Understanding One-Sided Headaches: Causes and When to Seek Help
Headache issues Hello, doctor. I've been experiencing intermittent headaches for the past five years, and they always occur on one side. When I have a headache, the neck on that side also hurts, and sometimes the pain feels like it's cramping. My eyes also feel uncomfor...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
It may be a migraine; please consult a neurologist.[Read More] Understanding One-Sided Headaches: Causes and When to Seek Help
Understanding Back Pain: Insights on Muscle Strain and Treatment Options
Back pain Hello Doctor: Recently, I have been experiencing tightness in my neck and shoulders while sleeping, which has affected my sleep quality. Last week, I suddenly felt a significant pain in the area near my right scapula close to the spine. The pain intensifies whenever I l...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: It may be a cervical spine issue causing nerve compression. Please seek medical attention. Best wishes from Dr. Lai Chao-Kang, Neurosurgeon.[Read More] Understanding Back Pain: Insights on Muscle Strain and Treatment Options
Understanding Nerve Block Procedures: Recovery and Pain Management
Nerve block procedure Hello Dr. Lai: My cervical vertebrae C4 and C5 were injured in a car accident in May, and after surgery, I have been experiencing pain and weakness extending from my left shoulder to my fingers, especially in my left middle and ring fingers, which not only h...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: You should consult with your original surgeon and the physician who performed the nerve block to assess whether a repeat MRI is necessary. However, if you wish to seek a second opinion from another physician, it is advisable to bring your MRI and X-ray images. It is best t...[Read More] Understanding Nerve Block Procedures: Recovery and Pain Management
Understanding Nerve Block Procedures: Recovery and Pain Management
Nerve block technique Hello Dr. Lai: My cervical vertebrae C4 and C5 were injured in a car accident in May, and after surgery, I have been experiencing pain and weakness extending from my left shoulder to my fingers, particularly in my left middle and ring fingers, which not only...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: You should consult with your original surgeon and the physician who performed the nerve block to assess whether a repeat MRI is necessary. However, if you wish to seek a second opinion from another physician, it is advisable to bring your MRI and X-ray images. It is best t...[Read More] Understanding Nerve Block Procedures: Recovery and Pain Management
Understanding C3-C4 Spinal Cord Injury: Treatment Options and Recovery
Spinal cord injury Hello doctor, I would like to ask about my family member who suffered a C3 and C4 spinal cord injury due to a car accident. They are paralyzed below the neck and are fully conscious but can only move their head. They feel like a living dead... Are there any met...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
This is quite complex; it is recommended to consult Dr. Zheng Hongzhi from the Department of Neurorepair at Taipei Veterans General Hospital.[Read More] Understanding C3-C4 Spinal Cord Injury: Treatment Options and Recovery
Understanding Neck Issues After Disc Surgery: Pain and Nerve Block Treatment
Neck issues Hello Dr. Lai: I was involved in a car accident in mid-May, and after the accident, I underwent artificial disc replacement surgery at the C4 and C5 levels. Post-surgery, I experienced pain in my neck that radiated to the middle and ring fingers of my left hand, accom...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: You asked three times, so I will respond all at once. 1. You can copy the pre-operative and post-operative X-rays and MRIs and place them here (if you have no privacy concerns) or bring them for discussion during the outpatient visit. 2. Of course, a referral can be made, ...[Read More] Understanding Neck Issues After Disc Surgery: Pain and Nerve Block Treatment
Understanding Neck Issues After Disc Surgery: Pain and Nerve Block Treatment
Neck issues Hello Dr. Lai: I was in a car accident in mid-May, and after the accident, I underwent artificial disc replacement surgery at the C4-C5 levels. Post-surgery, I have experienced soreness in my neck that radiates to the middle and ring fingers of my left hand, accompani...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: You asked three times, so I will respond all at once. 1. You can copy the pre-operative and post-operative X-rays and MRIs and place them here (if you have no privacy concerns) or bring them for discussion during the outpatient visit. 2. Of course, a referral is possible, ...[Read More] Understanding Neck Issues After Disc Surgery: Pain and Nerve Block Treatment
Understanding Finger Pain and Weakness After Neck Injury: A Patient's Journey
Finger soreness and weakness? Hello Dr. Lai, I had an injury to my cervical vertebrae C4 and C5 from a car accident in May. After surgery, I have been experiencing pain and weakness extending from my left shoulder down to my hand, particularly in my left middle and ring fingers,...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: You asked three times, so I will respond all at once. 1. You can copy the pre-operative and post-operative X-rays and MRIs and place them here (if you have no privacy concerns) or bring them for discussion during the outpatient visit. 2. A referral is certainly possible, b...[Read More] Understanding Finger Pain and Weakness After Neck Injury: A Patient's Journey
Post-Surgery Complications After Cervical Spine Injury: What to Expect
Cervical spine surgery complications? While stopped at a red light, I was struck from behind by a truck, resulting in injuries to my cervical spine at levels C4 and C5. I underwent cervical spine surgery and had metal screws inserted. After the surgery, I received traditional Chi...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: You have repeated questions, so I will answer them here. 1. If you have improved after surgery, it indicates that your nerves were severely damaged before the procedure. You will need to be patient, take medication, and undergo rehabilitation, with follow-up from your ph...[Read More] Post-Surgery Complications After Cervical Spine Injury: What to Expect
Understanding Whiplash Injuries: Recovery After Car Accident Neck Surgery
