Understanding Left Neck Pain: Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Left neck pain? Four years ago, I experienced numbness in my left fingers and pain in my arm. After an MRI examination, it was found that there was a herniated disc at the levels of C3-C4, C4-C5, C5-C6, and C6-C7, with the C5-C6 level being more severe. I did not undergo surgery ...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
X-rays cannot visualize intervertebral discs, let alone nerves. If there is a suspicion of worsening disc herniation with nerve compression, it is best to perform an MRI again.[Read More] Understanding Left Neck Pain: Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Understanding Unusual Spine Sensations: When to Seek Medical Advice
The lumbar spine feels unusual? Hello Dr. Chang, I apologize for the lengthy message. This morning, after using the restroom, I suddenly felt something unusual in my lumbar spine (it wasn't painful). After struggling to finish, I noticed that walking felt strange (again, no...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
I recommend that you schedule an appointment with a neurosurgery clinic for an examination; it will be safer and give you peace of mind.[Read More] Understanding Unusual Spine Sensations: When to Seek Medical Advice
Is Surgery the Right Choice for Your Herniated Disc?
Is surgery suitable for a herniated disc? Hello, Director. I have undergone several imaging examinations as follows: 1. After performing deep squats on July 15, 2018, I was unable to stand the next day. Whenever I stood up, I felt significant discomfort in my right posterior hi...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: 1. I have reviewed your imaging, and there is indeed nerve compression. If you are young and have already tried conservative rehabilitation treatment without satisfactory results, you may consider minimally invasive surgery to directly relieve the pressure on the nerve. ...[Read More] Is Surgery the Right Choice for Your Herniated Disc?
Is Artificial Disc Replacement Suitable for Mild Scoliosis?
Could you please provide more details about scoliosis and artificial intervertebral discs? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask if I have two herniated discs in my cervical spine and my doctor has recommended artificial disc replacement. If I also have a mild scoliosis, would it be...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: Generally, scoliosis has less impact on the cervical spine, but if you need to implant an artificial disc in the cervical spine, you should consider whether you choose 1. mobile or 2. fusion type. If you opt for the mobile type, greater attention must be paid to the implan...[Read More] Is Artificial Disc Replacement Suitable for Mild Scoliosis?
Is Heat Therapy Safe for Neck Pain and Nerve Compression?
Neck heat therapy issues? Hello Doctor, I am currently 37 years old and experiencing neck and shoulder pain with numbness in my hands. I have been undergoing rehabilitation since December of last year, and in April, I had an MRI at the hospital which showed a herniated disc at th...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: 1. Rehabilitation may improve your symptoms (neck and shoulder pain, hand numbness). However, it will not fundamentally resolve the issue of the herniated disc at the C5-6 level compressing the nerve by about one-third. 2. Heat therapy should not be too hot (over 45 degree...[Read More] Is Heat Therapy Safe for Neck Pain and Nerve Compression?
Should You Continue Rehab for Herniated Discs? Expert Insights
Should I continue rehabilitation for a herniated disc? Hello, doctor. I am 177 cm tall and weigh 70 kg. In March of this year, I visited a neurologist. Initially, the straight leg raise test, X-rays, and nerve conduction studies showed no issues. On March 29, I had an MRI, and du...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: I have reviewed your MRI images, and there is indeed a condition present. Your questions are: 1. Based on my MRI, what is the likelihood of recovery through rehabilitation? 2. Why might my symptoms worsen after the first rehabilitation session? 3. If I want to continue reh...[Read More] Should You Continue Rehab for Herniated Discs? Expert Insights
Understanding Muscle Tightness and Recovery After Spine Surgery
Feeling muscle tightness? When I lift my legs, I feel tightness in the muscles behind my knees, and my calves are swollen. When lying down, I experience twitching sensations in my buttocks and legs. There are also sounds when I rotate my hip joints, knees, and ankles. Doctor, can...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
Neurological symptoms generally do not involve a sensation of muscle tightness.[Read More] Understanding Muscle Tightness and Recovery After Spine Surgery
Understanding Thoracic Disc Herniation: Risks, Recovery, and Treatment Options
Thoracic intervertebral disc herniation Hello doctor, I have been experiencing upper back pain and left anterior chest pain for six months. I consulted with a neurosurgeon at a large teaching hospital and underwent an MRI, which showed a herniated disc at the T4-T5 level compress...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello, thoracic disc surgery is relatively risky. If your original physician is not confident, you may consider bringing your MRI to consult with another neurosurgeon. Wishing you the best.[Read More] Understanding Thoracic Disc Herniation: Risks, Recovery, and Treatment Options
Understanding Head Injuries: Managing Symptoms After a Fall
Frequently bumping one's head for no apparent reason? Hello, I have a herniated disc (I haven't had surgery, but I can't bend for too long). Last year, I fell and hit my forehead on the ground. I was diagnosed with mild subarachnoid hemorrhage and was hospitalized....
