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 a Painless Spine Bump: Causes and Concerns
There is a painless bump on the back of the spine that is not causing any discomfort? There is a protrusion on my spine that is not painful and I am unaware of it because I was walking on the street when a colleague pointed it out. I would like to ask a doctor why there is this b...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello, a written description is not as effective as seeing a doctor in person. It is recommended to consult a physician, specifically a neurosurgeon or an orthopedic surgeon. Best wishes to you. // Neurosurgeon Dr. Lai Chao-Kang.[Read More] Understanding a Painless Spine Bump: Causes and Concerns
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
Understanding Spinal Laminectomy and Internal Fixation Surgery
Laminectomy with internal fixation surgery? I suffered a thoracic vertebra fracture due to a car accident, which caused a dislocation that compressed the nerves. I underwent surgery for laminectomy and internal fixation. I have the following questions: 1. Can the internal fixatio...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: 1. If the fracture and bone screws have healed and fused, it may be considered for removal. However, if there are no specific discomforts, it is usually not necessary to remove them intentionally. 2. After laminectomy, it will certainly affect the stability of the spine, w...[Read More] Understanding Spinal Laminectomy and Internal Fixation Surgery
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
Can I Dance with Spondylolisthesis? A Guide for Patients
Can a person with spondylolisthesis dance or exercise? Hello, doctor. I have a condition of spondylolisthesis at the L4 and L5 vertebrae due to a car accident, and I occasionally experience lower back pain that requires pain medication. I would like to know if I can practice bell...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: 1. For the slippage of the 4th and 5th vertebrae, if the structures in that area are unstable, excessive bending, vibration, and heavy lifting may further loosen the structures. Therefore, you should avoid these activities. 2. As for dancing and similar activities, I perso...[Read More] Can I Dance with Spondylolisthesis? A Guide for Patients
Post-Spinal Surgery: Persistent Pain and Numbness in Right Knee
After spinal surgery, there is pain and numbness in the right knee? My father underwent surgery on his spine from vertebrae 1 to 5 in mid-May due to nerve compression caused by bone spurs, and the doctor informed us that there was already nerve damage. If surgery was not performe...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello, as you mentioned: "The symptoms of soreness and numbness in the right knee have not improved, extending to sharp pain in the thigh muscles." It is advisable to discuss with your original surgeon whether further examination is necessary. Wishing you all the best.[Read More] Post-Spinal Surgery: Persistent Pain and Numbness in Right Knee
Understanding Right L5 Radiculopathy: Treatment Options Beyond Rehab
L5/S1 disc herniation I previously visited Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, where a neurosurgeon requested an electromyography (EMG) test, diagnosing me with right L5 radiculopathy. The doctor advised me to undergo physical therapy, but after completing 30 sessions over three months...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: After such a long time of rehabilitation without improvement, I recommend considering an MRI and X-ray to assess the degree of nerve compression. If necessary, it may be time to consider invasive treatments, such as lumbar pain block procedures or even minimally invasive l...[Read More] Understanding Right L5 Radiculopathy: Treatment Options Beyond Rehab
Understanding Spinal Fusion Surgery: When to Consider It for Young Patients
Spinal fusion surgery Hello Doctor: I have been experiencing frequent lower back pain whenever I stand or sit for long periods. Recently, I was diagnosed with a dissociation between the fifth lumbar vertebra and the first sacral vertebra, as well as spondylolisthesis (grade 1 to ...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: Based on what you mentioned, 1. I am 21 years old this year, but my condition is not severe; I do not experience numbness in my hands or feet, just some back pain when standing or sitting for long periods. I would like to ask the doctor if, given my situation, it would be ...[Read More] Understanding Spinal Fusion Surgery: When to Consider It for Young Patients
Understanding Lumbar Disc Rupture: Surgery and Future Pregnancy Considerations
