Understanding Sciatica from Herniated Discs: Treatment Options and Concerns
Herniated disc causing sciatica? In January of this year, I underwent an MRI at the hospital, which confirmed a herniated disc at the L4-L5 level compressing the nerve root, resulting in abnormal nerve conduction and causing sciatica. Yesterday, I returned for a doctor's eva...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello, as you mentioned: MRI confirmed that there is a herniated disc at the L4-L5 level compressing the nerve root. Nerve conduction studies are abnormal, and there is some atrophy in the gluteal region. After a long period of rehabilitation, you feel it has been ineffective. ...[Read More] Understanding Sciatica from Herniated Discs: Treatment Options and Concerns
Post-Surgery Pain Management for L5S1 Disc Herniation: What to Expect
L5-S1 intervertebral disc herniation with spinal fusion surgery? Hello, I underwent surgery on October 13th for the removal of a herniated disc along with internal fixation. The area where I experienced pain prior to the surgery, from my right buttock to the back of my thigh, cur...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello, the surgery was not performed by me, and we do not have your pre-operative and post-operative information. Therefore, we are unable to answer your questions. Best wishes, Dr. Lai Chao-Kang, Director of Spine and Nerve at Changhua Hospital.[Read More] Post-Surgery Pain Management for L5S1 Disc Herniation: What to Expect
Post-Surgery Concerns After Disc Herniation: What to Expect
Postoperative Issues Following Disc Rupture Surgery Hello Doctor, I had foot pain for two months, during which I continued rehabilitation with slight improvement. After that, I underwent an MRI, and the doctor said I had a herniated disc and advised me to have surgery, warning th...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
1. Not necessarily. 2. Unlikely. 3. If there is improvement after surgery, mild foot pain can be considered normal. 4. No.[Read More] Post-Surgery Concerns After Disc Herniation: What to Expect
Post-Operative Recovery Insights After Endoscopic Disc Surgery
Postoperative care following endoscopic spinal disc surgery? Hello, after the Dragon Boat Festival this year, I experienced severe pain and swelling in my hip and thigh. An MRI revealed a herniated disc at the L5-S1 level, which was compressing the nerve. I underwent endoscopic d...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello, since you have completed the surgery at Youmin Hospital, you should consult the original surgeon regarding the postoperative issues. Wishing you a speedy recovery![Read More] Post-Operative Recovery Insights After Endoscopic Disc Surgery
Understanding Disc Herniation: Addressing Weakness and Numbness in Legs
I would like to inquire about issues related to herniated discs and leg weakness? A few years ago, I experienced back numbness and went to a large hospital where I was diagnosed with a herniated disc. The doctor advised me to be cautious during daily activities and to undergo reh...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello, you may be experiencing issues related to lumbar spine and sciatica, but it could also be other problems. It is advisable to seek a personal evaluation from a neurosurgeon. Wishing you a speedy recovery. // Dr. Lai Chao-Kang, Director of Spine Neurosurgery, Changhua Hospit...[Read More] Understanding Disc Herniation: Addressing Weakness and Numbness in Legs
Understanding Lumbar Disc Herniation: Recovery and Symptoms Explained
Herniated disc In April 2015, an MRI indicated an L4-L5 disc herniation, with the L5 protrusion being approximately 2:1, significantly compressing the nerve. This has caused pain in the outer side of my left thigh and the outer side of my calf. At that time, the doctor suggested ...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: Based on what you described, your condition needs to be explained from two perspectives: 1. Your <symptoms (and your self-perception)> have improved. Congratulations. 2. However, the herniated disc and nerve compression in your body will not <disappear> due to ...[Read More] Understanding Lumbar Disc Herniation: Recovery and Symptoms Explained
Post-Surgery Complications of Lumbar Spondylolisthesis: What to Expect
Postoperative complications of spinal spondylolisthesis surgery? Hello Dr. Chang, on February 24, I underwent surgery for a herniated disc and spondylolisthesis from the fourth lumbar vertebra to the fourth sacral vertebra. During the procedure, three resin interbody fusion devic...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
It is evident that your postoperative pain is more severe than it was before the surgery, which theoretically should not happen. There may have been some issues during the surgical procedure. It is advisable to discuss this further with your attending physician or consider underg...[Read More] Post-Surgery Complications of Lumbar Spondylolisthesis: What to Expect
Understanding Uncommon Symptoms of L4-L5 Herniated Disc: Is Surgery Necessary?