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
Please schedule an appointment for a detailed examination in the neurosurgery outpatient clinic.[Read More] Understanding Head Injuries: Managing Symptoms After a Fall
Post-Surgery Concerns After Herniated Disc Surgery: What to Expect
Postoperative Issues Following Disc Herniation Surgery Hello Dr. Lai: Previously, I experienced soreness in my hips and legs, as well as numbness in my feet. I recently underwent surgery for a herniated disc and had a support device implanted. For the first two to three days post...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: It is still recommended that you consult your original surgeon, as they can provide you with the most comprehensive explanation. Best wishes to you. // Dr. Lai, Changhua Hospital[Read More] Post-Surgery Concerns After Herniated Disc Surgery: What to Expect
Understanding Lumbar Disc Rupture: Surgery and Future Pregnancy Considerations
Herniated disc Hello Dr. Lai, I have been diagnosed by an overseas physician with a severe L4 disc rupture that requires surgery. I would like to ask: 1) After the surgery to remove the herniated disc material, what methods can be employed to prevent the remaining disc from furth...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: Based on your description: 1) After surgically removing the compressive mass, what methods can be employed to prevent the remaining intervertebral disc from further rupturing and causing recurrent compression? 2) Considering future pregnancy, which places significant strai...[Read More] Understanding Lumbar Disc Rupture: Surgery and Future Pregnancy Considerations
Post-Spinal Surgery: Understanding Urinary and Bowel Dysfunction
Post-spinal surgery, there may be difficulties with bowel and bladder function? In June 2017, I went to the hospital for an examination, and the doctor diagnosed me with a herniated disc at the L4 and L5 levels, recommending surgery. The procedure involved removing the damaged di...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Based on what you described: What is my current condition? I would like to understand my situation. Can I know which nerve is damaged? Is there a possibility of recovery? I plan to go to the hospital for further examination, but which department should I start with? Response: 1. ...[Read More] Post-Spinal Surgery: Understanding Urinary and Bowel Dysfunction
Understanding Herniated Discs: Symptoms, Treatment Options, and Surgery Insights
Herniated disc Hello, Doctor. On April 21 of last month, I was diagnosed with a herniated disc, specifically a herniation of the intervertebral disc between the fifth lumbar vertebra and the first sacral vertebra, with nerve compression (left-sided). I subsequently consulted four...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
A physician must not administer treatment, prescribe medication, or issue a diagnosis certificate without conducting a personal examination (in cases of complex conditions, a detailed medical history is required).[Read More] Understanding Herniated Discs: Symptoms, Treatment Options, and Surgery Insights
Choosing Between Traditional and Minimally Invasive Surgery for Sciatica
Surgical Issues Related to Sciatica Three months ago, I suddenly started experiencing pain at work, which requires lifting heavy objects. I went to Asia University Hospital for an MRI, and they told me that my fourth and fifth lumbar vertebrae and the fifth lumbar vertebra are co...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: Lumbar nerve compression is causing your sciatica, leading to pain and discomfort. If you are not satisfied with the pain relief from conservative treatment, it is indeed time to consider more aggressive treatment options. 1. Radiofrequency ablation: This can provide tem...[Read More] Choosing Between Traditional and Minimally Invasive Surgery for Sciatica
Understanding L5-S1 Nerve Root Disorders: When to Seek Surgery
