Understanding Chronic Lower Back Pain: Causes and Treatment Options
Low back pain Hello Doctor, I have been experiencing pain in my lumbar spine for many years. I feel very uncomfortable after sitting, standing, or walking for a short period. I previously visited a neurosurgery clinic, but the doctor only prescribed some painkillers and did not...
Dr. Ding Xianwei Reply:
I believe this may be related to your injury, so you should lie flat and rest to strengthen your back muscles. You can lie on your bed and perform bicycle leg movements. Pain medication can help you rest, so it is necessary. Additionally, if the pain medication does not improve y...[Read More] Understanding Chronic Lower Back Pain: Causes and Treatment Options
Understanding Lumbar Spondylolisthesis: Insurance Approval and Treatment Options
Lumbar spondylolisthesis I understand you are busy, but I must ask again whether the application for lumbar spine fixation under the National Health Insurance has been approved. You can imagine my mixed feelings of hope and fear of being hurt; these days are quite difficult. You ...
Dr. Shao Guoning Reply:
We apologize, but your application has not yet been approved. Your condition requires a thorough decompression surgery. Due to the need for another surgery, it is inevitable that spinal instability will occur (there is currently a slight dislocation). Therefore, in addition to de...[Read More] Understanding Lumbar Spondylolisthesis: Insurance Approval and Treatment Options
When to Consider Surgery for Herniated Discs and Sciatica Pain
Herniated disc Last Sunday (July 29), I woke up in the middle of the night with severe sciatic pain radiating down to my leg, making it difficult to walk, sit, or lie down. That day, I went to the emergency room at National Taiwan University Hospital, but they only administered p...
Dr. Shao Guoning Reply:
Hello Mr. Zhu, You are a typical case of sciatic nerve pain that requires treatment. A computed tomography (CT) scan or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can reveal the extent of nerve compression. If it is due to a herniated disc, surgery is the only definitive solution. Curren...[Read More] When to Consider Surgery for Herniated Discs and Sciatica Pain
Managing Complications After Lumbar Spine Fracture Surgery
Lumbar vertebral compression fracture? Dear Dr. Ding: In May 1999, I accidentally fell and sustained a comminuted fracture of the lumbar vertebrae. Since the surgery, I have experienced five episodes of infection, resulting in five surgeries. Now, I am facing another recurrence, ...
Dr. Ding Xianwei Reply:
After an injury, the body's defense mechanisms against external infections (i.e., immunity) are compromised. Therefore, the risk of infection during emergency surgery following an injury is higher than that of routine surgeries, with some procedures having infection rates ex...[Read More] Managing Complications After Lumbar Spine Fracture Surgery