Lumbar spine, Neurosurgery FAQ - Page 4

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Understanding Left Lower Back Numbness: Causes and When to Seek Help

Numbness in the lower left back? Hello Dr. Lai: I have very little physical activity. Last week, after walking for 2 hours, I felt quite tired, and afterward, while sitting down, I experienced a tingling sensation in my lower left back that lasted for about 30 seconds before disa...


Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello, it is suspected to be a lumbar spine issue. It is recommended to consult a neurosurgeon, rehabilitation specialist, or orthopedic doctor. Best wishes. // Neurosurgeon Dr. Lai Chao-Kang.

[Read More] Understanding Left Lower Back Numbness: Causes and When to Seek Help


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


Understanding Treatment Options for Lumbar Compression Fractures

Compression fracture of the second lumbar vertebra due to a fall? Hello, my mother, born in 1944, had an accident on June 4th when she accidentally stepped into a gap and fell to the ground, resulting in a crush fracture of her second lumbar vertebra due to gravitational impact, ...


Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: A. When performing an MRI, in addition to assessing the degree of vertebral collapse, it is also important to evaluate whether there is nerve compression. B. Generally, if the vertebral height is collapsed by 1/2 and there are symptoms of buttock and leg pain due to nerve ...

[Read More] Understanding Treatment Options for Lumbar Compression Fractures


Post-Surgery Numbness: Understanding Leg Symptoms After Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery

After one month of minimally invasive surgery for the slippage and stenosis at the L4-L5 vertebrae, I began to experience numbness in my legs? Hello Dr. Lai: I previously experienced difficulty walking with my right leg due to lumbar spondylolisthesis. At the end of February 2017...


Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: I suggest you go back and consult the original surgeon. Wishing you all the best.

[Read More] Post-Surgery Numbness: Understanding Leg Symptoms After Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery


Understanding Lumbar Cysts: Symptoms, Surgery, and Recovery Insights

Lumbar cyst? Last July, an MRI revealed a cyst in my lumbar spine. At that time, the doctor did not indicate any specific issues, only stating that it was congenital. Recently, I have been experiencing a dull ache on the left side, and since last year, I have had pain in the top ...


Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: 1. Your symptoms: <..Recently, there has been a sensation of soreness on the left side, and since last year, after sitting for a long time, I experience pain in the left foot when I stand up, which improves after walking for a while...> This may not necessarily be ca...

[Read More] Understanding Lumbar Cysts: Symptoms, Surgery, and Recovery Insights


Managing Lumbar Compression Fractures: Tips for Comfort and Mobility

Compression injury of the fifth lumbar vertebra. Discomfort from prolonged sitting, tightness in the knees, and susceptibility to lower back pain? Hello, Doctor. Two months ago, I sustained a compression injury to my fifth lumbar vertebra due to a sports injury. After two months ...


Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: 1. You have had a lumbar spine injury, which likely has some residual effects that may cause discomfort. It’s a matter of how much you can tolerate. If you wish to improve further, you can consult a spine neurosurgeon to evaluate whether you are a candidate for surgery, re...

[Read More] Managing Lumbar Compression Fractures: Tips for Comfort and Mobility


Post-Surgery Considerations for Lumbar Spine: When to Remove Hardware?

Regarding issue #116219, after undergoing surgery on the first lumbar vertebra, is it necessary to perform minimally invasive surgery to remove it after one year? Hello Dr. Lai: First of all, thank you for being willing to respond to my questions. You are truly knowledgeable and ...


Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello, 1. Generally, there is no need to remove the hardware, but if, for example, the screws have loosened, or if they are too rigid and causing discomfort, or for other reasons as determined by the physician, they can be removed. 2. Typically, if it is confirmed that the bo...

[Read More] Post-Surgery Considerations for Lumbar Spine: When to Remove Hardware?


Is Minimally Invasive Surgery Necessary to Remove Spinal Implants After a Year?

The first vertebra (lumbar vertebra) underwent surgery, and after one year, is a minimally invasive surgery required for removal? Hello Doctor: I had traditional surgery in May this year for a car accident where they installed Stryker Mantis implants, rod, and screws in my first ...


Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello, you are only 25 years old. I suspect you might have a burst fracture of the L1 vertebra. If the physician determines through imaging that the fracture has healed, it may be considered to remove the screws. Generally, the removal of screws does not directly affect the nerve...

[Read More] Is Minimally Invasive Surgery Necessary to Remove Spinal Implants After a Year?


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


Post-Surgery Sleep Issues: Navigating Complex Challenges After Spine Surgery

Postoperative sleep issues become complicated? I underwent spinal surgery for spondylolisthesis on February 25, 2016, and I couldn't sleep during my hospital stay. I had been taking sleeping pills for 10 years, but they no longer worked. After the surgery, my legs became num...


Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
Discuss with the primary surgeon or other physicians whether a repeat surgery could improve the current lumbar spine issues!

