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
Understanding Complications of L3 Spinal Surgery: A Patient's Journey
Misplacement of L3 pedicle screw in lumbar spine surgery? Hello, doctor. My father is 72 years old. Preoperative X-rays showed signs of scoliosis and spondylolisthesis, with complaints of inability to walk for long periods due to lower back pain and numbness in his legs when sitt...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: 1. Postoperative follow-up shows that the original symptoms have not improved and have worsened after surgery. If imaging reveals that a steel screw has penetrated the nerve canal, there are no other options but to adjust and perform another surgery (unless the patient is ...[Read More] Understanding Complications of L3 Spinal Surgery: A Patient's Journey
Post-Spinal Fusion Surgery: Understanding Symptoms and Treatment Options
Post-spinal fusion surgery I have rheumatoid arthritis and underwent surgery on June 23 for L4-L5 instability (with a Romeo cage and health insurance screws). Due to osteoporosis with a T-score of -2.4, I experienced collapse and pain, which led to a second surgery for adjustment...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
Due to the varying complexity of individual medical conditions, it is not possible to provide specific explanations for each person's condition.[Read More] Post-Spinal Fusion Surgery: Understanding Symptoms and Treatment Options
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?
Can Patients with Previous Spinal Surgery Safely Perform Stretching Exercises?
Can I perform lumbar stretching rehabilitation after having undergone lumbar spine surgery? Hello doctor, my father had surgery on his lumbar spine several years ago and had bone screws placed. Now he is experiencing numbness in both legs. He consulted an orthopedic doctor who me...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
It is generally not recommended; you may consult a rehabilitation physician for further advice.[Read More] Can Patients with Previous Spinal Surgery Safely Perform Stretching Exercises?
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 Post-Surgery Symptoms: Nerve Issues After Thoracic Surgery
Thoracic spine issues Hello, doctor! I had surgery last June for thoracic spinal stenosis that was compressing my nerves, but nearly a year after the surgery, I still experience persistent numbness in my legs. I later returned for follow-up visits and had an MRI to assess the com...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
Very likely.[Read More] Understanding Post-Surgery Symptoms: Nerve Issues After Thoracic Surgery
Post-Surgery Back Pain: Soft vs. Rigid Support for Lumbar Fusion
Lumbar spine traditional surgery 5-1 fusion brace? Dear Doctor, I had a lumbar fusion at the L5-S1 level and underwent surgery 20 days ago. However, my doctor only advised me to wear a soft lumbar brace. I experience daily back pain. Would wearing a rigid brace provide better p...
Dr. Zhao Shaoqing Reply:
Hello: Protecting the wound does not require a special hard brace. The pain after lumbar spine surgery may be due to insufficient muscle strength. It is advisable to discuss this with your attending physician. Wishing you a speedy recovery. Changhua Hospital cares about you.[Read More] Post-Surgery Back Pain: Soft vs. Rigid Support for Lumbar Fusion
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 Lumbar Spine Fractures and Severe Injury Claims
Lumbar spine issues A burst fracture of the second lumbar vertebra with spinal cord injury resulting in paralysis of both lower limbs is considered a severe injury. It is also possible to apply for a major disability card in this case.
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: Paralysis of both lower limbs is considered serious. However, whether it qualifies as a "severe injury" or for "application for major illness" requires returning to the original hospital for consultation with the attending physician and reviewing the me...[Read More] Understanding Lumbar Spine Fractures and Severe Injury Claims
Understanding Lower Back Pain and Its Connection to Tailbone and Abdominal Discomfort
Lumbar pain, perianal pain, and cramp-like pain in the lower abdomen? Hello, doctor. Whenever I experience discomfort in my lower back, I also feel sharp pain in my coccyx and my lower abdomen (the triangular area between my legs), along with cramping pain that radiates to my rig...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: It is suspected to be a condition of the lumbar spine. It is recommended to consult a specialist in spinal neurology and arrange for a series of examinations, including magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), to identify the lesion. Best wishes to you. // Dr. Lai Chao-Kang, Chan...[Read More] Understanding Lower Back Pain and Its Connection to Tailbone and Abdominal Discomfort
Post-Surgery Concerns for Giant Cell Tumor of the Spine: What to Expect?