Herniated disc Hello Dr. Lai, I have been diagnosed by an overseas physician with a severe L4 disc rupture that requires surgery. I would like to ask: 1) After the surgery to remove the herniated disc material, what methods can be employed to prevent the remaining disc from furth...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: Based on your description: 1) After surgically removing the compressive mass, what methods can be employed to prevent the remaining intervertebral disc from further rupturing and causing recurrent compression? 2) Considering future pregnancy, which places significant strai...[Read More] Understanding Lumbar Disc Rupture: Surgery and Future Pregnancy Considerations
Understanding Lower Back Pain and Leg Numbness: When to Seek Surgery
Pain extending from the lower back to the hips and legs? Hello Dr. Lai, I have been lifting heavy objects for a long time. Initially, I experienced soreness in my left lower back extending to my hip and leg, with some discomfort in my calf. I cannot sit for long periods, and the...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: 1. Your condition, my speculation: The cartilage originally contained moisture, and when it first ruptured, it was highly hydrated. Over time, it became dry and dehydrated, leading to a reduction in volume. Additionally, the acute pressure from the ruptured cartilage cau...[Read More] Understanding Lower Back Pain and Leg Numbness: When to Seek Surgery
Understanding Treatment Options for Lumbar Compression Fractures
Compression fracture of the second lumbar vertebra due to a fall? Hello, my mother, born in 1944, had an accident on June 4th when she accidentally stepped into a gap and fell to the ground, resulting in a crush fracture of her second lumbar vertebra due to gravitational impact, ...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: A. When performing an MRI, in addition to assessing the degree of vertebral collapse, it is also important to evaluate whether there is nerve compression. B. Generally, if the vertebral height is collapsed by 1/2 and there are symptoms of buttock and leg pain due to nerve ...[Read More] Understanding Treatment Options for Lumbar Compression Fractures
Understanding Chronic Lower Back Pain: Causes and Solutions
Lower back pain? Hello, doctor. I have two questions I would like to ask: I discovered in my twenties that I experienced pain in my lower back every morning upon waking up. After about two hours of activity, the pain would subside. At that time, I was young and strong, so I could...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
It is likely caused by inflammation of the small facet joints in the spine.[Read More] Understanding Chronic Lower Back Pain: Causes and Solutions
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
Understanding Persistent Itching Near the Spine: Possible Causes and Solutions
Itchy sensation on the left side of the spine? Hello Doctor, since October of last year, I've been experiencing intense itching in my left upper back, specifically near the left scapula close to the spine, but there are no visible skin changes. The itching feels deep, almost...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
Let's visit the neurosurgery outpatient clinic![Read More] Understanding Persistent Itching Near the Spine: Possible Causes and Solutions
Post-Accident Recovery: Managing Pelvic Misalignment and Nerve Issues
In May 2016, I was involved in a car accident that resulted in a pelvic misalignment and numbness in my little finger? Hello Dr. Chang, I was in a car accident last year and suffered a comminuted fracture of the first lumbar vertebra. In June 2017, I underwent surgery to remove s...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
Without seeing imaging studies such as X-rays or CT scans, it is really difficult to answer your question. I recommend bringing your imaging reports and complete medical history to an outpatient clinic to discuss with a physician.[Read More] Post-Accident Recovery: Managing Pelvic Misalignment and Nerve Issues
Post-Surgery Nerve Issues: Understanding Toe Mobility After Sacral Fracture
One month ago, there was a major car accident, and surgery was performed on the sacrum. The toes of the left foot are noticeably less responsive? In early April, I was involved in a severe car accident that resulted in a fracture of my sacrum, nearly leaving me paralyzed. I under...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: Your description cannot be directly answered. You should first consult the original surgeon. Alternatively, bring your pre-operative and post-operative X-rays, MRIs, and other examination data to consult with another spine specialist. Wishing you the best.[Read More] Post-Surgery Nerve Issues: Understanding Toe Mobility After Sacral Fracture