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
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?
Understanding Intradural Cysts: Risks and Benefits of Minimally Invasive Surgery
Intramedullary cyst of the spine Hello Doctor, my mother previously underwent surgery for a herniated disc, during which screws were placed. Now, it has been found that there is a cyst on the inner side of the vertebrae below the screws, which is pressing on a nerve. The consulti...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
Without detailed imaging and medical history, it is not possible to provide an answer.[Read More] Understanding Intradural Cysts: Risks and Benefits of Minimally Invasive Surgery
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?
Managing Sciatica: Effective Strategies for Herniated Discs
Herniated disc In February 2021, I suffered an exercise-related injury that resulted in spinal damage and temporary paralysis of my lower body. I did not undergo surgery but received steroid treatment. After a year of rehabilitation, I returned to my administrative job. Recently,...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: It is suspected that you have a lumbar disc herniation causing nerve compression, which leads to sciatica. The general treatment primarily involves conservative measures such as medication, rehabilitation, and exercises to stretch the lower back. If there is no improvement...[Read More] Managing Sciatica: Effective Strategies for Herniated Discs
Understanding Sciatica: Symptoms, Causes, and When to Seek Help
Sciatica I have been suffering from lower back pain for at least two years without seeing a doctor. The pain comes and goes, and when I turn over in bed, I experience sharp pain from my lower back to my buttocks and thighs. Sometimes the pain is so severe that I am afraid to move...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: The symptoms suggest sciatica, which is usually caused by lumbar spondylolisthesis or herniated discs that compress the nerves. However, to confirm the diagnosis, X-rays combined with MRI are needed. Considering that you are 30 weeks pregnant, it is generally recommended f...[Read More] Understanding Sciatica: Symptoms, Causes, and When to Seek Help
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
Neck and Back Issues After a Motorcycle Accident: What You Need to Know
Cervical and lumbar spine issues after a car accident? A month ago, I was in a motorcycle accident where a motorcycle suddenly came out in front of me. I braked hard, and both myself and the motorcycle fell to the right, with my body impacting the ground on the right side, includ...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
If you continue to feel unwell, please return to the outpatient clinic for an examination. Without detailed imaging studies, we cannot provide an answer.[Read More] Neck and Back Issues After a Motorcycle Accident: What You Need to Know
Understanding Foot Pain and Numbness: Could a Herniated Disc Be the Cause?
Only experiencing numbness in the soles of the feet and a tingling sensation in the lower limbs? Hello, doctor. Since November 2021, I have experienced sudden pain and numbness in the left sole of my foot while playing basketball. After a month, the right foot also started to fee...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: Cervical spinal cord lesions presenting solely with foot symptoms are rare, but they can occur. It is recommended that if you 1. experience severe and intolerable symptoms, or 2. have significant neural compression evident on MRI that can explain your condition, you may co...[Read More] Understanding Foot Pain and Numbness: Could a Herniated Disc Be the Cause?
Understanding Foot Pain and Numbness: Is Cervical Disc Herniation the Cause?
Only experiencing numbness in the soles of the feet and a tingling sensation in the lower limbs? Hello Doctor. Since November 2021, I have experienced sudden pain and numbness in the left sole of my foot while playing basketball. After a month, the right foot also began to feel s...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: Cervical spinal cord lesions presenting solely with foot symptoms are rare, but they can occur. It is recommended that if you 1. experience severe and intolerable symptoms, and 2. MRI imaging shows significant neural compression that can explain your condition, you may con...[Read More] Understanding Foot Pain and Numbness: Is Cervical Disc Herniation the Cause?
