Understanding Upper Left Back Pain: Causes and Treatment Options
Upper left back pain? I have been experiencing mild soreness in my upper left back for the past few weeks, especially when lying flat. I rarely feel soreness when sitting, standing, or lying on my side, but it does occur occasionally. I think it might be related to a time when I ...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: It is suspected that 1. an injury from cycling has caused deep muscle fascia damage and inflammation in that area. 2. It is also necessary to rule out cervical nerve involvement affecting the Gao Mang point. You should rest more, avoid heavy lifting, apply heat to the affe...[Read More] Understanding Upper Left Back Pain: Causes and Treatment Options
Understanding Swelling at the Back of the Head: When to See a Specialist
A swollen area? You should see a neurologist for a lump on the back of your head that feels like a collection of fluid and changes shape and position when pressed.
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: It is recommended to consult a neurosurgeon first. Wishing you well from Changhua Hospital.[Read More] Understanding Swelling at the Back of the Head: When to See a Specialist
Understanding Lumbar Fractures: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment Options
Medical Consultation for Fracture of the Fifth Lumbar Vertebra I am experiencing unexplained pain and numbness in my thigh. An initial X-ray examination at the hospital suggests a fracture of the fifth lumbar vertebra, and further MRI imaging is needed for confirmation. Since I a...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: What you referred to as a "fracture of the fifth vertebra" is likely a "vertebral arch fracture." If that is the case, it is generally congenital for someone your age, but it may also be combined with acquired injuries, strain, or poor posture. If you a...[Read More] Understanding Lumbar Fractures: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment Options
Head Injury from Slip in Shower: When to Seek Medical Attention
Slipped and hit my head in the bathroom? Hello doctor, I accidentally slipped and hit the back left part of my head while showering on Monday. There is no obvious external injury, and I usually don't feel any pain, but it does hurt when I touch the area where I hit. I don&#x...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
If there are no obvious neurological abnormalities and no headache or dizziness, observation can continue.[Read More] Head Injury from Slip in Shower: When to Seek Medical Attention
Post-Surgery Scoliosis: Understanding Recovery Chances and Symptoms
Postoperative scoliosis? Hello, Dr. Lai. Brief summary of the condition: The patient has undergone two surgeries on the spine at the 2nd and 3rd vertebrae. The first surgery involved the installation of bone screws, but the attempt to install screws on the other side was unsucces...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: According to your description: <..the current curvature of the scoliosis is quite severe, approximately 40 degrees...> This curvature angle is significant and there is still room for treatment. However, I recommend that you bring recent X-rays and MRI scans for a per...[Read More] Post-Surgery Scoliosis: Understanding Recovery Chances and Symptoms
Can Non-Surgical Treatment Cure Lumbar Spondylolisthesis?
Lumbar spondylolisthesis treatment options? Hello Doctor, I have a condition of lumbar spondylolisthesis, which I believe is currently at grade one (based on my own assessment). Whenever I experience pain, I can only take anti-inflammatory medication and muscle relaxants. I would...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
Lumbar spondylolisthesis is not easily curable, but conservative treatment can help alleviate back pain.[Read More] Can Non-Surgical Treatment Cure Lumbar Spondylolisthesis?
Understanding Throat Pain: Possible Causes and Concerns After Tonsil Surgery
Throat issues Hello Doctor, I would like to consult you. I have been experiencing a sensation of a foreign body and sharp pain in my throat and pharyngeal wall (the area from the uvula down to the deep throat) for the past three months. Additionally, I have pain on the left side ...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
This is not a neurology issue; you should seek assistance from another otolaryngologist.[Read More] Understanding Throat Pain: Possible Causes and Concerns After Tonsil Surgery
Managing Disc Herniation Pain: Tips for Better Sleep and Comfort
Herniated disc, discomfort is worse when lying down? Hello, doctor. My height and weight are 177 cm and I started rehabilitation at 138 kg, currently around 125.8 kg. I have previously worked in heavy lifting and experienced a pelvic tilt after hitting a pothole while riding a bi...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello, it seems that your condition has significantly disrupted your daily life, leading to a decline in quality of life. If conservative treatments such as medication, rehabilitation, physical therapy, stretching exercises, rest, and weight loss have not resulted in improvement,...[Read More] Managing Disc Herniation Pain: Tips for Better Sleep and Comfort
Post-Discectomy Recovery: Understanding Symptoms and Timeline for Healing
Postoperative care for herniated disc surgery? I have a problem with disc compression, experiencing lower back pain, tightness in my left leg, and numbness in my left toes. Six months ago, I underwent a lumbar disc decompression surgery (L5-S1) without fixation or implant, just p...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: As you mentioned, it has been six months. If there is limited improvement, please ask the physician to arrange another MRI evaluation. Best wishes, Dr. Lai Chao-Kang, Director of Spine Surgery, Changhua Hospital.[Read More] Post-Discectomy Recovery: Understanding Symptoms and Timeline for Healing
Exploring Non-Surgical Treatments for Lumbar Spondylolisthesis
Lumbar spondylolisthesis Hello, Doctor. I was in a car accident on May 19, and my bones healed by June 30. I started experiencing numbness and pain in my legs from my waist to my thighs, calves, and feet, along with frequent soreness in my lower back. I then visited a neurosurgeo...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: Lumbar spondylolisthesis with nerve compression, if it causes severe pain, difficulty walking, or even paralysis and bowel or bladder incontinence, requires early surgical intervention. If the symptoms are milder, conservative treatment options may be attempted, such as lu...[Read More] Exploring Non-Surgical Treatments for Lumbar Spondylolisthesis
Understanding Indentations in the Skull: When to Seek Medical Advice
The bones of the skull are slightly concave? Hello doctor, over the past few days, I noticed a section of bone near the left ear at the back of my head that feels like it has a slight indentation (about three centimeters long). I would like to know if this is a normal phenomenon....