[Read More] Post-Surgery Sleep Issues: Navigating Complex Challenges After Spine 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 Sacral Fractures: Recovery Time and Related Back Pain

Sacral fracture It has been almost three months since I fell while walking up the stairs in April, and I still haven't recovered. Sitting for long periods or lying down is very uncomfortable. The area of the sacral fracture is quite painful, and recently my lumbar spine has ...


Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello, your condition requires an outpatient evaluation. It's not possible to provide recommendations in just a few sentences. Changhua Hospital cares about you. // Dr. Lai Chao-Kang, Director of Spine Neurosurgery.

[Read More] Understanding Sacral Fractures: Recovery Time and Related Back Pain


Understanding Lumbar Spine Issues: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments

Lumbar spine issues I visited the doctor in April this year due to lower back pain. The doctor took X-rays and mentioned that there was an angular deformity in the bone, possibly from an old injury. I would like to ask if bones do not heal on their own after an injury that occurr...


Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
The numbness in the left chest is unrelated to the back pain. Reducing heavy lifting, getting more rest, and engaging in rehabilitation should help improve the condition!

[Read More] Understanding Lumbar Spine Issues: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments


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


Chronic Lumbar Pain: Seeking Solutions for Persistent Discomfort

Lumbar pain Hello Dr. Lai, I have a job that requires long hours of sitting. After two months of work, I began experiencing pain in my lumbar spine, and it has been over four months now. Since the onset of the pain, I have been undergoing rehabilitation treatment (electrotherapy,...


Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello, as you mentioned: "After undergoing an MRI, the doctor said there is degeneration and slight bulging of the intervertebral discs at the L4-L5 levels, but no other issues were found. It is not yet at the stage where surgery is required. The doctor said I can only rely ...

[Read More] Chronic Lumbar Pain: Seeking Solutions for Persistent Discomfort


Managing Disc Herniation: When to Consider Surgery or Alternative Treatments

Herniated disc Hello Dr. Lai: My current symptoms include left lower back pain, weakness in my left leg, and weakness in my toes, which sometimes feel numb. Since I am abroad, the doctors here have recommended physical therapy. I have been undergoing physical therapy for three mo...


Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: 1. Your description seems to indicate a lumbar spine issue causing sciatica. However, a detailed examination is still necessary, such as X-rays and MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging). 2. If physical therapy focusing on core muscle training is ineffective, you may consider lu...

[Read More] Managing Disc Herniation: When to Consider Surgery or Alternative Treatments


Should Spinal Fixation Screws Be Removed After Surgery?

Is it recommended to remove spinal fixation screws? Hello Doctor: My mother has been suffering from spondylolisthesis at the L4-L5 level. Three years ago, she underwent surgery to install a cage and bone graft for stabilization, but her condition has not improved since the operat...


Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: 1. Generally speaking, if the originally implanted fusion cage has successfully fused, the adjacent auxiliary screws can be removed. (For example, in cases of upper and lower limb fractures, if the screws were used for fixation and it is confirmed that the fracture has hea...

[Read More] Should Spinal Fixation Screws Be Removed After Surgery?


Managing Sciatica: Rehabilitation, Exercise, and Alternative Therapies Explained

Sciatica Hello Doctor, my main symptoms are soreness in the right side of my hip and thigh, with noticeable pain in my buttocks after prolonged sitting. I have undergone electromyography, which indicated pressure on the right L5 and S1 nerves, but my MRI results were normal. I ha...


Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: 1. Your description: "Pain in the right buttock and thigh, with noticeable pain after prolonged sitting. An electromyogram indicated compression of the right L5 and S1 nerves, but the MRI results were normal..." This seems to suggest a lumbar spine issue causin...

[Read More] Managing Sciatica: Rehabilitation, Exercise, and Alternative Therapies Explained


Relieving Lower Back Pain: Tips for Managing Sciatica Symptoms

Pain in the lower back, around the lumbar region? Hello, doctor. My symptoms originally included pain in the right lower back, which has gradually radiated down to my thigh. I have a slight pelvic tilt causing a leg length discrepancy. Is there any way to relieve this? It is curr...


Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
It may be a lumbar spine issue causing sciatica. Although you have an upcoming exam, it is still recommended to seek a nearby neurosurgeon for an evaluation.

[Read More] Relieving Lower Back Pain: Tips for Managing Sciatica Symptoms


Understanding Unexplained Numbness and Tingling in the Lower Body

Strange sourness and numbness? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask you something. Since my first year of college, I have occasionally experienced a discomfort that starts from my lower back, radiating down to my buttocks, and then to the back of my thighs and calves. It feels some...


Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello, your sciatica may be caused by lumbar spine issues. I recommend seeing a neurosurgeon. Wishing you a speedy recovery. // Director of Spinal Neurosurgery, Changhua Hospital, Dr. Lai Chao-Kang.

[Read More] Understanding Unexplained Numbness and Tingling in the Lower Body


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