Understanding Sacral Cysts: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Sacral cyst? Hello Doctor: I accidentally had pressure applied to my sacral vertebra, which resulted in a slight numbness in my labia (but there is no pain at all). Later, I consulted an orthopedic doctor who mentioned spinal stenosis and attempted to perform a lumbar traction, b...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
Most spinal cysts do not have an impact; I can only suggest that you consult a neurosurgeon at a medical center for further evaluation.[Read More] Understanding Sacral Cysts: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Understanding Thigh Nerve Pain: Causes and Solutions
Thigh nerve pain Hello doctor, for the past two weeks, I have been experiencing soreness, numbness, and pain in my left buttock extending to the outer thigh. Could you help me understand what this might be? Thank you.
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: It is suspected to be sciatica. This symptom is often caused by lumbar spine lesions compressing the nerves. It is recommended to consult a neurosurgeon. Wishing you a speedy recovery. By Dr. Lai Chao-Kang, Neurosurgery, Changhua Hospital.[Read More] Understanding Thigh Nerve Pain: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Lumbar Disc Rupture and Its Impact on Disability Claims
Lumbar intervertebral disc herniation at L3, L4, and L5 - surgery was performed to install a lumbar stabilizer? Hello, doctor. I have a question. I underwent surgery for a herniated disc at the lumbar levels L3, L4, and L5 due to a car accident (it has been a year and a half sinc...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: 1. After your injury and surgery, your recovery has not been ideal. This may be due to the severity of the injury prior to surgery. If you wish to reassess whether there is room for adjustment in your treatment, you can obtain copies of your medical records and MRI/X-ray i...[Read More] Understanding Lumbar Disc Rupture and Its Impact on Disability Claims
Understanding EMG and Nerve Conduction Study Results for Back Pain
Report Interpretation Hello doctor, the attached image is an electromyography (EMG) and nerve conduction study report. I would like to ask you to review it for any issues. Currently, my symptoms include persistent pain in the lower back, which sometimes radiates to the soles of m...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: 1. Based on your symptom description, it is suspected that lumbar spine lesions are causing sciatica. 2. Your nerve conduction study report suggests a possible peripheral neuropathy in both lower limbs, which does not appear to be consistent with lumbar nerve pathology. 3....[Read More] Understanding EMG and Nerve Conduction Study Results for Back Pain
Understanding Sciatica: Symptoms, Treatment Options, and When to Consider Surgery
Herniated disc I have already seen a rehabilitation specialist. I am 20 years old and have been diagnosed with spinal stenosis at a specific lumbar vertebra, which is compressing the nerve, leading to sciatica. Currently, I am undergoing stretching exercises and electrical therap...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: If you have already made efforts in rehabilitation and your symptoms have not improved, it is recommended to consult a neurosurgeon. Bring your MRI scans for evaluation to see if other treatments can be considered, such as lumbar nerve block or minimally invasive spine sur...[Read More] Understanding Sciatica: Symptoms, Treatment Options, and When to Consider Surgery
Managing Sciatica: Effective Strategies for Herniated Discs
Herniated disc In February 2021, I suffered an exercise-related injury that resulted in spinal damage and temporary paralysis of my lower body. I did not undergo surgery but received steroid treatment. After a year of rehabilitation, I returned to my administrative job. Recently,...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: It is suspected that you have a lumbar disc herniation causing nerve compression, which leads to sciatica. The general treatment primarily involves conservative measures such as medication, rehabilitation, and exercises to stretch the lower back. If there is no improvement...[Read More] Managing Sciatica: Effective Strategies for Herniated Discs
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
Post-Spinal Surgery: Understanding Right Leg Pain and Recovery Challenges
Post-operative pain in the right leg after spinal surgery? Hello Doctor: I am consulting on behalf of my mother. She underwent surgery on July 26 for spondylolisthesis at levels L2, L3, and L4. Before the surgery, she experienced significant pain in her left leg and lower back, w...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: You have right-sided sciatica. Please consult with your original surgeon, as it may be due to inflammation combined with blood or blood clots causing irritation, or it could be due to other reasons. If medication treatment is ineffective and X-ray results are normal, pleas...[Read More] Post-Spinal Surgery: Understanding Right Leg Pain and Recovery Challenges
Understanding Foot Pain and Numbness: Could a Herniated Disc Be the Cause?
