Post-Surgery Recovery Insights for Lumbar Disc Herniation Treatment
Postoperative care after disc herniation surgery? 1. Disease Name: Lumbar Disc Herniation at the L4-L5 Level 2. Surgery Name: Percutaneous Endoscopic Discectomy 3. Reason for Surgery: To relieve nerve compression On December 27, the surgery was performed due to a right low...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: After your surgery, your original symptoms have improved, and the wound has healed, which indicates a good recovery. Please continue to use lumbar support for protection. If you are still concerned, feel free to schedule an earlier follow-up appointment. Best wishes, Dr. C...[Read More] Post-Surgery Recovery Insights for Lumbar Disc Herniation Treatment
Post-Surgery Pain Management: Understanding Discomfort After Disc Surgery
Hello Dr. Lai: Issues after intervertebral disc herniation surgery? Dear Director Lai, I apologize for taking up your time with this lengthy message, but I would like to know what the next steps should be. 1. After waking up from surgery, I experienced pain in my left lower bac...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: 1. After lying flat for an extended period, the compressed nerves can become more vulnerable. Under certain conditions, poor blood circulation in the surrounding area may trigger pain and numbness, which is not uncommon. You can apply warmth through heat packs, adjust yo...[Read More] Post-Surgery Pain Management: Understanding Discomfort After Disc Surgery
Understanding Disc Herniation: When to Seek MRI for Back Pain Relief
Herniated disc Hello doctor, I have been experiencing persistent lower back pain, which is so severe that it even hurts to walk. My shoulders and neck are also very tense, and when I feel discomfort in my neck, it can lead to headaches, dizziness, and nausea. Additionally, I have...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: You may have nerve compression in your cervical spine and also have lesions in your lumbar spine. If you have already tried conservative treatment along with injection therapy without improvement, it is recommended to consider scheduling an MRI for further evaluation. Best...[Read More] Understanding Disc Herniation: When to Seek MRI for Back Pain Relief
Post-Surgery Pain After Lumbar Disc Herniation: What to Expect?
Postoperative care for herniated disc surgery? Hello Doctor, I underwent traditional surgery for an L4-L5 herniated disc at the beginning of November, without the use of a spacer. Postoperatively, my calf pain improved, but in early January, I suddenly experienced persistent shoo...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: After your decompression surgery in November, there was improvement, but in January, you experienced a recurrence of symptoms. I would like to speculate that it may be a relapse; of course, adhesions or other reasons are also possible. I recommend that you return for a fol...[Read More] Post-Surgery Pain After Lumbar Disc Herniation: What to Expect?
Understanding Irregularities in the Occipital Region: A Neurosurgical Perspective
Regarding the issue of irregularities in the occipital region? Hello, doctor. About a month ago, I noticed some irregularities in the center of the back of my head (specifically at the intersection of a line extending horizontally from the upper part of my ear and a line extendin...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: 1. As your previous orthopedic doctor mentioned, it should be a normal skull. 2. A CT scan has also been performed, and if the doctor determines it to be normal, you can feel more at ease. 3. If you are still concerned, consider consulting a neurosurgeon for another evalua...[Read More] Understanding Irregularities in the Occipital Region: A Neurosurgical Perspective
Post-Spinal Surgery: Addressing Leg Stiffness, Weakness, and Tightness
Post-spinal surgery, experiencing stiffness and weakness in the legs, along with muscle tightness? Hello Dr. Lai! I have rheumatoid arthritis and underwent L4-L5 spinal surgery (with Romeo clamps and health insurance screws) in June 2022 due to pain from slippage. I had another s...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: What you mentioned is all possible, and the treatment options can be considered. However, the key recommendation is to have your doctor arrange for a follow-up MRI for a detailed evaluation, and then plan the subsequent treatment strategy. Best wishes, Dr. Lai Chao-Kang, D...[Read More] Post-Spinal Surgery: Addressing Leg Stiffness, Weakness, and Tightness
Understanding Nerve Compression and Surgery Risks in Cervical Spondylosis
