Spine, Neurosurgery FAQ

Post-Traumatic Recovery: Addressing Balance Issues After Spinal Surgery

Minimally invasive surgery for the first lumbar vertebra, subarachnoid hemorrhage? Hello Doctor, I previously had a car accident that resulted in subarachnoid hemorrhage. The doctor said it would absorb on its own, and I was in a coma in the intensive care unit for about two week...

Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: I personally suggest that both the brain and spine need further evaluation. Please visit the neurosurgery outpatient clinic for a physician's assessment. Wishing you all the best. // Neurosurgeon Dr. Lai Chao-Kang

Understanding Post-Trauma Walking Instability: Brain vs. Lumbar Spine Issues

Is Artificial Disc Replacement Suitable for Mild Scoliosis?

Could you please provide more details about scoliosis and artificial intervertebral discs? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask if I have two herniated discs in my cervical spine and my doctor has recommended artificial disc replacement. If I also have a mild scoliosis, would it be...

Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: Generally, scoliosis has less impact on the cervical spine, but if you need to implant an artificial disc in the cervical spine, you should consider whether you choose 1. mobile or 2. fusion type. If you opt for the mobile type, greater attention must be paid to the implan...

Understanding Disc Herniation: Severity, Treatment Options, and Surgery

The severity of a herniated disc and the decision to undergo surgery? Hello Doctor, earlier this year I experienced muscle tightness in my back (with a forward protrusion on the right side). During the Lunar New Year, I began to have lower back pain and numbness in my legs (with ...

Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: 1. The nucleus pulposus at the L5-S1 level can be absorbed, but if left untreated for a long time, it will degenerate, become dehydrated, and harden, making it more difficult to manage later. Additionally, the intervertebral height will gradually decrease, which can lead...

Is Nerve Block Therapy Effective for L4-L5 Disc Herniation Pain?

Intervertebral Disc Herniation Nerve Block Procedure Hello, is it appropriate to use nerve block therapy for nerve compression caused by an L4-L5 intervertebral disc herniation (resulting in numbness and pain on the outer thigh and calf, as well as lower back pain when extending ...

Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: 1. Most patients can be suitable, but it still depends on the individual patient and MRI or other examinations to make a judgment. 2. There should be improvement in numbness, but it also depends on the degree of compression and damage; if the injury is severe, the effectiv...

Is Heat Therapy Safe for Neck Pain and Nerve Compression?

Neck heat therapy issues? Hello Doctor, I am currently 37 years old and experiencing neck and shoulder pain with numbness in my hands. I have been undergoing rehabilitation since December of last year, and in April, I had an MRI at the hospital which showed a herniated disc at th...

Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: 1. Rehabilitation may improve your symptoms (neck and shoulder pain, hand numbness). However, it will not fundamentally resolve the issue of the herniated disc at the C5-6 level compressing the nerve by about one-third. 2. Heat therapy should not be too hot (over 45 degree...

Should You Continue Rehab for Herniated Discs? Expert Insights

Should I continue rehabilitation for a herniated disc? Hello, doctor. I am 177 cm tall and weigh 70 kg. In March of this year, I visited a neurologist. Initially, the straight leg raise test, X-rays, and nerve conduction studies showed no issues. On March 29, I had an MRI, and du...

Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: I have reviewed your MRI images, and there is indeed a condition present. Your questions are: 1. Based on my MRI, what is the likelihood of recovery through rehabilitation? 2. Why might my symptoms worsen after the first rehabilitation session? 3. If I want to continue reh...

Understanding Lumbar Pain: When to Seek Neurosurgery Consultation

Lumbar spine issues I'm sorry to hear about your situation. Initially, you thought your lower back pain was related to your menstrual cycle, but later you felt that something was not right as the pain persisted. You haven't experienced any falls or collisions, and you&#...

Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello, please schedule another consultation with a neurosurgeon. May I ask if an MRI can be performed? It would be best to consult a neurosurgeon with a specialization in spinal disorders. Best wishes to Dr. Lai Chao-Kang, the Director of Spine Neurosurgery at Changhua Hospital.

Managing C7 Vertebra Fracture: Sleep Positions and Recovery Tips

Fracture of the seventh cervical vertebra? If the seventh cervical vertebra is fractured due to a car accident and treated with a soft cervical collar without surgery, it is important to follow specific guidelines for sleeping and daily activities. 1. **Sleeping Position**: It ...

Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
1. Side-lying, sleeping on the side - please wear a cervical collar as well. 2. For a normal person, fracture healing generally takes about 3 months. Therefore, wearing a cervical collar for 3 months is the safest option, so hospitalization for 3 months is not feasible. Thus, p...

