Post-Surgery Recovery: Why Can't My Father Get Out of Bed?
There has been improvement after the surgery, but the patient is still unable to get out of bed? Last September, my father underwent spinal surgery due to a car accident, which involved two vertebrae slipping and one fractured. During the procedure, screws and bone cement were us...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: Generally, improvement occurs gradually within 3 to 6 months post-surgery. If it has been nearly 3 months since November and the improvement is limited despite rehabilitation exercises, it is advisable to discuss with your physician whether to pursue follow-up imaging to a...[Read More] Post-Surgery Recovery: Why Can't My Father Get Out of Bed?
Understanding Upper Back and Rib Pain After COVID-19: Causes and Solutions
Pain in the upper back and rib area? Hello, my mother is 66 years old. She was first diagnosed with COVID-19 on December 9, 2022, and tested negative on December 19. During her infection, she experienced severe throat pain and loss of smell, which have not yet recovered. She has ...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: It is suspected that there may be a thoracolumbar compression fracture or other conditions. It is recommended to consult a spine specialist surgeon. An MRI evaluation is advised. Wishing you a speedy recovery. By Dr. Lai Chao-Kang, Department of Spine Surgery, Changhua Hos...[Read More] Understanding Upper Back and Rib Pain After COVID-19: Causes and Solutions
Post-Concussion Symptoms: When to Seek Further Medical Attention
Post-concussion syndrome? On the 6th, I slipped and hit the back of my head. Initially, I had no symptoms, but starting the next day, I experienced intermittent nausea and a feeling of wanting to vomit (without weakness in my limbs, headache, drowsiness, confusion, or blurred vis...
Dr. Zhao Shaoqing Reply:
You can visit the neurosurgery outpatient clinic for consultation.[Read More] Post-Concussion Symptoms: When to Seek Further Medical Attention
Head Injury and Neck Pain: Understanding Symptoms and Causes
Head trauma with neck pain extending to the head? Hello doctor, two days ago I bumped my head against a rising iron gate, hitting the area near the back of my head. When I hit it, my neck flexed slightly, and since then I have been experiencing significant pain from my neck to my...
Dr. Zhao Shaoqing Reply:
Hello: A severe impact to the head may potentially cause injury to the cervical spine, affecting the stability of the vertebrae. If symptoms persist for more than two weeks, it is necessary to visit a neurosurgery outpatient clinic for examination and treatment. The Changhua Hosp...[Read More] Head Injury and Neck Pain: Understanding Symptoms and Causes
Understanding the Impact of Head Injuries on Lower Limb Pain
Consultation Inquiry Hello Doctor: I sustained a head injury from a car accident (right side head trauma with right cheek contusion and mild subarachnoid hemorrhage on the left side) and have been resting for over a month. I would like to ask if my head injury could affect the te...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: Your questions: 1. Will a head injury affect the tendon in my right heel? Theoretically, no. 2. I experience a stretching pain in the tendon at the back of my right heel when I squat or kneel. It is suspected to be a soft tissue injury in the right heel. It is recommended ...[Read More] Understanding the Impact of Head Injuries on Lower Limb Pain
Unconscious Arm Raising During Sleep: Should You See a Neurologist or Orthopedist?
Raising hands unconsciously while sleeping? For the past month, I have been unconsciously raising my hands or placing them under my head while sleeping. Initially, it didn't affect my sleep much; I just felt shoulder soreness upon waking, which would subside after a while. H...
Dr. Zhao Shaoqing Reply:
You can see a neurologist.[Read More] Unconscious Arm Raising During Sleep: Should You See a Neurologist or Orthopedist?
