Post-Spinal Surgery: Why Can't My Dad Move His Ankles and Toes?
Inability to move the ankle and toes following spinal surgery? Hello Doctor: My father underwent minimally invasive surgery for lumbar spondylolisthesis at levels L3, L4, and L5 on June 13, where screws were placed. However, since the surgery, he has been unable to move his legs,...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: 1. The symptoms may suggest involvement of the L4 and L5 nerve roots, resembling a temporary malfunction, possibly due to nerve edema or adaptation issues to a new environment. 2. It is recommended to consult with the original surgeon regarding the need for further examina...[Read More] Post-Spinal Surgery: Why Can't My Dad Move His Ankles and Toes?
Post-Surgery Weakness in Legs After Spinal Surgery: Key Insights
Postoperative leg weakness after spinal surgery? Hello, Vice Dean Zhang. I have undergone three surgeries for lumbar spine issues at the L4-L5 level. The first surgery involved a Romeo clamp and screws, which became loose and caused nerve pain. The second surgery reinforced the c...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
1. There should be no issues if there is no pain and no neurological dysfunction. 2. I cannot provide an answer without knowing your case, imaging studies, and physical examination. 3. Yes, it is related to pain. 4. Not entirely.[Read More] Post-Surgery Weakness in Legs After Spinal Surgery: Key Insights
Is Golf Safe for Patients with Lumbar Spondylolisthesis?
Spondylolisthesis Doctor, I would like to ask if it is suitable for me to play golf with my lumbar vertebrae 3, 4, and 5 having a slippage. Are there other exercises that are more appropriate for someone with lumbar spine issues? Thank you.
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: Lumbar spondylolisthesis may not necessarily present with symptoms. If you play golf and do not experience any lower back pain during the activity, it may not be necessary to refrain from it. Suitable exercises for the lumbar spine include stretching, pull-ups, swimming, a...[Read More] Is Golf Safe for Patients with Lumbar Spondylolisthesis?
Understanding Minimally Invasive Surgery for Disc Herniation: Key Insights and FAQs
Hello Director Lai: I would like to ask you for educational information regarding my herniated disc? Hello Director Lai, thank you for taking the time to respond. Considering economic factors and my limited understanding of medical terminology, I am reaching out to you online for...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: A. I see that you are seriously researching this topic, but you might be overwhelmed by the vast amount of information available online, leading to confusion. Many young internet users face similar challenges, getting misled by technical jargon and certain medical advertis...[Read More] Understanding Minimally Invasive Surgery for Disc Herniation: Key Insights and FAQs
Understanding Sciatica: Symptoms, Causes, and When to Seek Help
Sciatica I have been suffering from lower back pain for at least two years without seeing a doctor. The pain comes and goes, and when I turn over in bed, I experience sharp pain from my lower back to my buttocks and thighs. Sometimes the pain is so severe that I am afraid to move...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: The symptoms suggest sciatica, which is usually caused by lumbar spondylolisthesis or herniated discs that compress the nerves. However, to confirm the diagnosis, X-rays combined with MRI are needed. Considering that you are 30 weeks pregnant, it is generally recommended f...[Read More] Understanding Sciatica: Symptoms, Causes, and When to Seek Help
Understanding Lumbar Spondylolisthesis: Latest Minimally Invasive Treatments
Spinal instability due to spondylolisthesis? Hello, Director Lai. I am an RA. MRI shows L4-5 spondylolisthesis with spinal instability, herniated disc compressing the nerve, and narrowing of the intervertebral space. Symptoms include lumbar pain, right lower limb neuropathic pain...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: 1. The OLIF procedure you mentioned is relatively novel, and its advantages are generally as you described. However, it should be noted that OLIF accesses the spine from the anterolateral approach and employs an indirect decompression technique, which means it may not ac...[Read More] Understanding Lumbar Spondylolisthesis: Latest Minimally Invasive Treatments
Can Non-Surgical Treatment Cure Lumbar Spondylolisthesis?
Lumbar spondylolisthesis treatment options? Hello Doctor, I have a condition of lumbar spondylolisthesis, which I believe is currently at grade one (based on my own assessment). Whenever I experience pain, I can only take anti-inflammatory medication and muscle relaxants. I would...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
Lumbar spondylolisthesis is not easily curable, but conservative treatment can help alleviate back pain.[Read More] Can Non-Surgical Treatment Cure Lumbar Spondylolisthesis?
