Post-Surgery Numbness: Understanding Leg Symptoms After Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery
After one month of minimally invasive surgery for the slippage and stenosis at the L4-L5 vertebrae, I began to experience numbness in my legs? Hello Dr. Lai: I previously experienced difficulty walking with my right leg due to lumbar spondylolisthesis. At the end of February 2017...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: I suggest you go back and consult the original surgeon. Wishing you all the best.[Read More] Post-Surgery Numbness: Understanding Leg Symptoms After Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery
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
Choosing Between Traditional and Minimally Invasive Surgery for Sciatica
Surgical Issues Related to Sciatica Three months ago, I suddenly started experiencing pain at work, which requires lifting heavy objects. I went to Asia University Hospital for an MRI, and they told me that my fourth and fifth lumbar vertebrae and the fifth lumbar vertebra are co...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: Lumbar nerve compression is causing your sciatica, leading to pain and discomfort. If you are not satisfied with the pain relief from conservative treatment, it is indeed time to consider more aggressive treatment options. 1. Radiofrequency ablation: This can provide tem...[Read More] Choosing Between Traditional and Minimally Invasive Surgery for Sciatica
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 Unexplained Lumbar Pain: Causes and Treatment Options
Unexplained lumbar pain? Hello, doctor. Recently, my entire spine has been very stiff and painful, and I also experience a penetrating pain in both sides of my pelvis. Sometimes, due to abdominal pain, when I bend over to walk, I feel a painful sensation of bone rubbing against b...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: 1. It is recommended to consult a neurosurgeon, especially one who specializes in spinal issues. 2. Best wishes to you. // Dr. Lai Chao-Kang, Director of the Spine Neurosurgery Department at Changhua Hospital.[Read More] Understanding Unexplained Lumbar Pain: Causes and Treatment Options
Understanding L5-S1 Nerve Root Disorders: When to Seek Surgery
L5-S1 radiculopathy Hello, I am a patient with a herniated disc. At the end of 2014, I underwent an MRI and nerve conduction studies, which confirmed that my L4-L5 disc was herniated and compressing the nerve fibers. After surgery, my symptoms of leg numbness and weakness did not...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: Based on what you described: After enduring for more than two years... (the lower back pain only occurred in the first six months, and later gradually evolved into numbness and weakness in the legs) but the numbness makes it difficult to sit or stand, and the quality of sl...[Read More] Understanding L5-S1 Nerve Root Disorders: When to Seek Surgery
Understanding Disc Herniation and Ankylosing Spondylitis: Can They Coexist?
Herniated disc. Ankylosing spondylitis? I injured myself in the first year of junior high school, and since then, I have experienced lower back pain for about seven years. Later, I was diagnosed with a herniated disc, which is pressing on a nerve. Can the nerve become damaged? Ad...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello, based on what you mentioned: 1. "If a herniated disc compresses a nerve, will the nerve die?" Answer: It depends on the location and severity of the nerve compression. If the compression is severe or prolonged, it may lead to nerve damage. It is advisable to obta...[Read More] Understanding Disc Herniation and Ankylosing Spondylitis: Can They Coexist?
Understanding Lumbar Cysts: Symptoms, Surgery, and Recovery Insights
Lumbar cyst? Last July, an MRI revealed a cyst in my lumbar spine. At that time, the doctor did not indicate any specific issues, only stating that it was congenital. Recently, I have been experiencing a dull ache on the left side, and since last year, I have had pain in the top ...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: 1. Your symptoms: <..Recently, there has been a sensation of soreness on the left side, and since last year, after sitting for a long time, I experience pain in the left foot when I stand up, which improves after walking for a while...> This may not necessarily be ca...[Read More] Understanding Lumbar Cysts: Symptoms, Surgery, and Recovery Insights
Managing Lumbar Compression Fractures: Tips for Comfort and Mobility
Compression injury of the fifth lumbar vertebra. Discomfort from prolonged sitting, tightness in the knees, and susceptibility to lower back pain? Hello, Doctor. Two months ago, I sustained a compression injury to my fifth lumbar vertebra due to a sports injury. After two months ...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: 1. You have had a lumbar spine injury, which likely has some residual effects that may cause discomfort. It’s a matter of how much you can tolerate. If you wish to improve further, you can consult a spine neurosurgeon to evaluate whether you are a candidate for surgery, re...[Read More] Managing Lumbar Compression Fractures: Tips for Comfort and Mobility
Can X-rays Diagnose Herniated Discs? Understanding Back Pain and Symptoms
After the X-ray, it is uncertain whether there is a herniated disc? Two years ago, after intense exercise, I felt significant discomfort in my left lower back, making it difficult to stand for long periods. After an X-ray, the doctor advised me to undergo physical therapy for my ...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello, 1. Your symptoms suggest that you may have a herniated lumbar disc compressing the sciatic nerve. 2. X-rays can help to infer whether there is a herniated lumbar disc, but confirmation should primarily be done through MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging). I recommend consul...[Read More] Can X-rays Diagnose Herniated Discs? Understanding Back Pain and Symptoms
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
Understanding Right Lower Back Pain: Causes and Treatment Options
Right lower back pain? Hello, doctor. I have severe pain on the right side of my lower back near the spine, which radiates down to my groin, and sometimes I also experience pain in my right thigh and calf. I'm not sure if it's related to my kidneys or if I've strai...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello, you can consult a neurosurgeon. Wishing you well.[Read More] Understanding Right Lower Back Pain: Causes and Treatment Options
Post-Surgery Considerations for Lumbar Spine: When to Remove Hardware?
