Why Sleeping on Your Back Might Be Harmful: A Neurosurgical Perspective
It is not advisable to sleep on your back? Thank you, doctor, for taking the time to answer my questions. Two years ago, I had a habit of sleeping on my back, which allowed me to fall asleep easily. Recently, I have changed my sleeping habits and now sleep on my side. As a result...
Dr. Zhang Yuanyi Reply:
Dear Cats: In response to your inquiry, please find the following: 1. Uncertain. 2. Cervical spine issues are also a possibility. At this moment, it is not possible to determine the need for examination based solely on the description of the problem. Please visit a nearby outpati...[Read More] Why Sleeping on Your Back Might Be Harmful: A Neurosurgical Perspective
Understanding Cervical Bone Spurs: Symptoms, Treatment, and Care
Cervical osteophytes (bone spurs in the cervical spine) Hello, Dr. Cheng. Last year, I experienced neck stiffness for two consecutive months. After September, I noticed that I couldn't freely turn my head to either side. I thought it was okay and didn't pay much attenti...
Dr. Zheng Zhong Reply:
Bone spurs do not necessarily require surgery. Surgery may be needed if the bone spurs compress nerves or the spinal cord. To confirm the diagnosis, further imaging studies such as CT or MRI are necessary. My clinic hours are Monday afternoons and Wednesday mornings, Dr. Cheng.[Read More] Understanding Cervical Bone Spurs: Symptoms, Treatment, and Care
Understanding Left-Sided Pain: When to See a Neurosurgeon
Left-sided pain issues? Hello Dr. Cheng, I would like to consult you regarding the issue of "left-sided pain." My mother is 56 years old and has been experiencing body pain for the past year. The areas where she feels pain include her neck, back, lower back, calves, an...
Dr. Zheng Zhong Reply:
Your mother is experiencing pain that ranges from her neck and back down to her lower limbs, and it is localized to the left side of her body. If the pain is caused by neuropathy, the issue may be in the brain or neck; however, brain lesions are often accompanied by headaches, di...[Read More] Understanding Left-Sided Pain: When to See a Neurosurgeon
Understanding Neck and Shoulder Pain: A Guide to Symptoms and Specialist Referrals
Neck and shoulder pain? Hello Doctor: Recently, I have been experiencing many symptoms and have consulted various doctors in different hospitals without finding a diagnosis. Could you please help explain the following symptoms? 1. I have sharp pain in the left rear part of my h...
Dr. Zheng Zhong Reply:
It is recommended to first consult a neurosurgeon to rule out any brain or cervical spine lesions. My clinic hours are: Monday afternoons and Wednesday mornings. Best wishes, Dr. Zheng.[Read More] Understanding Neck and Shoulder Pain: A Guide to Symptoms and Specialist Referrals
Understanding Finger Stiffness and Pain: Possible Causes and Solutions
Finger stiffness and pain inquiry? Hello Doctor, I would like to ask about my fingers. Initially, when I wake up in the morning, they feel stiff. After two weeks, the stiffness turned into pain, particularly around the nails and the first joint of my fingers. However, once I move...
Dr. Zhang Yuanyi Reply:
Hello, sometimes the sensation of stiffness in the hands may be related to cervical spine issues. Carpal tunnel syndrome commonly presents with numbness in the fingers or palm, and may occasionally extend to the forearm, but it is rare to manifest as localized joint tenderness. I...[Read More] Understanding Finger Stiffness and Pain: Possible Causes and Solutions
Understanding Shoulder Blade Pain: Is It Related to Spinal Injury?
Localized pain in the scapula? Hello Doctor: My spinal injury is located at the fourth vertebra above the pelvis, which was discovered through X-ray examination following a car accident twelve years ago (no surgical intervention was performed). Over the years, I have only experie...
Dr. Qiu Yushu Reply:
Hello: Based on what you have described, it seems to be an orthopedic issue. If the pain persists, you may visit the outpatient clinic to see if further examination is necessary. Best wishes.[Read More] Understanding Shoulder Blade Pain: Is It Related to Spinal Injury?
Safe Surgical Options for Meningioma in Diabetic Patients
Which type of surgery should be used for meningiomas? Dear Dr. Chang, My mother is 60 years old and has recently been diagnosed with a meningioma following an MRI examination. Additionally, she has calcification in her cervical spine, and the meningioma is severely compressing h...