Postoperative issues following surgery for giant cell tumor of the spine? I have a giant cell tumor at my lumbar spine L3. I underwent surgery at the beginning of February, and the doctor mentioned that the tumor was removed cleanly. He specifically referred to the surgical metho...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello, theoretically, as you wait for your spinal fusion, the stability should increase and your symptoms may improve. I recommend that you consult with your surgical medical team. Best wishes to you.[Read More] Post-Surgery Concerns for Giant Cell Tumor of the Spine: What to Expect?
Understanding Lumbar Pain: Causes and Solutions for Discomfort
Discomfort in the lumbar spine? Hello Doctor: I experience pain in my lumbar spine when I get up from a lying position, and it also hurts when I cough. What could be the cause of this persistent pain?
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello, it is suspected to be a lumbar spine issue, most commonly involving the muscles, ligaments, joints, or even the cartilage and intervertebral discs. It is recommended to avoid bending over, rest, and wear a lumbar support for 1-2 weeks. If there is no improvement or if disc...[Read More] Understanding Lumbar Pain: Causes and Solutions for Discomfort
Understanding Post-Surgery Pain: Symptoms After Lumbar Spine Surgery
Spondylolisthesis of the L4-L5 and L5-S1 vertebrae? Doctor, I underwent minimally invasive surgery on March 31, and it has been four weeks since then. I frequently experience sharp pain and occasional burning sensations in the sole and toes of my right foot. At night, the pain of...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello, for discomfort issues after surgery, it is strongly recommended to follow up with the original surgeon. Best wishes to you. // Dr. Lai Chao-Kang, Department of Neurosurgery, Changhua Hospital.[Read More] Understanding Post-Surgery Pain: Symptoms After Lumbar Spine Surgery
Understanding Pain from Herniated Discs, Bone Spurs, and Weather Changes
Bone spur, slippage, herniated disc? Hello, Dr. Lai. I would like to ask if conditions such as herniated discs, bone spurs, and spondylolisthesis can cause pain during changes in weather, like when it rains or gets cold? Additionally, can lying down or sitting still also lead to ...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: Based on the symptoms described, it seems that your family member may have a lumbar spine issue. Conditions such as bone spurs, spondylolisthesis, or herniated discs within the lumbar spine can potentially compress nerves or lead to structural instability, which may cause ...[Read More] Understanding Pain from Herniated Discs, Bone Spurs, and Weather Changes
Understanding Lower Left Back Pain: When to See a Specialist
Left lower back pain? Hello, doctor. I have lower back pain and went to see an orthopedic specialist. I also had an X-ray done, and the doctor said the cause of the pain is inflammation of the nerves due to prolonged standing or sitting. It cannot be completely cured and can only...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: General lower back pain is often related to lumbar spine issues. If it's your first occurrence, you can try rest, lumbar support, medication, and physical therapy. If it recurs or symptoms persist, it is advisable to consult a neurosurgeon. If a specific lesion is con...[Read More] Understanding Lower Left Back Pain: When to See a Specialist
Understanding Left Chest Pain: Could It Be Related to Cervical Issues?
Left chest pain and heat? Hello, doctor. I do not smoke, drink alcohol, or chew betel nut. I occasionally experience a dull pain in my left chest, which sometimes feels warm, located slightly towards the armpit. The frequency is irregular. I have previously undergone a breast ult...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
The likelihood of left chest pain being related to cervical spine issues is very low. It is recommended to visit a thoracic medicine clinic for examination and treatment.[Read More] Understanding Left Chest Pain: Could It Be Related to Cervical Issues?
Understanding Chronic Buttock Pain: Causes, Treatments, and Expert Insights
Persistent pain in the buttocks that prevents sitting, standing, or lying down? The patient has been experiencing severe pain in the buttocks (especially the right side) while sitting, standing, and lying down for a year. This pain began shortly after undergoing arthroscopic surg...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: 1. If you have already undergone multiple ineffective treatments from other physicians and it is considered a complex case, it is not possible to diagnose and arrange treatment based solely on a few written words. It is recommended to make an appointment and have the patie...[Read More] Understanding Chronic Buttock Pain: Causes, Treatments, and Expert Insights