Understanding Cervical Disc Herniation: Symptoms and Treatment Options
Cervical intervertebral disc herniation I would like to ask about my condition. I have been experiencing pain and numbness between my left index finger and thumb for an entire day, along with pain in the outer upper arm. I often feel a sensation like an electric shock extending f...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: 1. Nerve compression in the cervical spine rarely presents with unilateral symptoms (rare, but not absent). 2. MRI shows nerve compression at cervical levels 5-6 and 6-7, particularly pronounced at 5-6. If conservative treatment does not yield satisfactory results, it meet...[Read More] Understanding Cervical Disc Herniation: Symptoms and Treatment Options
Understanding Nerve Pain in the Back: Causes and Treatment Options
Nerve pain in the back muscles? Approximately 12 to 13 years ago, I started working as a home-based worker, frequently lifting heavy boxes and climbing three flights of stairs (often making dozens of trips). I also spent long hours sitting in the same position. About 8 years ago,...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: It is suspected to be a cervical nerve pathology. It is recommended to bring your previous MRI results and consult a neurosurgeon. Wishing you a speedy recovery. By Dr. Lai Chao-Kang, Department of Neurosurgery, Changhua Hospital.[Read More] Understanding Nerve Pain in the Back: Causes and Treatment Options
Understanding Cervical Spine Levels: C5-C6 vs C6-C7 Surgery
Cervical intervertebral position Director Zhao, are the fifth and sixth cervical vertebrae and the sixth and seventh cervical vertebrae considered to be in the same location for surgical purposes?
Dr. Zhao Shaoqing Reply:
Due to the medical nature of the issue, a more detailed examination and assessment at a clinic is necessary for proper evaluation.[Read More] Understanding Cervical Spine Levels: C5-C6 vs C6-C7 Surgery
Post-Surgery Weakness in Left Leg: Seeking Recovery Strategies
The left foot is still weak after surgery? Hello Doctor: My father has a history of stroke. From April to early May, he experienced weakness in his left leg and fell, which led him to seek medical attention at several hospitals. The evaluations showed no significant issues, and t...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: I understand your anxiety and encourage you to continue with rehabilitation. However, I do not have your father's relevant medical history, treatment progress, or imaging. For detailed information, I recommend that you consult the original surgeon. Wishing for a speed...[Read More] Post-Surgery Weakness in Left Leg: Seeking Recovery Strategies
Understanding Finger Numbness: Causes and When to Seek Help
Finger numbness issue? Hello, doctor. Following up on my previous question, I saw a neurologist who arranged for an MRI of my cervical spine due to suspected cervical issues. I went to the emergency room where the doctor only performed blood tests and said they couldn't hand...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello, the doctor suspects that you may have a cervical nerve condition. If your current symptoms have improved, then let's wait for the MRI report! Wishing you a speedy recovery. By Neurosurgeon Dr. Lai Chao-Kang.[Read More] Understanding Finger Numbness: Causes and When to Seek Help
Understanding Hand Numbness: When to Seek Urgent Medical Attention
Numbness in the hands? Hello doctor, on Wednesday I experienced a tingling sensation in my hands that felt like an electric shock. Now only the fingertips of both hands are numb, and when I wash my hands, it feels like I'm being shocked. Even touching things causes numbness....
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello, general finger numbness may be related to peripheral circulation, peripheral nerves (such as the median nerve or ulnar nerve), cervical spine issues, or even brain conditions. It is essential for a physician to assess your symptoms comprehensively to make an initial diagno...[Read More] Understanding Hand Numbness: When to Seek Urgent Medical Attention
Understanding Post-Surgery Symptoms After Cervical Spine Injury
Questions After Cervical Spine Surgery Due to Car Accident Hello Doctor: Due to a car accident last November, I experienced compression of the cervical spine from the helmet, resulting in a herniated disc at C3-C7 and spinal cord edema. I underwent a discectomy and fusion surgery...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
Nerve conduction studies can help clarify your concerns.[Read More] Understanding Post-Surgery Symptoms After Cervical Spine Injury
Which Specialist to Consult for Persistent Ear and Facial Numbness?
If you are experiencing numbness behind the ear, which specialist should you consult? Hello Doctor, I have been experiencing numbness behind my ear for several days. I feel numbness on my ear and the nearby scalp when I wear glasses or a mask. I usually wash my hair by leaning fo...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: It is suspected that the issue may be related to the cervical spine, facial or oral occlusion, ear, or neuromuscular fascia. A doctor needs to evaluate and differentiate these conditions in person. You may want to first consult with a neurologist or a neurosurgeon. Best wi...[Read More] Which Specialist to Consult for Persistent Ear and Facial Numbness?