Dr. Zhang Yuanyi Reply:
Meningiomas are generally benign tumors that typically grow quite slowly. In elderly patients with small meningiomas that do not present significant symptoms, observation with follow-up examinations every six months to a year may be considered. However, if there is compression of...[Read More] Safe Surgical Options for Meningioma in Diabetic Patients
Understanding Finger Numbness and Pain: Possible Causes and Concerns
Numbness and tingling in the fingers? My colleague suddenly felt numbness in his fingers while lifting a heavy load. He described it as a sensation of something constantly pricking his fingers. This feeling started after moving the items, and he has never experienced anything lik...
Dr. Ding Xianwei Reply:
Dear Xiao Ju: It is recommended that you visit a neurosurgeon for a detailed examination, as it may be related to cervical spine issues. Wishing you health, happiness, and safety. Sincerely, Dr. Ding Hsien-Wei, Attending Physician, Department of Neurosurgery, Taoyuan General Hosp...[Read More] Understanding Finger Numbness and Pain: Possible Causes and Concerns
Chest Pain Radiating to Arm While Sleeping: Nerve or Thoracic Issue?
Chest pain that extends to the arm during breathing? If you experience chest pain while sleeping on your left side, and the pain radiates to your entire left arm, could it be a nerve issue or a problem related to the thoracic cavity? Thank you for your response, doctor.
Dr. Ding Xianwei Reply:
Dear Ms. Chen: Your symptoms may indicate a cervical spine issue, and the chest pain cannot be ruled out as a potential heart condition. It is recommended that you visit an outpatient clinic for a detailed examination and diagnosis.[Read More] Chest Pain Radiating to Arm While Sleeping: Nerve or Thoracic Issue?
Is There a Connection Between Cervical Spine Issues and Sudden Hearing Loss?
Is there a relationship between hearing loss and cervical spine issues? Hello Doctor, I experienced sudden sensorineural hearing loss on October 13th last year. I visited hospitals including Tri-Service General Hospital, National Taiwan University Hospital, and Chang Gung Memoria...
Dr. Qiu Yushu Reply:
Hello: Sudden hearing loss is generally not related to cervical spine issues; it is usually due to vascular problems (similar to a stroke) and is considered an emergency in otolaryngology, requiring urgent treatment. There are many causes of headaches, and it cannot be determined...[Read More] Is There a Connection Between Cervical Spine Issues and Sudden Hearing Loss?
Understanding Cervical Disc Herniation and Bone Spurs: Symptoms and Treatment Options
Cervical intervertebral disc herniation Hello, my wife accidentally twisted her neck while exercising. For the first two days, there was not much issue, but later she noticed a tingling sensation in her left arm. The next day, she experienced soreness and warmth at the junction o...
Dr. Ding Xianwei Reply:
Hello: Bone spurs are actually not closely related to your pain. "Cervical disc herniation" refers to the condition where the intervertebral disc in the cervical spine is compressed due to improper use, which can affect the nerves. Your situation seems to be more like t...[Read More] Understanding Cervical Disc Herniation and Bone Spurs: Symptoms and Treatment Options
Understanding Post-Concussion Symptoms: What to Watch For After a Head Injury
Concussion Hello Doctor: At the end of last month, I was in a car accident and hit my head, losing consciousness at the scene. My friends tried to wake me for a long time, and it was only when the person responsible for the accident picked me up that I slowly regained consciousne...
Dr. Ding Xianwei Reply:
Hello: The symptoms you mentioned could potentially be sequelae. However, numbness in the hands and neck pain may indicate a cervical spine injury. It is still necessary to have a personal consultation for a better diagnosis. Sincerely, Dr. Ding Hsien-Wei, Neurosurgery.[Read More] Understanding Post-Concussion Symptoms: What to Watch For After a Head Injury
Understanding Unusual Head Pressure: A Neurosurgical Perspective
A strange sensation? Hello, doctor: During my university years, as the academic pressure became less intense, I found that my sleep duration increased significantly. I could sleep until 11 AM if I had no classes, and even take a nap in the afternoon without any issues. However, I...
