptoms: Initially, I felt soreness in my lower back upon waking up in the morning. After a few days, there was a day when I woke up with significant pain in my lower back, making it impossible to lie f...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Hello: Lower back pain, especially in the morning. Based on the limited symptom description from online users, it is not possible to provide a definitive diagnosis. Myofascial inflammation or ankylosing spondylitis should be evaluated first, followed by assessment of visceral and...[Read More] Understanding Left Lower Back Pain: Possible Causes and Insights
Persistent Back Pain at Night: Possible Causes and Solutions
Persistent back pain during sleep at night? Hello, Doctor. I have been troubled by back pain for a long time. Since one night in May of last year, I have been waking up with back pain, which occurs only at night while I sleep. The pain is located between my shoulders and lower ba...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
There are many causes of back pain, and it is not possible to determine the true reason from your email content. If ankylosing spondylitis is suspected, you should see a rheumatologist for an "HLA-B27" blood test and an X-ray of the sacroiliac joints in the lower back f...[Read More] Persistent Back Pain at Night: Possible Causes and Solutions
Understanding Persistent Fever and Back Pain: A Guide for Busy Professionals
Fever Hello Dr. Liao, I apologize for taking up your time. I am a working individual, 155 cm tall and weighing 43 kg, and I have been troubled by back pain for a long time. Over the past year, the pain has worsened, radiating from my spine to a deep point in my epigastric area. D...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers: 1. If you experience chronic back pain, general fatigue, and low-grade fever, you should first consult a neurosurgeon or orthopedic specialist to determine if it is due to poor posture, scoliosis, or spinal issues. 2. Taiwan is considered a high-prevalence area for ...[Read More] Understanding Persistent Fever and Back Pain: A Guide for Busy Professionals
Understanding Right-Sided Back Pain: Possible Causes and Insights
Questions about pain in the right side of the back? Hello Dr. Chen. I am a young man about to enlist in the military. Recently, I have come across reports about ankylosing spondylitis, which has raised some concerns about my own health. My parents do not have a history of ankylos...
Dr. Chen Baoli Reply:
Hello, Xiaochun: To diagnose ankylosing spondylitis, testing for HLA-B27 through blood work is only an auxiliary measure and cannot confirm the diagnosis; many people misunderstand this. The definitive diagnosis primarily relies on clinical symptoms, X-ray examinations, and blood...[Read More] Understanding Right-Sided Back Pain: Possible Causes and Insights
Understanding Ankylosing Spondylitis: Testing and Specialist Insights
Ankylosing Spondylitis Hello, doctor: I would like to ask if the hospital can test for "ankylosing spondylitis" and "sacroiliitis." I want to understand which doctors in the rheumatology and immunology department handle follow-up tests. Thank you for your resp...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Hello, our hospital can perform tests and evaluations for ankylosing spondylitis. Please make an appointment with Dr. Tseng Kuo-Sen in the Department of Rheumatology, Immunology, and Allergy. Sincerely, Dr. Tseng Kuo-Sen, Internal Medicine.[Read More] Understanding Ankylosing Spondylitis: Testing and Specialist Insights
Long-Term Medication: Impact on Liver and Kidney Function in Patients
Long-term medication use? I have been taking Ropinirole for a year, and six months ago I was diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis. I am currently on immunomodulators. I need to take both medications long-term. What impact might this have on my liver and kidney function? How ofte...
Dr. Huang Dayao Reply:
Reply: Hello, 1. There are many types of immunomodulators, and I am not sure which one you are taking. I cannot determine if it has nephrotoxicity; you may want to consult a rheumatology specialist regarding this matter. 2. As for Lopinavir, since it is a dermatological medicatio...[Read More] Long-Term Medication: Impact on Liver and Kidney Function in Patients
Managing Lower Back Pain After Kidney Stone and Infection
Low back pain Hello, I had kidney stones 5 years ago. On September 29, 2003, I had an outpatient visit at a hospital in Taipei due to persistent pain in the lower right back. There were no stones found, but there was inflammation and infection. What should I do about this? Thank ...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Hello: In response to your questions. 1. Urinary tract stones can cause lower back pain, hematuria, or associated infections; in severe cases, they can lead to hydronephrosis or renal dysfunction. Therefore, it is advisable to consult a urologist for examination and treatment if ...[Read More] Managing Lower Back Pain After Kidney Stone and Infection
Understanding Ear Temperature Changes: A Sign of Underlying Health Issues?
Ear problems? Hello, doctor. Thank you for your hard work. I usually have a weaker constitution and have heart disease, ankylosing spondylitis, and allergies. I would like to ask: my ears are usually cold, but sometimes one ear is cold while the other is warm. I am unsure what co...
Dr. Zhao Chongliang Reply:
There have been no reports of ear-related issues associated with ankylosing spondylitis to date. Generally, the ears can experience congestion on one or both sides due to the abundance of small blood vessels. Given your history of heart disease, it is unclear whether you have hyp...[Read More] Understanding Ear Temperature Changes: A Sign of Underlying Health Issues?
Understanding Coccydynia: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
Coccydynia (tailbone pain) Hello, two years ago I experienced wrist pain and consulted a doctor, suspecting rheumatoid arthritis (I live in Australia). I intermittently took medication and stopped, and one day it suddenly got better. Recently, I have been waking up in the morning...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Isolated wrist pain cannot be diagnosed as rheumatoid arthritis (RA). It is important to observe for symptoms such as swelling, pain, and heat in the joints (arthritis), particularly if multiple joints are involved symmetrically in both hands. If morning stiffness in the hand joi...[Read More] Understanding Coccydynia: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
How to Differentiate Recurrent Rheumatic Conditions: A Patient's Guide
How can recurrent rheumatic fever be distinguished? Hello Doctor: I have the following questions I would like to ask you! I have been experiencing aching pain in my joints, particularly in my hands and feet, during rainy days and before weather changes, and it has been progressiv...
Dr. Ke Zhengchang Reply:
Hello Doris: There are many causes of arthritis in young women. In addition to gout and rheumatoid arthritis, I recommend that you visit an orthopedic specialist for further examination and treatment. New anti-inflammatory pain relievers are effective and less likely to cause gas...[Read More] How to Differentiate Recurrent Rheumatic Conditions: A Patient's Guide