Which Specialist Should You See for Ear and Facial Numbness?
If you are experiencing numbness behind the ear, which specialist should you consult? Hello Doctor, I have been experiencing numbness behind my ear for several days. I feel numbness on my ear and the surrounding scalp when I put on glasses or a mask. I usually wash my hair by lea...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: It is suspected that the issue may be related to the cervical spine, facial or oral occlusion, ear, or neuromuscular fascia. A doctor needs to conduct a personal examination to differentiate these conditions. You may want to first consult with a neurologist or a neurosurge...[Read More] Which Specialist Should You See for Ear and Facial Numbness?
Best Pillows for Herniated Discs: Finding Comfort and Support
What type of pillow is recommended for a herniated disc? Hello Director Lai, I have been dealing with cervical disc herniation for 18 years. Back then, I experienced constant pain while awake, but after a year of rehabilitation, the pain disappeared. I have been very mindful of m...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: According to evidence-based medicine, when selecting a pillow, the key points are for back sleeping or side sleeping: 1. The area between the head, neck, and shoulders should have proper support (there should be no gaps, and the neck should not be suspended). 2. The cervic...[Read More] Best Pillows for Herniated Discs: Finding Comfort and Support
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
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-Surgery Exercise Guidelines for Cervical Spine Fusion
Postoperative exercises for cervical spine surgery? Hello, doctor. I had a car accident at the beginning of September and underwent a spinal fusion surgery for the displacement of my sixth and seventh cervical vertebrae. I would like to ask how long after the surgery it would be ...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: It has been 3 to 4 months since your surgery in September. Theoretically, fusion should have occurred by now. If you were my patient, I would encourage you to return to normal activities and engage in exercise. However, since you are not my patient, I recommend consulting ...[Read More] Post-Surgery Exercise Guidelines for Cervical Spine Fusion
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
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
Understanding Shoulder and Neck Sounds: When to Seek Medical Advice
Shoulder and neck sound concerns? Recently, I've been experiencing occasional cracking sounds at the junction of my shoulder and cervical spine. Sometimes, even when I move my shoulder or take a deep breath, I hear noises, but it doesn't happen when I only move my neck....
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello, it is suspected that the joint connecting the shoulder to the cervical spine is producing abnormal sounds. This may be due to being underweight, lack of exercise, and insufficient flexibility. The noise during movement could be attributed to a lack of synovial fluid, simil...[Read More] Understanding Shoulder and Neck Sounds: When to Seek Medical Advice
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
Understanding Cervical Spine Issues and Their Impact on Tinnitus
Cervical spine-related issues Hello, doctor. In very quiet places, I experience tinnitus, and if I bend my head down for too long, it also triggers the tinnitus. Changing my position helps improve the symptoms. Previously, I visited a rehabilitation clinic and had X-rays taken, w...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: It is recommended to postpone cervical traction. Further examination of the cervical spine can be arranged, such as dynamic X-rays of the cervical spine, MRI, or carotid ultrasound. You may consult with a neurosurgeon, neurologist, or rehabilitation specialist. Wishing you...[Read More] Understanding Cervical Spine Issues and Their Impact on Tinnitus
Understanding Cervical Disc Herniation: To Operate or Not?
Cervical intervertebral disc herniation..? Hello Dr. Lai: I visited for arm numbness and pain last November, and it was found that I have a herniated disc at the C5 and C6 vertebrae. At that time, I underwent traction therapy and acupuncture, which helped a bit, but I did not ful...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: Whether to perform surgery for cervical disc herniation compressing the nerves depends on: 1. The urgency of the situation, such as if there is already paralysis or weakness; 2. The effectiveness of conservative treatments, such as medications and physical therapy; if thes...[Read More] Understanding Cervical Disc Herniation: To Operate or Not?
Risks of Early Ear Stone Repositioning After C5-C6 Disc Surgery
C5-C6 artificial disc replacement and otolith repositioning procedure? Hello, Doctor. At the end of last month, I underwent cervical spine surgery at the C5-C6 level due to bone spurs and a herniated disc, and I had an artificial disc implanted. This month, I had a canalith repos...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: If the procedure is performed gently and with a protective neck collar, it is still feasible to treat the condition of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) by professional medical staff. Please continue to follow up! Wishing you health and safety. By Dr. Lai Chao-Ka...[Read More] Risks of Early Ear Stone Repositioning After C5-C6 Disc Surgery