Cervical osteophytes compressing nerve edema? Consulting a physician: My mother is experiencing sharp pain in the right side of her back and stiffness in her neck and shoulders. Aside from these symptoms, there are no other issues. However, to clarify the cause of these problems,...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: You are correct, and the doctor is also correct; this is actually a matter of risk assessment and probability (high probability events vs. low probability events). 1. MRI confirms that the nerve is being compressed, causing your mother's symptoms, which is the reali...[Read More] Understanding Nerve Compression and Surgery Risks in Cervical Spondylosis
Understanding Post-Concussion Symptoms: Headaches and Focus Issues
Head-related consultation? Hello, doctor. Four years ago (during middle school), I slipped and fell while running in a hurry, hitting the back of my head. Since then, I've experienced some mild migraines and difficulty concentrating. Is this considered a normal aftereffect? ...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: 1. If you started experiencing symptoms such as migraines and difficulty concentrating immediately after the impact, it may be a post-concussion syndrome. However, it is uncommon for these symptoms to persist for more than three months. 2. If you developed the aforemention...[Read More] Understanding Post-Concussion Symptoms: Headaches and Focus Issues
Understanding the Risks and Challenges of Brain Cyst Surgery Near the Brainstem
Surgical issues related to a brain cyst near the brainstem? Hello, doctor. Recently, after undergoing an MRI, I learned that there is a large cyst (fluid-filled sac) in my brain near the brainstem that requires surgical drainage. I would like to know the difficulty level and risk...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
Without specific imaging studies, medical history, and physical examination, it is not possible to provide an answer.[Read More] Understanding the Risks and Challenges of Brain Cyst Surgery Near the Brainstem
Managing Neck Pain and Chest Discomfort: Insights from Neurosurgery
Chest pain, back issues? Last week, I visited a neurosurgeon and underwent an MRI. The report is as follows: **Summary Imaging Findings** Multiplanar multisequence MRI of the cervical spine without contrast enhancement shows: - **Alignment**: Grade I retrolisthesis at C4-5 ...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: Please describe your symptoms to the rehabilitation physician and provide the aforementioned cervical spine MRI report or images to the doctor. Ask for their opinion and request to arrange a rehabilitation program, which will generally focus on cervical traction. Best wish...[Read More] Managing Neck Pain and Chest Discomfort: Insights from Neurosurgery
Managing Post-Car Accident Symptoms: Effective Treatments for Pain Relief
Post-traumatic sequelae from a car accident? I was involved in a car accident in mid-July last year when I was stopped at a red light and was rear-ended. At that moment, my knees hit the trunk of the car, resulting in a blunt injury to my lower back. The next day, my knees were b...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: 1. Lower back pain and leg numbness are suspected to be related to lumbar spine conditions. 2. There is a herniation at the fifth lumbar intervertebral disc, and water-cooled radiofrequency treatment could be considered. However, it is recommended to seek medical attention...[Read More] Managing Post-Car Accident Symptoms: Effective Treatments for Pain Relief
Understanding Complications of L3 Spinal Surgery: A Patient's Journey
Misplacement of L3 pedicle screw in lumbar spine surgery? Hello, doctor. My father is 72 years old. Preoperative X-rays showed signs of scoliosis and spondylolisthesis, with complaints of inability to walk for long periods due to lower back pain and numbness in his legs when sitt...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: 1. Postoperative follow-up shows that the original symptoms have not improved and have worsened after surgery. If imaging reveals that a steel screw has penetrated the nerve canal, there are no other options but to adjust and perform another surgery (unless the patient is ...[Read More] Understanding Complications of L3 Spinal Surgery: A Patient's Journey
Understanding Elevated ESR Levels in Ankylosing Spondylitis Patients
Causes of elevated ESR (Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate) Hello Dr. Zhao: I am a patient with ankylosing spondylitis and am currently undergoing stable treatment with medication in the rheumatology department. All my symptoms and indices have been well controlled, except for my ESR...
