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 Back and Lower Back Pain: Causes and Solutions
Back and lower back pain? The pain is generally located in the area of the kidneys in the lower back, and it hurts when pressed. When the pain is severe, changing positions can cause cramping-like pain. Usually, the pain only occurs with pressure and has persisted for about five ...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello, it is recommended to consult a physician to evaluate whether a CT scan or MRI is necessary for a detailed diagnosis. Wishing you a speedy recovery. Director Lai Chao-Kang, Department of Spine and Neurosurgery, Changhua Hospital.[Read More] Understanding Back and Lower Back Pain: Causes and Solutions
Post-Surgery Numbness in Hand: Is It Normal After Cervical Surgery?
After cervical spine surgery, experiencing numbness in the hand can be considered a normal occurrence? Hello, my wife is 40 years old. She recently went to the hospital due to numbness in her left arm, and an MRI revealed that she has herniated discs at the C5/C6 and C6/C7 levels...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello, it is recommended to consult your surgeon. Wishing you a speedy recovery. Dr. Lai Chao-Kang, Department of Spine and Neurosurgery, Changhua Hospital.[Read More] Post-Surgery Numbness in Hand: Is It Normal After Cervical Surgery?
Understanding Herniated Discs: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Herniated disc Hello Doctor: I have been experiencing intermittent pain for over a year now, with symptoms being more pronounced during the colder winter months. The only external factor I can think of is that I have been doing weight training at the gym and abdominal exercises a...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
It appears to be symptoms of lumbar disc herniation compressing the nerves. An MRI can be performed, and it is covered by health insurance, so there is no out-of-pocket expense. However, the physician will assess the severity of the condition based on clinical symptoms to determi...[Read More] Understanding Herniated Discs: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Post-Stair Fall: Weakness in Left Hand After Stroke - What to Do?
Just fell down the stairs and have weakness in my hand? The patient has a history of a left-sided stroke and right leg amputation. A few days ago, while climbing stairs, they accidentally fell from the second floor to the first floor, resulting in slight swelling on the outside o...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
Problems with the cervical nerves can also cause weakness in the hands; please consult a neurosurgeon.[Read More] Post-Stair Fall: Weakness in Left Hand After Stroke - What to Do?
Chronic Pain After Testicular Surgery: Understanding Nerve Damage
Neuropathic pain after testicular surgery? Hello, I would like to ask about my father's symptoms. Three years ago, he visited a hospital where the doctor diagnosed him with "folliculitis and cellulitis," and he was immediately scheduled for surgery. It has been ove...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
Please find a urologist![Read More] Chronic Pain After Testicular Surgery: Understanding Nerve Damage
Understanding Cauda Equina Syndrome: Risks and Recovery Options
Cauda equina Hello doctor, it seems that I have compressed my cauda equina nerves, resulting in erectile dysfunction. Can chronic compression lead to complete nerve damage? I am currently undergoing rehabilitation treatment, and I experience a stimulating sensation during bowel m...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello, 1. It seems that I have compressed the cauda equina, causing erectile dysfunction. Can chronic compression lead to complete nerve damage? A: If the compression is severe, it is possible. 2. I am currently undergoing rehabilitation therapy, and I feel a stimulating sens...[Read More] Understanding Cauda Equina Syndrome: Risks and Recovery Options
Can Nerves Heal After Surgery? Understanding Recovery for Arm Injuries
Can nerves regenerate? I would like to ask, if there is nerve damage in the right arm, will it recover? I understand that the recovery might take a long time, and I have already undergone surgery for nerve repair. So, will it get better?
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
There is a chance for improvement, but in reality, it is not easy to fully return to the condition prior to the injury![Read More] Can Nerves Heal After Surgery? Understanding Recovery for Arm Injuries
Understanding Nerve Surgery: Recovery Tips and Concerns After Cervical Nerve Grafting
Nervous system components? Doctor, I would like to ask about my recent nerve graft surgery, which was performed in the cervical spine area. They took the nerve from my left arm to connect to my right arm. I have a few questions: 1. Is it easy for nerves to get damaged? 2. Will pe...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
I apologize, but brachial plexus injury is a highly specialized subspecialty, and there are only a few surgeons in Taiwan who perform these surgeries. It is not my area of expertise, so I recommend consulting a specialist for answers. I'm sorry![Read More] Understanding Nerve Surgery: Recovery Tips and Concerns After Cervical Nerve Grafting
Understanding Vertebrobasilar Insufficiency: Symptoms and Surgical Options
Vertebrobasilar insufficiency Hello Doctor, I am experiencing headaches, dizziness, deep pain in my right ear, and weakness in my right leg (I cannot lift my leg but can still walk slowly). When I stand with my eyes closed, I tend to fall backward. It has been two months since ...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
What type of surgery is suitable?[Read More] Understanding Vertebrobasilar Insufficiency: Symptoms and Surgical Options
Understanding Nerve Repair Surgery: Recovery and Expectations
Doctor, please help me..? Doctor, I would like to ask about the surgery for nerve repair. Is it likely for the fingers to regain movement after the procedure? Additionally, how long does it typically take to see any movement? I have already undergone surgery by Dr. Chuang at Chan...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello. In short, medicine is complex. After nerve suturing, it takes time for the nerves to regenerate and regain function. Since you have undergone surgery, any postoperative issues should be addressed with the original surgeon. Wishing you a speedy recovery.[Read More] Understanding Nerve Repair Surgery: Recovery and Expectations
Choosing Surgery for Cervical Disc Herniation: Risks and Alternatives