Only experiencing numbness in the soles of the feet and a tingling sensation in the lower limbs? Hello, doctor. Since November 2021, I have experienced sudden pain and numbness in the left sole of my foot while playing basketball. After a month, the right foot also started to fee...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: Cervical spinal cord lesions presenting solely with foot symptoms are rare, but they can occur. It is recommended that if you 1. experience severe and intolerable symptoms, or 2. have significant neural compression evident on MRI that can explain your condition, you may co...[Read More] Understanding Foot Pain and Numbness: Could a Herniated Disc Be the Cause?
Understanding Foot Pain and Numbness: Is Cervical Disc Herniation the Cause?
Only experiencing numbness in the soles of the feet and a tingling sensation in the lower limbs? Hello Doctor. Since November 2021, I have experienced sudden pain and numbness in the left sole of my foot while playing basketball. After a month, the right foot also began to feel s...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: Cervical spinal cord lesions presenting solely with foot symptoms are rare, but they can occur. It is recommended that if you 1. experience severe and intolerable symptoms, and 2. MRI imaging shows significant neural compression that can explain your condition, you may con...[Read More] Understanding Foot Pain and Numbness: Is Cervical Disc Herniation the Cause?
Managing Sciatica During Pregnancy: Understanding Disc Herniation Risks
Herniated disc compressing nerves at 18 weeks of pregnancy? Hello Doctor, I am currently 18 weeks pregnant and experiencing severe pain when walking or sitting. I have sharp, shooting pain and numbness from my left hip down to my calf, and I am limping with a misaligned posture d...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: If you suddenly experience weakness and soreness in your thigh and knee, this symptom may indicate a more serious condition. Since lumbar spine surgery requires X-rays, there is a risk of fetal radiation exposure. Generally, expectant mothers are encouraged to endure the d...[Read More] Managing Sciatica During Pregnancy: Understanding Disc Herniation Risks
Effective Treatment Options for Sciatica and Spinal Stenosis
Sciatica Hello, doctor. My father previously had surgery for spinal bone spurs (with a spacer inserted), but now the bone spurs have recurred. He has undergone an MRI, and I would like to ask what treatment options are currently available, or what surgical methods there are. Than...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: 1. We need to review the new MRI and X-rays to understand the current relative condition of the vertebrae in order to provide a more accurate response. 2. It may be necessary to remove the bone spurs again, decompress the area, and implant new spacers or stents, or perform...[Read More] Effective Treatment Options for Sciatica and Spinal Stenosis
Understanding Leg Numbness and Tingling After Prolonged Sitting or Standing
Experiencing numbness in the legs after sitting cross-legged for an extended period? Hello, doctor. Today I walked and stood for a longer time, and I also sat cross-legged for a while. Is it normal to feel slight numbness and a bit of itching in both legs up to the hips when lyin...