Exploring Non-Surgical Treatments for Lumbar Spondylolisthesis
Lumbar spondylolisthesis Hello, Doctor. I was in a car accident on May 19, and my bones healed by June 30. I started experiencing numbness and pain in my legs from my waist to my thighs, calves, and feet, along with frequent soreness in my lower back. I then visited a neurosurgeo...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: Lumbar spondylolisthesis with nerve compression, if it causes severe pain, difficulty walking, or even paralysis and bowel or bladder incontinence, requires early surgical intervention. If the symptoms are milder, conservative treatment options may be attempted, such as lu...[Read More] Exploring Non-Surgical Treatments for Lumbar Spondylolisthesis
Post-Surgery Complications After Lumbar Spondylolisthesis: A Patient's Experience
Postoperative Issues After Spinal Spondylolisthesis Surgery Three years ago, I underwent surgery on my lumbar spine at the L4-L5 levels. Currently, I need to wear compression stockings for support in order to walk. I also frequently experience urinary incontinence and require med...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: Although you have worked hard to write a lot, I need more information for evaluation and reasoning. Since I cannot see the patient or the imaging directly, I can only suggest that you return for a follow-up appointment with the original surgeon to discuss your concerns. If...[Read More] Post-Surgery Complications After Lumbar Spondylolisthesis: A Patient's Experience
Post-Discectomy: Should My Boyfriend Have His Hardware Removed?
Postoperative care for herniated disc surgery? My boyfriend underwent minimally invasive surgery for a herniated disc on July 11 of last year due to lower back pain and leg numbness. After the surgery, he still experiences lower back discomfort. He is now hesitant about whether t...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
Why is it necessary to perform spinal fusion? Is it due to lumbar spondylolisthesis? If the purpose of the procedure is not clear, it is not advisable to remove the hardware casually![Read More] Post-Discectomy: Should My Boyfriend Have His Hardware Removed?
Understanding Lumbar Spondylolisthesis and Surgical Options
Spondylolysis with lumbar spondylolisthesis? Hello Doctor, four years ago I visited a physician due to lower back pain, and the doctor diagnosed me with a fracture of the lamina at the fourth and fifth lumbar vertebrae. Recently, during a follow-up visit, the doctor mentioned tha...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: 1. If there is a spondylolysis with accompanying lumbar spondylolisthesis, it will not heal on its own. If you feel your symptoms are manageable, then coexist peacefully with it. However, if your symptoms are bothersome and you want a definitive solution, then consider sur...[Read More] Understanding Lumbar Spondylolisthesis and Surgical Options
Minimally Invasive Surgery for Lumbar Spondylolisthesis: Treatment Options Explored
After undergoing two spinal surgeries, if you experience a slippage of the L4-L5 vertebrae seven years later, what treatment options are suitable for minimally invasive surgery? Hello Doctor: My mother underwent spinal surgery years ago due to complications from a car accident, a...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: 1. There is a slippage at the L4-L5 vertebrae with a fracture. Additionally, there have been two spinal surgeries, and the screws have been removed. Without support, the lumbar region is definitely more unstable and uncomfortable. 2. If you have tried medications and rehab...[Read More] Minimally Invasive Surgery for Lumbar Spondylolisthesis: Treatment Options Explored
Post-Surgery Pain After Lumbar Spondylolisthesis: Causes and Solutions
Postoperative pain after lumbar spondylolisthesis surgery? Hello Dr. Lai, I have been experiencing numbness in both legs after standing for a long time or walking for about 5 minutes (without pain), followed by weakness and loss of control over my movements. After an MRI diagnosi...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: Since this is not my surgical patient and there are no images available, I cannot provide a definitive response. However, since you have concerns and are unable to improve with the original physician, I recommend that you personally seek a consultation with another expert ...[Read More] Post-Surgery Pain After Lumbar Spondylolisthesis: Causes and Solutions
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 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 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 Lumbosacral Pain: Fourth Lumbar Vertebra Fracture and Spondylolisthesis
Fracture of the fourth vertebra? I went to the hospital for a check-up due to lower back pain. After an X-ray, the doctor informed me that I have a "fracture of the fourth lumbar vertebra," which can lead to "lumbar spondylolisthesis," causing my lower back pa...
Dr. Qiu Yushu Reply:
Hello: Lumbar spondylolisthesis is classified into four grades. Please visit the outpatient clinic for an assessment of severity. Best regards, Dr. Yu-Shu Chiu.[Read More] Understanding Lumbosacral Pain: Fourth Lumbar Vertebra Fracture and Spondylolisthesis
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