Regarding issue #116219, after undergoing surgery on the first lumbar vertebra, is it necessary to perform minimally invasive surgery to remove it after one year? Hello Dr. Lai: First of all, thank you for being willing to respond to my questions. You are truly knowledgeable and ...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello, 1. Generally, there is no need to remove the hardware, but if, for example, the screws have loosened, or if they are too rigid and causing discomfort, or for other reasons as determined by the physician, they can be removed. 2. Typically, if it is confirmed that the bo...[Read More] Post-Surgery Considerations for Lumbar Spine: When to Remove Hardware?
Understanding Post-Operative Outcomes of Dural Adhesiolysis Surgery
Dural nerve adhesion release surgery Will there be any sequelae after the dural nerve adhesion separation surgery? Can I still play sports in the future? My spine only has mild compression, and I'm unsure whether to undergo this surgery or just pursue rehabilitation treatmen...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: The procedure for separating adhesions of the nerve on the dura mater is not a surgical operation; it is less invasive. However, medicine cannot be explained in just a few words, and each patient's condition is different. Your explanation is too brief and cannot be ad...[Read More] Understanding Post-Operative Outcomes of Dural Adhesiolysis Surgery
Is Minimally Invasive Surgery Necessary to Remove Spinal Implants After a Year?
The first vertebra (lumbar vertebra) underwent surgery, and after one year, is a minimally invasive surgery required for removal? Hello Doctor: I had traditional surgery in May this year for a car accident where they installed Stryker Mantis implants, rod, and screws in my first ...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello, you are only 25 years old. I suspect you might have a burst fracture of the L1 vertebra. If the physician determines through imaging that the fracture has healed, it may be considered to remove the screws. Generally, the removal of screws does not directly affect the nerve...[Read More] Is Minimally Invasive Surgery Necessary to Remove Spinal Implants After a Year?
Understanding Post-Surgery Symptoms After Cervical Spine Surgery
Cervical cone surgery status? Hello Doctor: I have seen many doctors, but in fact, each doctor's opinion is different. In March 2016, I sustained an injury during a chiropractic session, and the next day, when I tilted my head down and tried to lift it, I experienced shaking...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: 1. It is recommended to follow up with a cervical spine MRI. 2. If there are concerns about lumbar spondylolisthesis, a dynamic X-ray evaluation of the lumbar spine in extension should be performed. Best wishes, Dr. Lai Chao-Kang, Neurosurgeon.[Read More] Understanding Post-Surgery Symptoms After Cervical Spine Surgery
Understanding Muscle Weakness and Pain: Which Specialist to Consult?
Weakness in the legs, soreness, and muscle atrophy? Doctor, I have soreness in both buttocks and the outer sides of my calves. My right calf muscle is atrophied, and sometimes I experience tingling in my right foot. My lower back is also sore, and my right leg is two centimeters ...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
You can first visit the neurosurgery outpatient clinic.[Read More] Understanding Muscle Weakness and Pain: Which Specialist to Consult?
Understanding Sciatica: When to Seek Medical Help for Pain Relief
Suspected sciatica? Since May of this year, I have been experiencing pain in my buttocks (spine area) after driving for about two hours. The pain occurs in an area that does not directly contact the seat, and it tends to lessen when I am not sitting. The episodes of pain have bee...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
Neurosurgery or Orthopedics[Read More] Understanding Sciatica: When to Seek Medical Help for Pain Relief
Understanding Sciatica from Herniated Discs: Treatment Options and Concerns
Herniated disc causing sciatica? In January of this year, I underwent an MRI at the hospital, which confirmed a herniated disc at the L4-L5 level compressing the nerve root, resulting in abnormal nerve conduction and causing sciatica. Yesterday, I returned for a doctor's eva...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello, as you mentioned: MRI confirmed that there is a herniated disc at the L4-L5 level compressing the nerve root. Nerve conduction studies are abnormal, and there is some atrophy in the gluteal region. After a long period of rehabilitation, you feel it has been ineffective. ...[Read More] Understanding Sciatica from Herniated Discs: Treatment Options and Concerns
Post-Surgery Pain Management for L5S1 Disc Herniation: What to Expect
L5-S1 intervertebral disc herniation with spinal fusion surgery? Hello, I underwent surgery on October 13th for the removal of a herniated disc along with internal fixation. The area where I experienced pain prior to the surgery, from my right buttock to the back of my thigh, cur...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello, the surgery was not performed by me, and we do not have your pre-operative and post-operative information. Therefore, we are unable to answer your questions. Best wishes, Dr. Lai Chao-Kang, Director of Spine and Nerve at Changhua Hospital.[Read More] Post-Surgery Pain Management for L5S1 Disc Herniation: What to Expect