Head Injury and Clear Nasal Discharge: What You Need to Know
Head injury with nasal discharge? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask about an incident that happened today. While playing with my boyfriend, the bed moved and he hit the back of his head against the bed frame. At that moment, a large amount of clear, slightly yellow fluid flowed ...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
If you have not encountered a similar situation, it is recommended to visit the outpatient clinic to inquire about the medical history in detail if there are any issues.[Read More] Head Injury and Clear Nasal Discharge: What You Need to Know
Post-Spinal Fusion Surgery: Safe Exercise and Activity Guidelines
Postoperative Exercise After Spinal Fusion Surgery Doctor, I had spinal fusion surgery a year ago, and my condition is quite good. However, I heard from my neighbor that she had her surgery over three years ago and recently went back to the hospital because the screws became loos...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: 1. Basically, one year after spinal fusion surgery, the fusion should be complete. 2. If you had surgery over three years ago and recently returned to the hospital due to loose screws, this is uncommon but possible. If the patient has poor bone quality, even osteoporosis, ...[Read More] Post-Spinal Fusion Surgery: Safe Exercise and Activity Guidelines
Managing Lumbar Disc Issues: Pain Relief Strategies for Nerve Symptoms
Lumbar spine issues Hello Doctor, I went for an MRI due to lower back pain and found two herniated discs. Here is the link to the images: (https://drive.google.com/file/d/1lS-KgDRs9jKT1D_toQgb0SpUsl3ep7fV/view?usp=drivesdk). Currently, I am experiencing swelling in the front of m...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: 1. It is recommended to start with conservative treatment, including medication and rehabilitation. If there is no improvement, you may consider lumbar epidural steroid injection or even minimally invasive surgery. You can find more information at the following link: https...[Read More] Managing Lumbar Disc Issues: Pain Relief Strategies for Nerve Symptoms
Hard Bump on Right Back of Head: Causes and Treatment Options
There is a protrusion in the right posterior part of the brain? There is a hard protrusion on the right side of the back of my head that feels like bone. It hurts when I press on it while sleeping, and it feels tight. The entire area feels uncomfortable, similar to a stiff neck, ...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
Unable to perform a physical examination, cannot make a diagnosis, please schedule an appointment with the neurosurgery outpatient clinic.[Read More] Hard Bump on Right Back of Head: Causes and Treatment Options
Understanding Herniated Discs: Rehabilitation vs. Surgery Options
Herniated disc Hello Dr. Lai, I went to see an orthopedic doctor due to lower back pain and found out that I have a herniated disc. I would like to ask if rehabilitation can improve my condition, or if surgery is the only option. I'm not sure how to upload images.
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: A lumbar disc herniation may not necessarily present with discomfort. If you are already experiencing back pain or nerve pain symptoms, it is advisable to proceed step by step: first, protect your back by avoiding bending and heavy lifting. Use anti-inflammatory and analge...[Read More] Understanding Herniated Discs: Rehabilitation vs. Surgery Options
Understanding Cervical and Lumbar Disc Compression Symptoms
Cervical and lumbar spine compression? About 8-9 years ago, I underwent an MRI examination which revealed herniated discs at the C3-4-5-6 levels causing compression. At that time, my main symptoms included numbness and pain in my left arm and fingers, along with occasional tingli...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
Herniated discs can occur on both sides, and the symptoms may be intermittent.[Read More] Understanding Cervical and Lumbar Disc Compression Symptoms
Understanding Numbness in the Second Toe: Causes and Treatment Options
Numbness in the second toe? About two months ago, I noticed decreased sensation in the second toe of my right foot. I initially thought it was due to diabetes, but blood tests came back normal. After a month, the sensation in the second toe of my left foot suddenly decreased and ...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
Symptoms are mild; an MRI can be performed for confirmation. A consultation with a neurosurgery outpatient clinic is recommended.[Read More] Understanding Numbness in the Second Toe: Causes and Treatment Options
Understanding Head Injuries: When to Seek Medical Attention After a Fall