Dr. Zhao Shaoqing Reply:
Hello: The symptoms resemble those of sciatica pain. It is possible that there may be muscle strain or intervertebral disc degeneration. It is recommended to visit a hospital for further examination. Thank you for your concern from Changhua Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfar...[Read More] Understanding Leg Numbness and Tingling After Prolonged Sitting or Standing
Post-Discectomy Sciatica: Understanding Pain and Recovery Challenges
Post-operative nerve pain from the groin to the right leg, resulting in inability to walk? Hello Doctor: I am currently 49 years old. On August 21, 2020, I underwent surgery at a hospital in Taoyuan. The surgical procedures included: lumbar interbody fusion with posterior fusion ...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: Although you have worked hard to write a lot, I need more information for assessment and reasoning. Since I cannot see the patient or the imaging in person, I can only suggest that if the original surgeon is unable to improve your symptoms and you have other thoughts regar...[Read More] Post-Discectomy Sciatica: Understanding Pain and Recovery Challenges
Understanding Nerve Issues: Tremors, Numbness, and Speech Difficulties
Tremors, body numbness, and difficulty speaking? 1. After riding a bike for about 20 minutes, my buttocks become completely numb, and my back often feels tingly and prickly. 2. Recently, while typing, my left thumb has been shaking involuntarily. 3. I've noticed that when I ...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: 1. It may be a lumbar spine issue causing sciatica. It is recommended to consult a neurosurgeon. 2+3: First, see a neurologist to rule out any cranial nerve problems. Best wishes // Neurosurgeon Dr. Lai Chao-Kang.[Read More] Understanding Nerve Issues: Tremors, Numbness, and Speech Difficulties
Understanding Right Leg Tightness and Hand Numbness: Possible Causes and Solutions
There is an abnormal tightness sensation in the right thigh, accompanied by slight numbness in the hand? Hello Dr. Lai, I would like to ask if you could help me with a preliminary diagnosis of my condition. It started around February of last year, and my current symptoms include ...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: 1. The hand <the right hand also feels a bit prone to numbness, particularly the ring and little fingers...> is mainly due to nerve compression in the hand. It may also be caused by cervical spine issues, and a nerve conduction study (NCS) is needed for differentiati...[Read More] Understanding Right Leg Tightness and Hand Numbness: Possible Causes and Solutions
Is Surgery Necessary for Sciatica? Exploring Treatment Options
Does sciatica require surgery? Doctor, my father has recently experienced pain and numbness in his leg, making it difficult for him to walk, although he can still move. It seems to happen a lot, but if his posture is incorrect, he feels some tingling and pain. After an MRI, the i...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: If the symptoms are bearable, you can first try rest, medication, exercise, and rehabilitation. If the symptoms are severe and intolerable, surgical treatment may be considered. Some patients may improve with rehabilitation (but this does not mean that the nerve compressio...[Read More] Is Surgery Necessary for Sciatica? Exploring Treatment Options
Understanding Thigh Nerve Compression: Treatment Options and Relief Strategies
Treatment options for femoral nerve compression? Hello Doctor, my mother has been experiencing a sensation of pressure and tingling in the groin area of her right thigh at night for the past four years. She often wakes up in the middle of the night feeling numb and needs to stand...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello, There is often a feeling of pressure and a crawling sensation in the groin area, and I frequently wake up with numbness in the middle of the night. 1. It could be due to neuropathic groin pain. 2. It may also be caused by compression of the lumbar nerves. However, a scan...[Read More] Understanding Thigh Nerve Compression: Treatment Options and Relief Strategies
Understanding Sciatica: Symptoms, Treatment Options, and When to Seek Help
Sciatica Hello, Doctor: I would like to ask if these symptoms are related to sciatica? Can they be treated with rehabilitation alone, or do I need further examinations? If so, which specialist should I see? Thank you! I have pain in the lumbar region, neck and shoulder discomfort...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: Your lumbar spine, cervical spine, and knees all need to be examined. It is recommended to consult a neurosurgeon for evaluation. Physical therapy can be attempted, but whether you can recover through rehabilitation will depend on your condition. Best wishes. // Dr. Lai Ch...[Read More] Understanding Sciatica: Symptoms, Treatment Options, and When to Seek Help
Understanding Leg and Foot Pain: A Guide for Diabetic Patients
Regarding pain from the thigh to the calf and foot? Hello, Doctor. I apologize for bothering you, but I would like to consult you about a situation I experienced. I have a history of type 2 diabetes. The night before last, after I finished my walking exercise and returned home, I...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: It may be sciatica; I recommend seeing a neurosurgeon for examination. Best wishes. // Director Lai Chao-Kang, Spine Neurosurgery.[Read More] Understanding Leg and Foot Pain: A Guide for Diabetic Patients