Managing Sciatica During Pregnancy: Understanding Disc Herniation Risks
Herniated disc compressing nerves at 18 weeks of pregnancy? Hello Doctor, I am currently 18 weeks pregnant and experiencing severe pain when walking or sitting. I have sharp, shooting pain and numbness from my left hip down to my calf, and I am limping with a misaligned posture d...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: If you suddenly experience weakness and soreness in your thigh and knee, this symptom may indicate a more serious condition. Since lumbar spine surgery requires X-rays, there is a risk of fetal radiation exposure. Generally, expectant mothers are encouraged to endure the d...[Read More] Managing Sciatica During Pregnancy: Understanding Disc Herniation Risks
Understanding Spinal Fusion: Pros and Cons of Coflex Implants
Spinal fusion self-funded implants Hello, Director Zhang! I have rheumatoid arthritis and the following conditions: my bone density is relatively okay, but I have vertebral slippage, spinal instability, vertebral collapse, and a herniated disc, which necessitates spinal fusion su...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
There are many different methods and techniques for spinal surgery, making it impossible to explain each one in detail. It is recommended that you find a trusted physician and place your confidence in them.[Read More] Understanding Spinal Fusion: Pros and Cons of Coflex Implants
Understanding Post-Surgery Numbness After Lumbar Disc Surgery
Hello, doctor? I underwent a discectomy for a herniated disc on May 27, and I have a stabilizer installed. Before the surgery, I experienced numbness in both feet, but now, 20 days post-operation, my feet are still numb. Is this normal? Will it get better? My doctor prescribed B1...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello, I suggest that in this post-surgery situation, you should consult your original surgeon for further evaluation. Since you chose him initially, it's important to trust his expertise. Additionally, you have not provided any pre-operative imaging or post-operative images...[Read More] Understanding Post-Surgery Numbness After Lumbar Disc Surgery
Understanding Lumbar Spondylolisthesis: Latest Minimally Invasive Treatments
Spinal instability due to spondylolisthesis? Hello, Director Lai. I am an RA. MRI shows L4-5 spondylolisthesis with spinal instability, herniated disc compressing the nerve, and narrowing of the intervertebral space. Symptoms include lumbar pain, right lower limb neuropathic pain...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: 1. The OLIF procedure you mentioned is relatively novel, and its advantages are generally as you described. However, it should be noted that OLIF accesses the spine from the anterolateral approach and employs an indirect decompression technique, which means it may not ac...[Read More] Understanding Lumbar Spondylolisthesis: Latest Minimally Invasive Treatments
Understanding Post-Surgery Spine Issues: When to Seek Medical Advice
Nail problems Hello, I would like to ask about my condition. Three years ago, I had a herniated disc at lumbar vertebrae L1 and L2, and upon the doctor's recommendation, I had dynamic screws installed at thoracic vertebra 15 and lumbar vertebrae L1 and L2. Recently, I have n...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
Without detailed medical history and physical examination, it is not possible to provide an answer.[Read More] Understanding Post-Surgery Spine Issues: When to Seek Medical Advice
Understanding Brain Edema and Spinal Surgery: A Patient's Dilemma
Cerebral edema and spinal surgery? Hello: Eight months ago, a neurosurgeon told my mother that she had cerebral edema and needed surgery. At that time, my mother (80 years old) showed no symptoms, so we did not take it seriously. Now she is walking unsteadily and appears to be be...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
Without a complete physical assessment, this question cannot be answered.[Read More] Understanding Brain Edema and Spinal Surgery: A Patient's Dilemma
Understanding Disc Herniation After Tailbone Injury: Symptoms and Treatment
Herniated disc Hello, doctor. Three weeks ago, I fell down the stairs and sustained a coccygeal fracture. Initially, the pain was not severe, and my mobility began to improve. However, since last week, the area above my coccyx in the lumbar region has become very swollen and pain...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: Based on your description: "The area around my lower back has become very swollen and painful, and my left leg often experiences sharp pain from my lower back to the sole of my foot... My lower back is sore except when lying down, and my left foot is increasingly numb...[Read More] Understanding Disc Herniation After Tailbone Injury: Symptoms and Treatment
Post-Surgery Insights: Understanding Recovery After Disc Herniation Surgery
Postoperative care after disc herniation removal surgery? Hello, doctor. I am 36 years old and have a herniated disc. I underwent decompression surgery about a month ago (simple decompression). The pre-operative MRI is as follows: https://imgur.com/a/cEEz4Dh. My surgeon informed ...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: You have many questions after your surgery, but since Dr. Lai did not perform your surgery and I did not personally examine you, I will do my best to respond to you. (A bit of a doctor's curiosity: Who was your surgeon? If you were my patient, I would answer all your ...[Read More] Post-Surgery Insights: Understanding Recovery After Disc Herniation Surgery
Understanding Post-Operative Symptoms After Endoscopic Disc Surgery
Endoscopic Discectomy Hello, I would like to ask about my condition. I underwent endoscopic discectomy on January 26th, where a portion of the herniated disc at the L5 level was removed due to stenosis. I was able to walk the day after the surgery, but I am experiencing a tinglin...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: You underwent endoscopic disc surgery on January 26th, and it has been about a week since then. You can start taking the discharge medications prescribed by your original surgeon. /// Are these symptoms post-operative complications? How long will it take to recover? Which ...[Read More] Understanding Post-Operative Symptoms After Endoscopic Disc Surgery