Dr. Ding Xianwei Reply:
Hello: You may be experiencing symptoms due to overuse of your cervical spine, possibly from staring at the television or computer screen. Therefore, it is recommended that you avoid prolonged standing or sitting, and refrain from maintaining a fixed posture for too long, as this...[Read More] Understanding Unusual Head Pressure: A Neurosurgical Perspective
Post-Surgery Recovery: Understanding Symptoms After Cervical Spine Surgery
Post-cervical spine surgery Hello Dr. Chiu, I have been experiencing tremors in my right hand while writing and pain in the palm that prevents me from holding a pen for about ten years. Earlier this year, I began to have sharp pain in the little fingers of both hands, along with...
Dr. Qiu Yushu Reply:
Hello: Please visit the outpatient clinic for an examination to confirm the level of recovery. Wishing you good health![Read More] Post-Surgery Recovery: Understanding Symptoms After Cervical Spine Surgery
Understanding Chronic Lower Back and Heel Pain: Causes and Prevention
Lower back pain and heel pain..? Hello, Doctor. Over the past year, I have been experiencing soreness in my lower back (approximately 4 to 5 vertebrae above the coccyx). When the discomfort is mild, I feel a dull ache in the vicinity of my lower back, but when it becomes severe, ...
Dr. Ding Xianwei Reply:
Hello: It is advised not to stand or sit for prolonged periods and to avoid maintaining a fixed posture for too long. Sincerely, Dr. Ding Hsien-Wei, Neurosurgery.[Read More] Understanding Chronic Lower Back and Heel Pain: Causes and Prevention
Understanding Neck and Arm Pain: When to Seek Neurological Help
There is soreness, pain, and numbness from the shoulder and neck down to the fingertips? Hello, doctor! Recently, my husband has been experiencing some very uncomfortable symptoms, and I'm not sure which specialty he should see. I hope you can take some time to provide an an...
Dr. Qiu Yushu Reply:
Hello: The symptoms you described are not indicative of a stroke; they may be related to cervical spine issues or myofascial pain syndrome. You may visit our outpatient clinic for further evaluation. Thank you! Wishing you good health![Read More] Understanding Neck and Arm Pain: When to Seek Neurological Help
Post-Surgery Pain Management for Cervical Spine Surgery Patients
After cervical spine surgery..? Hello, doctor! I would like to ask about my father, who is 48 years old. He underwent cervical spine surgery a little over a month ago due to degeneration and herniation of the cervical discs at levels C4, C5, and C6, which caused nerve compression...
Dr. Xiao Furen Reply:
Is the nerve pain and shooting pain in the hand present before the surgery? Sometimes, when the nerve has been under prolonged compression, even though surgery relieves the symptoms, it may take some time for complete improvement. Please continue to follow your physician's m...[Read More] Post-Surgery Pain Management for Cervical Spine Surgery Patients
Can Spinal Cord Nerves Regenerate After Injury? Insights from Neurosurgery
May I ask the doctor? My mother fell from the second floor at midnight on June 13, resulting in a cervical spine dislocation. On June 14, the doctor performed internal fixation surgery, but due to nerve injury, she currently presents with quadriplegia. On June 24, a tracheostomy ...
Dr. Xiao Furen Reply:
Generally speaking, central nervous system injuries, including spinal cord injuries, do not regenerate and can only rely on rehabilitation. Recently, there have been some new studies, such as embryonic stem cell transplantation and nerve regeneration (growth factors), but none ha...[Read More] Can Spinal Cord Nerves Regenerate After Injury? Insights from Neurosurgery
Understanding Cervical Disc Surgery: When to Choose Surgery Over Rehab
Cervical cone surgery issues? Dear Dr. Ding, I have a very contradictory question that I need your help with. Recently, I have been experiencing frequent neck pain, difficulty turning my head, and numbness and weakness in my left arm. I went to a large hospital in central Taiwan...
Dr. Ding Xianwei Reply:
Hello: Such questions cannot be answered online; I need your imaging studies (including X-rays and MRI of the cervical spine) and your personal consultation to provide you with an answer. Generally speaking, if there is a displacement, surgery may still be an important treatment ...[Read More] Understanding Cervical Disc Surgery: When to Choose Surgery Over Rehab
Neck Pain: Is Your Sleeping Position to Blame?
Neck movement? Is my neck pain often related to my sleeping position?
Dr. Chen Changmu Reply:
Neck pain is often associated with tension, stress, or poor posture. However, if there are additional symptoms such as numbness or pain in the hands, it is important to consider whether there may be a cervical spine pathology.[Read More] Neck Pain: Is Your Sleeping Position to Blame?