Cervical spine surgery due to a car accident? Over two months ago, I was hit directly from behind by a truck while waiting at a red light. After initial treatment for my external injuries, I was about to go home, but I started experiencing persistent pain in my neck. The orthoped...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: You have repeated your question, so I will answer it here. 1. If you have improved after surgery, it indicates that your nerves were more severely damaged before the procedure. You will need to be patient and continue with medication and rehabilitation, while your physicia...[Read More] Understanding Whiplash Injuries: Recovery After Car Accident Neck Surgery
Persistent Shoulder Pain: When to Seek Medical Advice
Shoulder pain? One day I woke up and felt a sensation of stiffness in my shoulder. Previously, this stiffness would resolve in two days, but it has now been four days and it’s still the same. The pain extends to my neck and upper back, and I can’t lower my head; I can only turn m...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: It is suspected to be cervical nerve compression pathology. It is recommended to consult a neurosurgeon for an evaluation of the actual condition. Best wishes to you. // Neurosurgeon Dr. Lai Chao-Kang[Read More] Persistent Shoulder Pain: When to Seek Medical Advice
Understanding Persistent Neck Discomfort: Causes and Solutions
Discomfort in the right neck? Hello Dr. Lai, I am currently a university student and have been experiencing tightness in my neck, from the base of my skull to my right shoulder, for about 8 weeks. I am unsure how this injury occurred: 1. It may have originated from a bicycle a...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: It is still recommended that you bring your previous X-ray and MRI scans. Please visit in person for your consultation with the neurosurgeon. Wishing you all the best.[Read More] Understanding Persistent Neck Discomfort: Causes and Solutions
Neck Pain After Massage: Causes and Remedies Explained
Experiencing soreness in the neck after a massage? Hello doctor, I had a full body massage at a massage parlor yesterday, and now my neck is starting to feel sore. What should I do? Thank you, doctor.
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
First, observe and rest for a few days, then reassess![Read More] Neck Pain After Massage: Causes and Remedies Explained
Understanding Pain in the Back of the Head: Possible Causes and Next Steps
Head issues Hello, doctor. I would like to inquire about the issue of pain in the back of my head. Two days ago, after waking up, I experienced pain in the right occipital region (from the level of the ear towards the center of the back of the head on the right side) when I hiccu...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: It is recommended to have a cervical spine examination. Consultation with a neurosurgeon. Best wishes to you. // Dr. Lai Chao-Kang, Neurosurgeon.[Read More] Understanding Pain in the Back of the Head: Possible Causes and Next Steps
Is a Bump on the Neck Normal When Tilting Back?
Neck issues? Hello, doctor. When I tilt my head back, I can feel a protrusion at the back of my neck that feels like cartilage, and it only appears when I tilt my head back. Is this normal? Thank you, doctor.
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello, you should be able to feel the posterior edge of the seventh cervical vertebra. However, please consult a physician for a proper diagnosis. Best wishes from neurosurgeon Dr. Lai Chao-Kang.[Read More] Is a Bump on the Neck Normal When Tilting Back?
Understanding Neck Mobility After C3-C7 Fusion Surgery
Cervical spine range of motion I would like to ask: Generally speaking, after undergoing fusion of the cervical vertebrae C3, C4, C5, C6, and C7, what is the typical range of motion? I would like to know.
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello, I suggest you consult with the physician who will be performing your surgery.[Read More] Understanding Neck Mobility After C3-C7 Fusion Surgery
Understanding Neck Pain During Rotational Movements: Causes and Solutions
Neck rotation causes pain? I would like to ask, when I tilt my head to the left or right, I don't feel any pain, but when I rotate my head, especially during physical education classes, I experience pain on the left side when turning to the back left. Additionally, I have no...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello, it is suspected to be a cervical spine issue, possibly related to your posture during activities. It is recommended to consult a neurosurgery outpatient clinic for some examinations. Best wishes. // Dr. Lai Chao-Kang, Changhua Hospital[Read More] Understanding Neck Pain During Rotational Movements: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Cervical Disc Herniation and Nerve Root Compression
Is there a nerve root compression issue due to cervical intervertebral disc herniation? Hello Doctor: I currently have a problem with cervical disc herniation. After undergoing an MRI and follow-up consultation, it has been confirmed that I have a herniated disc. However, I still...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: According to what you mentioned, the report states... 1. Can the signal intensity of the cervical cord be determined solely from the MRI images? 2. Are there nerve roots within the dural sac? 3. If there is compression on the dural sac and it is a central herniation, can i...[Read More] Understanding Cervical Disc Herniation and Nerve Root Compression
Understanding Potential Aftereffects of Sports Injuries: When to Seek Help
I fell while playing ball, landing on my lower back first? Hello, doctor. Recently, while playing basketball, I lost my balance while going for a rebound and fell directly onto my lower back, landing on my buttocks near the spine. I had an X-ray done the same day, and the bones w...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: Based on what you described, there may be some facial twitching. Additionally, you experience persistent dry heaving and a lack of appetite upon waking up. Pressing on the back of your neck on the affected side also induces nausea. You also had a headache two days ago... I...[Read More] Understanding Potential Aftereffects of Sports Injuries: When to Seek Help
Head Injury from 60cm Fall: When to Seek Medical Attention?
Struck on the top of the head by a heavy object from a height of 60 centimeters? Hello, Dr. Chang. I experienced dizziness at the moment of impact and felt a pulling sensation in my neck. Afterward, when I look up, I feel pressure and pain. When I look down, I also feel a pulling...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
No immediate action is needed; however, if symptoms persist for more than two to three days, it is advisable to seek medical attention.[Read More] Head Injury from 60cm Fall: When to Seek Medical Attention?