Options for Cervical Disc Rupture Surgery My mother is 56 years old and has been experiencing severe pain in her neck and arms, requiring steroid injections for pain relief. After an MRI, the doctor diagnosed her with a herniated disc at the C3-C4 level and a slipped disc at the ...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello, based on your description, I infer that 1. it may increase wear on adjacent segments, referred to as adjacent segment disease. To overcome this, it would be necessary to replace the fixed PEEK cage with a mobile artificial disc, although this option is more expensive. 2. G...[Read More] Choosing Surgery for Cervical Disc Herniation: Risks and Alternatives
Is It Sciatica? Understanding Your Pain and Symptoms
Is it sciatica? Hello doctor, I would like to ask about a pain I have. One day, while lifting something, I felt a point of pain in the area above my left buttock and below my waist. It’s not too bad when I walk, but sitting for a long time makes it uncomfortable and causes a ting...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Based on your description, it is suspected that there may be wear and tear or deformation of the lumbar intervertebral disc, which could be compressing the nerves, leading to the symptoms of sciatica that you described. Generally, at your age, X-rays can only visualize bones; sof...[Read More] Is It Sciatica? Understanding Your Pain and Symptoms
Understanding Brachial Plexus Surgery: Recovery and Rehabilitation Insights
Brachial plexus reconstruction surgery Hello, I would like to ask about my situation. I had a car accident on September 28, where I skidded in the rain and crashed into a utility pole, resulting in multiple fractures. I am currently recovering, but I am particularly concerned abo...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello, you have already undergone surgery by Dr. Chuang, so you should follow his medical advice. Any concerns should be discussed with the surgical team, especially since you have just had reconstructive surgery. Recovery takes time, so please trust that the physician who perfor...[Read More] Understanding Brachial Plexus Surgery: Recovery and Rehabilitation Insights
Chronic Lower Back Pain: Understanding Muscle vs. Nerve Issues
Persistent lower back pain and difficulty sleeping? Due to excessive physical activity and long-term poor posture (with scoliosis), I began experiencing severe lower back pain two weeks ago (without any injury or sudden strain). I consulted orthopedic and neurosurgery specialists...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
Hello: Basically, if your symptoms do not improve after taking medication and undergoing rehabilitation treatment, it cannot be ruled out that a herniated lumbar disc may be compressing the nerves, causing sciatica. It is recommended to undergo an MRI for further evaluation![Read More] Chronic Lower Back Pain: Understanding Muscle vs. Nerve Issues
Understanding Toe Pain and Cervical Bone Spurs: Causes and Treatments
Toe pain, cervical spine osteophytes? Hello. My ten toes have been painful for two months, initially swollen and painful. The doctor prescribed medication for neuropathic pain. I underwent blood tests, and my immune system showed no issues. An EMG test was also normal. Later, I e...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello, based on your description, if you initially experienced discomfort in your feet and then developed numbness in your upper limbs, along with cervical MRI showing nerve compression, this could explain the symptoms (cervical issues typically present with upper limb symptoms, ...[Read More] Understanding Toe Pain and Cervical Bone Spurs: Causes and Treatments
Understanding Post-Surgery Complications: Brain Hemorrhage and Hydrocephalus
Spider web mold Dear Dr. Ding, My mother was admitted to the emergency room at the end of September due to severe headaches. After examinations, the hospital diagnosed her with a cerebral hemorrhage and she was immediately taken to surgery. After the operation, the doctor discov...
Dr. Ding Xianwei Reply:
Due to the lack of imaging studies and not having personally participated in the surgery, I am unable to assess your mother's postoperative condition. The description regarding hydrocephalus is unclear; is it communicating hydrocephalus or cerebral edema? The treatment for b...[Read More] Understanding Post-Surgery Complications: Brain Hemorrhage and Hydrocephalus
Improving Oculomotor Nerve Injury: Treatment Options and Recommendations
Oculomotor nerve injury Hello Doctor: My mother is 64 years old and suffered an injury to her oculomotor nerve in a car accident, which has resulted in one eye being unable to move up and down. This has caused double vision, dizziness, and prolonged weakness from staying at home ...
Dr. Ding Xianwei Reply:
Due to the incomplete nature of your information, I can only provide advice based on experience. It is not uncommon for brain nerves to be damaged in head trauma; however, unless the specific location of the injury and whether there is a complete rupture can be determined, it is ...[Read More] Improving Oculomotor Nerve Injury: Treatment Options and Recommendations
Managing Spinal Instability: Treatment Options for Complex Cases
How should instability of the 4th and 5th vertebrae be treated? Hello Doctor, I suffered a spinal injury in a car accident around 1996, which was not treated at the time. This has now led to accelerated degeneration and severe complications (spinal instability, bone spurs, and s...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello Miss Xiao Lin, based on your description, it seems you have done a lot of research. It is confirmed that you have instability due to spondylolisthesis. Just imagine, your spinal nerves are living in a house made of lumbar vertebrae that is shaking all the time; can you endu...[Read More] Managing Spinal Instability: Treatment Options for Complex Cases
Understanding Back Pain and Thigh Issues After Sports Injury: A Guide
Back pain Hello, doctor. I previously had scoliosis but did not pay much attention to it as there were no special issues. However, two weeks ago, on Saturday, after playing basketball, I started experiencing severe pain in the lower part of my spine the day after, which has conti...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Based on your description, my personal judgment is that the most common issue is likely a herniated lumbar disc compressing the nerves. The lumbar disc is initially injured, causing back pain, but if the disc gradually bulges out due to pressure, it may compress nearby nerves, le...[Read More] Understanding Back Pain and Thigh Issues After Sports Injury: A Guide