Lumbar disc herniation I underwent an MRI, which confirmed that I have an L4-L5 herniated disc. The neurosurgeons all recommend surgery, but what's peculiar is that I can stand for long periods and walk without discomfort. When sitting, I experience slight discomfort in my b...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: It is true that most people feel more uncomfortable when getting out of bed, but there are also cases where lying down is even more uncomfortable. This is related to the relationship between your herniated disc and the surrounding nerve structures, as well as the relative ...[Read More] Understanding Uncommon Symptoms of L4-L5 Herniated Disc: Is Surgery Necessary?
Understanding Recurrent Disc Herniation: Treatment Options and Risks
Herniated disc 1 Hello, I had surgery for a herniated disc between the fourth and fifth lumbar vertebrae on January 12, 2016. I felt that my recovery was quite good after the surgery. After resting at home for a month, I returned to work, but not long after, I experienced pain an...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
If there is a recurrence, and it is more than before... 1. Rehabilitation generally only helps to manage pain and does not provide a fundamental cure. 2. It is still recommended to consider surgery again. 3. However, this time you need to consider the possibility of an artificial...[Read More] Understanding Recurrent Disc Herniation: Treatment Options and Risks
Managing Sciatica Pain from Herniated Discs: Rehabilitation Insights
Herniated disc with left buttock pain? Hello, Doctor. I have a herniated disc, and due to prolonged sitting and standing, my left calf becomes numb and my left hip feels very uncomfortable. After walking for less than ten minutes, the pain in my left hip becomes so intense that I...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
There is a possibility of improvement, but it is not guaranteed. If there is no improvement, surgical treatment is recommended![Read More] Managing Sciatica Pain from Herniated Discs: Rehabilitation Insights
Post-Surgery Numbness in Hand: Is It Normal After Cervical Surgery?
After cervical spine surgery, experiencing numbness in the hand can be considered a normal occurrence? Hello, my wife is 40 years old. She recently went to the hospital due to numbness in her left arm, and an MRI revealed that she has herniated discs at the C5/C6 and C6/C7 levels...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello, it is recommended to consult your surgeon. Wishing you a speedy recovery. Dr. Lai Chao-Kang, Department of Spine and Neurosurgery, Changhua Hospital.[Read More] Post-Surgery Numbness in Hand: Is It Normal After Cervical Surgery?
Understanding Lower Back Pain and Hip Discomfort: Causes and Treatments
Lower back pain with buttock soreness? Hello, doctor! A few months ago, while lifting heavy objects, I suspect I may have strained my lower back (I heard a popping sound at that moment). Although I did not experience any obvious pain symptoms afterward, I have been feeling sorene...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello, if general medication rehabilitation treatment is ineffective, it may be due to a lumbar disc issue. You might consider arranging for an MRI to evaluate the condition. Wishing you a speedy recovery. Dr. Lai Chao-Kang, Department of Spine and Neurosurgery, Changhua Hospital...[Read More] Understanding Lower Back Pain and Hip Discomfort: Causes and Treatments
Understanding L1-L2 Disc Herniation and Surgical Options for Nerve Compression
Herniated discs at the L1 and L2 levels are compressing the nerves? Hello, Doctor: I am 45 years old. I started experiencing pain near the left sciatic area in April 2015. Initially, I thought it was a sports injury causing a muscle strain. After about two months of treatment wit...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello, based on your description, it seems you have lumbar nerve compression. Since L1-L2 is a higher level nerve, there are potential risks associated with surgery, and it is recommended that you have an experienced neurosurgeon perform the procedure. Regarding your description ...[Read More] Understanding L1-L2 Disc Herniation and Surgical Options for Nerve Compression
Understanding Herniated Discs: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Herniated disc Hello Doctor: I have been experiencing intermittent pain for over a year now, with symptoms being more pronounced during the colder winter months. The only external factor I can think of is that I have been doing weight training at the gym and abdominal exercises a...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
It appears to be symptoms of lumbar disc herniation compressing the nerves. An MRI can be performed, and it is covered by health insurance, so there is no out-of-pocket expense. However, the physician will assess the severity of the condition based on clinical symptoms to determi...[Read More] Understanding Herniated Discs: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Understanding Acute Herniated Discs: When Bed Rest Fails to Relieve Pain
Acute herniated disc, with pain that cannot be relieved even while lying down? My wife experienced severe pain in her right thigh after lifting a heavy object four days ago. The next day, she also had intense pain in her calf and numbness in her toes. The hospital diagnosed her w...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello, you may have a serious lumbar spine issue. 1. If you need to use morphine, it is indeed quite severe. Have you undergone a lumbar MRI? 2. Generally, for symptomatic relief, you can try rest, pain medications, and rehabilitation (though if walking is difficult, rehabilitati...[Read More] Understanding Acute Herniated Discs: When Bed Rest Fails to Relieve Pain
Is My Leg Numbness a Sign of Disc Herniation Recurrence?