L5-S1 radiculopathy Hello, I am a patient with a herniated disc. At the end of 2014, I underwent an MRI and nerve conduction studies, which confirmed that my L4-L5 disc was herniated and compressing the nerve fibers. After surgery, my symptoms of leg numbness and weakness did not...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: Based on what you described: After enduring for more than two years... (the lower back pain only occurred in the first six months, and later gradually evolved into numbness and weakness in the legs) but the numbness makes it difficult to sit or stand, and the quality of sl...[Read More] Understanding L5-S1 Nerve Root Disorders: When to Seek Surgery
Understanding Cervical Disc Herniation and Nerve Root Compression
Is there a nerve root compression issue due to cervical intervertebral disc herniation? Hello Doctor: I currently have a problem with cervical disc herniation. After undergoing an MRI and follow-up consultation, it has been confirmed that I have a herniated disc. However, I still...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: According to what you mentioned, the report states... 1. Can the signal intensity of the cervical cord be determined solely from the MRI images? 2. Are there nerve roots within the dural sac? 3. If there is compression on the dural sac and it is a central herniation, can i...[Read More] Understanding Cervical Disc Herniation and Nerve Root Compression
Understanding Disc Herniation and Ankylosing Spondylitis: Can They Coexist?
Herniated disc. Ankylosing spondylitis? I injured myself in the first year of junior high school, and since then, I have experienced lower back pain for about seven years. Later, I was diagnosed with a herniated disc, which is pressing on a nerve. Can the nerve become damaged? Ad...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello, based on what you mentioned: 1. "If a herniated disc compresses a nerve, will the nerve die?" Answer: It depends on the location and severity of the nerve compression. If the compression is severe or prolonged, it may lead to nerve damage. It is advisable to obta...[Read More] Understanding Disc Herniation and Ankylosing Spondylitis: Can They Coexist?
Unexplained Right Leg Numbness in a 70-Year-Old: Seeking Answers
My father is 70 years old and experiences numbness in his right foot, but various tests have not revealed any underlying cause? Dear Doctor, My father is 70 years old and has been experiencing gradual numbness in his right foot for about two years (the left foot has not shown an...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: 1. It is recommended to further evaluate whether it is a cerebrovascular accident (stroke) or a condition affecting the upper cervical and thoracic spinal cord nerves. Consider if there is room for further treatment. Best wishes. // Dr. Lai Chao-Kang, Department of Neurosu...[Read More] Unexplained Right Leg Numbness in a 70-Year-Old: Seeking Answers
Can X-rays Diagnose Herniated Discs? Understanding Back Pain and Symptoms
After the X-ray, it is uncertain whether there is a herniated disc? Two years ago, after intense exercise, I felt significant discomfort in my left lower back, making it difficult to stand for long periods. After an X-ray, the doctor advised me to undergo physical therapy for my ...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello, 1. Your symptoms suggest that you may have a herniated lumbar disc compressing the sciatic nerve. 2. X-rays can help to infer whether there is a herniated lumbar disc, but confirmation should primarily be done through MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging). I recommend consul...[Read More] Can X-rays Diagnose Herniated Discs? Understanding Back Pain and Symptoms
Understanding Post-Surgery Symptoms After Cervical Spine Surgery
Cervical cone surgery status? Hello Doctor: I have seen many doctors, but in fact, each doctor's opinion is different. In March 2016, I sustained an injury during a chiropractic session, and the next day, when I tilted my head down and tried to lift it, I experienced shaking...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: 1. It is recommended to follow up with a cervical spine MRI. 2. If there are concerns about lumbar spondylolisthesis, a dynamic X-ray evaluation of the lumbar spine in extension should be performed. Best wishes, Dr. Lai Chao-Kang, Neurosurgeon.[Read More] Understanding Post-Surgery Symptoms After Cervical Spine Surgery