Understanding Disc Herniation: Rehab Options and Surgical Solutions

Intervertebral disc rupture Recently, an MRI revealed a rupture of the L5-S1 intervertebral disc. I have a few questions for the doctor: 1. Is it appropriate to undergo rehabilitation with lumbar traction therapy for a ruptured disc? Could this worsen the protrusion? 2. If surgic...

Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: 1. You may consider rehabilitation with lumbar traction, but a professional physician's evaluation is necessary. 2. It is possible to only excise the herniated portion, but preoperative assessment of the damage and stability is required to prevent future recurrence, i...

Post-Operative Symptoms After Anterior Cervical Discectomy: What to Expect?

Inquire about the postoperative sequelae of anterior cervical discectomy? Hello Doctor: My father is currently in his 50s and has experienced an inability to move his neck up and down or side to side. After visiting the hospital, the doctor recommended surgery, and he underwent p...

Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: A few individuals may suggest starting rehabilitation first. Wishing you all the best. // Dr. Chao-Kang Lai, Department of Spine Surgery

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.

Delayed Symptoms After Car Accident: Understanding Neurological Issues

Symptoms appearing two months after a car accident? Hello Dr. Lai: I was struck in the lower back and pelvis by a moving car while walking on December 14th of last year. At that time, I only felt soreness and immediately had an X-ray taken, which showed no abnormalities. However,...

Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: Your symptoms suggest that there may be damage to your lumbar spine. It is recommended that you consult a neurosurgeon for further examination and treatment. You are 28 years old. If there are no factors such as heavy lifting, poor posture, or congenital issues, it is less...

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 ...

Understanding L5-S1 Disc Herniation: Why Symptoms Can Improve Over Time

Lumbar disc herniation at the L5-S1 level? I have been doing strength training for nearly a year. At the beginning of October, after playing basketball one night, I felt fine, but the next day I couldn't even sit; I could only lie down without symptoms. Initially, I thought ...

Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: Both you and the physician agree. The physician suggested surgery because there is confirmed nerve compression. You feel that your symptoms have improved and you do not have symptoms of leg numbness or muscle atrophy, so you do not want to undergo surgery. You are likely t...

Understanding Shoulder and Neck Pain Radiating to Arm Discomfort

Shoulder and neck pain radiating to the arm? I have been experiencing shoulder and neck pain for several years. A few years ago, an X-ray showed that my cervical vertebrae at the C5 level are curved, along with degenerative arthritis. I was prescribed medication and advised to ta...

Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello, you have cervical nerve compression, which is causing nerve pain. It is recommended to consult a neurosurgeon. Best wishes to you. // Dr. Lai Chao-Kang, Chief of Spine Neurosurgery, Changhua Hospital.

Choosing the Best Surgery for Hydrocephalus: Spinal vs. Brain Drainage

Which surgical method is more effective for hydrocephalus? Hello doctor, my mother has been diagnosed with hydrocephalus at the age of 69. After evaluations from two doctors, one suggested that spinal drainage carries minimal risk, while the other recommended brain drainage. When...

Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: 1. Ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt is the standard procedure, and the vast majority of hydrocephalus cases worldwide undergo this surgery. However, patients may have concerns due to the direct puncture of the brain to implant the catheter. 2. Lumbar-peritoneal (LP) shun...

Understanding Left Lower Back Numbness: Causes and When to Seek Help

Numbness in the lower left back? Hello Dr. Lai: I have very little physical activity. Last week, after walking for 2 hours, I felt quite tired, and afterward, while sitting down, I experienced a tingling sensation in my lower left back that lasted for about 30 seconds before disa...

Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello, it is suspected to be a lumbar spine issue. It is recommended to consult a neurosurgeon, rehabilitation specialist, or orthopedic doctor. Best wishes. // Neurosurgeon Dr. Lai Chao-Kang.

Understanding Muscle Tightness and Recovery After Spine Surgery

Feeling muscle tightness? When I lift my legs, I feel tightness in the muscles behind my knees, and my calves are swollen. When lying down, I experience twitching sensations in my buttocks and legs. There are also sounds when I rotate my hip joints, knees, and ankles. Doctor, can...

Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
Neurological symptoms generally do not involve a sensation of muscle tightness.

Persistent Leg Pain and Burning Sensation After Spinal Surgery: Next Steps

Numbness and tingling in the left foot accompanied by a burning sensation on the dorsum of the foot? Dear Dr. Lai, I have an 82-year-old elder at home who has been experiencing numbness in the left leg (from behind the left knee to the sole of the foot) for about ten years. Addi...

Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: Based on what you mentioned: 1. After the surgery, the symptoms of soreness and burning sensation have not improved at all. Are there any other possible causes? 2. We live in New Taipei City; do you have any recommended hospitals, doctors, specialties, or treatment methods...

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