Dr. Zhao Shaoqing Reply:
Hello: ESR refers to the erythrocyte sedimentation rate, which is a method for measuring inflammatory proteins. However, lower back pain caused by vertebral fractures or slippage, as well as muscle and tendon inflammation due to sports injuries, typically do not result in an elev...[Read More] Understanding Elevated ESR Levels in Ankylosing Spondylitis Patients
Post-Operative Recovery Timeline for Trigeminal Neuralgia Surgery
Postoperative Recovery Period for Trigeminal Neuralgia Decompression Surgery Hello, doctor. I underwent craniotomy for severe trigeminal neuralgia and it has been about one month since the surgery. I still experience occasional dizziness and unsteadiness while standing, but I hav...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: Generally speaking, if the surgical wound is clean and the stitches are removed, one can gradually return to daily activities. More stable healing typically occurs around three months. However, the details of postoperative recovery can vary individually. You should consult...[Read More] Post-Operative Recovery Timeline for Trigeminal Neuralgia Surgery
Understanding Sciatica: Symptoms, Treatment Options, and When to Consider Surgery
Herniated disc I have already seen a rehabilitation specialist. I am 20 years old and have been diagnosed with spinal stenosis at a specific lumbar vertebra, which is compressing the nerve, leading to sciatica. Currently, I am undergoing stretching exercises and electrical therap...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: If you have already made efforts in rehabilitation and your symptoms have not improved, it is recommended to consult a neurosurgeon. Bring your MRI scans for evaluation to see if other treatments can be considered, such as lumbar nerve block or minimally invasive spine sur...[Read More] Understanding Sciatica: Symptoms, Treatment Options, and When to Consider Surgery
Understanding Minimally Invasive Surgery for Disc Herniation: Key Insights and FAQs
Hello Director Lai: I would like to ask you for educational information regarding my herniated disc? Hello Director Lai, thank you for taking the time to respond. Considering economic factors and my limited understanding of medical terminology, I am reaching out to you online for...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: A. I see that you are seriously researching this topic, but you might be overwhelmed by the vast amount of information available online, leading to confusion. Many young internet users face similar challenges, getting misled by technical jargon and certain medical advertis...[Read More] Understanding Minimally Invasive Surgery for Disc Herniation: Key Insights and FAQs
Understanding Possible Causes of Lower Back Pain in Young Adults
Possible Causes of Lower Back Pain Hello Doctor: I am 19 years old and have ankylosing spondylitis. Previously, I only experienced pain in my buttocks, and I have been stable on Salazopyrin. However, in the past six months, I have been experiencing pain in the spinal area behind ...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: I have reviewed your condition and recommend that you visit a hospital to see a specialist in neurosurgery or orthopedics. You should get an X-ray first to assess whether there is a fracture, which will allow for appropriate treatment. Best wishes, Dr. Lai Chao-Kang, Neuro...[Read More] Understanding Possible Causes of Lower Back Pain in Young Adults
Understanding Cervical Spine Surgery: Key Considerations for Recovery
Cervical spine spinal cord injury, laminectomy decompression surgery, discectomy, mobile artificial intervertebral disc? The mother is 62 years old and has diabetes, but it is uncertain whether she has osteoporosis. She fell off her bike on the road and was urgently taken to the ...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: A. The principles of surgical treatment for cervical spinal cord injury are 1. Decompression 2. Reconstruction. You have already undergone posterior decompression (without fixation), but if your symptoms have not improved and follow-up MRI shows significant anterior compre...[Read More] Understanding Cervical Spine Surgery: Key Considerations for Recovery
Post-Surgery Nerve Pain: Understanding Persistent Foot Numbness and Back Pain
Persistent leg numbness and occasional lower back pain after disc rupture surgery? Hello Doctor, I would like to ask on behalf of my husband: He underwent minimally invasive surgery for a herniated disc. Before the surgery, he experienced significant pain and numbness, but afte...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: Postoperative pain has improved relatively quickly, but the numbness is indeed more difficult to recover from. If you are not satisfied with the answers from your original physician, and while postoperative pain has improved, you still feel residual symptoms of numbness, w...[Read More] Post-Surgery Nerve Pain: Understanding Persistent Foot Numbness and Back Pain
Natural Birth After Disc Surgery: Is It Safe for Pregnant Women?
Natural delivery after surgery for herniated disc in pregnant women? Hello, Doctor: I am currently over 7 months pregnant. In early August of this year, I underwent surgery for a herniated disc at the L4-L5 level due to nerve compression, where only the protruding portion was rem...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: 1. You should be able to have a natural delivery (please consult with your obstetrician). 2. An epidural for painless labor should also be possible (please consult with your anesthesiologist). 3. If you continue to experience discomfort in your lower back and legs after de...[Read More] Natural Birth After Disc Surgery: Is It Safe for Pregnant Women?