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello! It is suspected to be caused by congenital factors or during the growth and development period of childhood. If you have concerns, please consult a neurosurgeon or an otolaryngologist for a physical examination and assessment. Best wishes to you. // Dr. Lai Chao-Kang, Chan...[Read More] Understanding Indentations in the Skull: When to Seek Medical Advice
Understanding Left Back Numbness: Causes and Treatment Options
Numbness near the left back, specifically in the area of the "Huang" point? Hello, doctor. I have had a habit of slouching since childhood, and I tend to support my head with my left hand while sitting. About two years ago, one morning after waking up and engaging in no...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: In addition to the condition of the cervical spine, it is advisable to further evaluate upper limb nerve conduction studies (NCS) and the thoracic spine to rule out other concurrent lesions. Best wishes // Dr. Lai Chao-Kang, Changhua Hospital[Read More] Understanding Left Back Numbness: Causes and Treatment Options
Understanding Lower Back Pain and Its Connection to Tailbone and Abdominal Discomfort
Lumbar pain, perianal pain, and cramp-like pain in the lower abdomen? Hello, doctor. Whenever I experience discomfort in my lower back, I also feel sharp pain in my coccyx and my lower abdomen (the triangular area between my legs), along with cramping pain that radiates to my rig...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: It is suspected to be a condition of the lumbar spine. It is recommended to consult a specialist in spinal neurology and arrange for a series of examinations, including magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), to identify the lesion. Best wishes to you. // Dr. Lai Chao-Kang, Chan...[Read More] Understanding Lower Back Pain and Its Connection to Tailbone and Abdominal Discomfort
Understanding Persistent Lumbar Pain: When to Seek Further Treatment
Lumbar pain has made it difficult to sit, and there has been no improvement for over a week? Hello Doctor, I previously experienced sudden lumbar pain and had imaging done, where the doctor indicated that my muscles were too tight, leading to inflammation. However, each time, I w...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: It is suspected that there may be degeneration of the lumbar intervertebral disc. You have already consulted with orthopedic and rehabilitation specialists. If you do not see improvement and are still experiencing discomfort that is difficult to tolerate, please consider s...[Read More] Understanding Persistent Lumbar Pain: When to Seek Further Treatment
Understanding Left Neck Pain: Causes and Rehabilitation Strategies
Left-sided cervical pain? Yesterday morning, I stretched and heard a "pop" near my neck. Since then, turning my head backward or moving it up and down has caused significant soreness and limited mobility. I can feel a muscle on the left side of my neck, extending from t...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: It is suspected that there is a strain in the cervical facet joints, along with inflammation of the surrounding muscles and ligaments. It is recommended to wear a cervical collar to allow the cervical spine to rest. For the first three days, apply ice if there is severe pa...[Read More] Understanding Left Neck Pain: Causes and Rehabilitation Strategies
Post-Surgery Concerns for Giant Cell Tumor of the Spine: What to Expect?
Postoperative issues following surgery for giant cell tumor of the spine? I have a giant cell tumor at my lumbar spine L3. I underwent surgery at the beginning of February, and the doctor mentioned that the tumor was removed cleanly. He specifically referred to the surgical metho...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello, theoretically, as you wait for your spinal fusion, the stability should increase and your symptoms may improve. I recommend that you consult with your surgical medical team. Best wishes to you.[Read More] Post-Surgery Concerns for Giant Cell Tumor of the Spine: What to Expect?
Should You Seek Medical Attention After a Head Injury?
Should I seek further examination after hitting my head against the wall? About two weeks ago, I was trying to lean back while sitting, but I misjudged the distance and hit my head against a concrete wall. The impact was quite loud, but since the wall was flat, there were no visi...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
If the symptoms do not persist or worsen, observation may be sufficient.[Read More] Should You Seek Medical Attention After a Head Injury?
Understanding Tightness and Numbness: Neurological Concerns Explained
Feeling a tightness or pressure in the head? Hello Doctor: Over the past three to four days, I have been experiencing a tight and pressure-like sensation in my head, along with numbness in my hands and feet. The numbness occurs in both sides, but not simultaneously. It usually ha...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
Please visit a neurology outpatient clinic; a detailed physical examination is necessary for diagnosis.[Read More] Understanding Tightness and Numbness: Neurological Concerns Explained
Understanding Occipital Neuralgia Symptoms and Treatment Options
Symptoms of occipital neuralgia? Hello doctor, about a week ago (07/03), I started feeling a painful, swollen lump near the left back of my head close to my neck. The next day, I began to experience scalp pain and some tingling sensations. After researching online, I suspected it...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: Based on what you described, there is currently a raised area that is slightly red and swollen... I recommend that you see a dermatologist for further evaluation. Best wishes, Dr. Lai Chao-Kang, Neurosurgery, Changhua Hospital.[Read More] Understanding Occipital Neuralgia Symptoms and Treatment Options
Understanding Head Injuries: Symptoms and When to Seek Help
Head trauma Hello, today (June 7) around noon, I lost control of my emotions and self-harmed by hitting my head against a wall, pulling my hair, and repeatedly striking the edge of my desk and the wooden door of my wardrobe. The areas impacted on my head include: forehead, back o...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
Please schedule an appointment with the neurosurgery outpatient clinic for evaluation.[Read More] Understanding Head Injuries: Symptoms and When to Seek Help