Head injury, with pain at the site of impact? Hello, doctor. On August 26, while playing on a water slide, I may have slid down incorrectly and hit the back of my head against the slide. At that moment, I felt pain, but there were no other obvious discomforts. Later, the impact p...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
The primary concern with head trauma is intracranial hemorrhage. If there are accompanying symptoms of nausea and vomiting, it is advisable to seek treatment at a neurosurgery outpatient clinic.[Read More] Understanding Head Injuries: When to Seek Medical Attention After a Fall
Post-Spinal Surgery Concerns: Recovery, Complications, and Future Work
Post-operative issues related to spinal surgery (sequelae, functional roles, uncertain recovery status) Hello Doctor, I suffered a burst fracture of the lumbar spine at L3-L4 at the end of June. Due to the loosening of the screw at L4, I need to return to the hospital for surgery...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: 1. Lifting heavy objects, standing for long periods, and squatting for extended durations can harm the lumbar spine and increase your risk of recurrence. It is advisable to adjust the nature of your work. 2. You will not become incapacitated. After the fusion of the spine,...[Read More] Post-Spinal Surgery Concerns: Recovery, Complications, and Future Work
Understanding S2 Bilateral Cysts: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Bilateral S2 cysts Hello Dr. Lai: The MRI examination revealed cysts on both sides of S2, and I am experiencing symptoms such as perineal pain, which worsens when sitting (around the labia and urethral opening), lower back pain, pain in the buttocks on both sides of the groin, an...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: 1. Cysts of the sacrum, predominantly affect females (85%). Most cases do not require surgery. Symptoms include pain in the corresponding lumbar, sacral, gluteal, and perineal regions, weakness, numbness, restlessness, and relief when lying flat or on the side. There may...[Read More] Understanding S2 Bilateral Cysts: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Can Massage Therapy Affect Intracranial Aneurysm Coils and Stents?
Intracranial dural arteriovenous fistula Hello Dr. Chang: My husband (37 years old) previously had an intracranial dural arteriovenous fistula and underwent surgery (with coils and stents placed in the cerebral vasculature). Recently, he has been experiencing pain in his shoulder...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
Due to the uncertainty regarding the exact location and size of the intracranial vascular stent, it is recommended to consult with Dr. Yuan Qiu for further evaluation.[Read More] Can Massage Therapy Affect Intracranial Aneurysm Coils and Stents?
Understanding the Connection Between Back Pain and Chest Discomfort After Spine Surgery
Spinal issues Hello Doctor: I previously underwent surgery for spinal stenosis that was compressing my nerves. A few months ago, during a follow-up visit, I had an X-ray taken, and the results showed no significant issues. However, it has been over two years since the surgery, an...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: It may be a thoracic spine lesion. I recommend that you consult a physician to arrange for an MRI evaluation. Best wishes, Dr. Lai Chao-Kang, Chief of Spine Surgery, Changhua Hospital.[Read More] Understanding the Connection Between Back Pain and Chest Discomfort After Spine Surgery
Understanding L5 Spondylolisthesis: Symptoms, Risks, and Treatment Options
L5 and sacral vertebrae slippage Hello Dr. Lai, I would like to ask about my condition. I have a fifth lumbar vertebra with spondylolysis and spondylolisthesis. Some doctors have said it is grade IV spondylolisthesis, while others have described it as severe. I first discovered t...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: 1. Is it possible for this condition to worsen, or can I coexist with it? A: It may worsen. If you feel you can walk and tolerate the symptoms, you can coexist with it (however, it will not be cured) - think of it like continuing to drive an old car. 2. If I do not hav...[Read More] Understanding L5 Spondylolisthesis: Symptoms, Risks, and Treatment Options
Post-Discectomy Recovery: Understanding Symptoms and Next Steps
Postoperative care after disc herniation surgery? Hello Doctor, I have a herniated disc at L4-L5 and underwent microdiscectomy about a month ago. The doctor mentioned that the procedure involved decompression and removal of the nucleus pulposus, and no other materials were implan...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: I suggest you undergo another MRI for confirmation. Wishing you a speedy recovery. By Dr. Lai Chao-Kang, Department of Neurosurgery, Changhua Hospital.[Read More] Post-Discectomy Recovery: Understanding Symptoms and Next Steps