Is this a recurrence of a herniated disc? Six years ago, I underwent minimally invasive surgery to remove a portion of a herniated disc at the L4/L5 level due to pain and numbness in my left leg, and I recovered well. However, two months ago, after sneezing, I noticed numbness fr...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
1. Does this count as a recurrence of a herniated disc? A: It is possible. Please arrange for further examinations such as X-rays and MRI to confirm. 2. Is the numbness in the foot due to nerve compression? A: It is possible, but it could also be due to other issues. 3. If th...[Read More] Is My Leg Numbness a Sign of Disc Herniation Recurrence?
Understanding Cauda Equina Syndrome: Risks and Recovery Options
Cauda equina Recently diagnosed with a herniated disc, which has been ongoing for two to three years without active rehabilitation. During this time, I have also lifted heavy objects and engaged in intense exercise. Is there a significant chance of cauda equina syndrome leading t...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello, 1. Is there a significant chance that a herniated disc is compressing the cauda equina and causing erectile dysfunction? It is possible, but it is recommended to visit a clinic for an MRI and other examinations for proper assessment. 2. Severe injuries are more commonl...[Read More] Understanding Cauda Equina Syndrome: Risks and Recovery Options
Choosing Surgery for Cervical Disc Herniation: Risks and Alternatives
Options for Cervical Disc Rupture Surgery My mother is 56 years old and has been experiencing severe pain in her neck and arms, requiring steroid injections for pain relief. After an MRI, the doctor diagnosed her with a herniated disc at the C3-C4 level and a slipped disc at the ...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello, based on your description, I infer that 1. it may increase wear on adjacent segments, referred to as adjacent segment disease. To overcome this, it would be necessary to replace the fixed PEEK cage with a mobile artificial disc, although this option is more expensive. 2. G...[Read More] Choosing Surgery for Cervical Disc Herniation: Risks and Alternatives
Chronic Lower Back Pain: Understanding Muscle vs. Nerve Issues
Persistent lower back pain and difficulty sleeping? Due to excessive physical activity and long-term poor posture (with scoliosis), I began experiencing severe lower back pain two weeks ago (without any injury or sudden strain). I consulted orthopedic and neurosurgery specialists...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
Hello: Basically, if your symptoms do not improve after taking medication and undergoing rehabilitation treatment, it cannot be ruled out that a herniated lumbar disc may be compressing the nerves, causing sciatica. It is recommended to undergo an MRI for further evaluation![Read More] Chronic Lower Back Pain: Understanding Muscle vs. Nerve Issues
Understanding Cervical Disc Herniation and Pain Management Options
Cervical disc herniation issues? My mother experienced severe pain in her left arm six months ago, requiring steroid injections for pain relief. An X-ray indicated the presence of bone spurs in her neck, and further MRI was recommended. Unfortunately, in early September, she suff...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
Hello: Nerve compression can cause pain. Treatments such as acupuncture or heat therapy may help alleviate the pain and discomfort, but these are only symptomatic relief and not a fundamental solution. It's likely that the symptoms will recur in a short period of time. Surge...[Read More] Understanding Cervical Disc Herniation and Pain Management Options