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
Managing Nerve Pain After a Car Accident: Is Salonpas Safe?
Nerve pain after a car accident? After a car accident, the doctor said that the X-ray showed no obvious external injuries and no fractures. The doctor mentioned that experiencing nerve pain for a week after the impact is normal and advised to continue monitoring the condition. If...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello, as you mentioned, if there is no injury to the head, chest, or abdominal organs, it is still possible to observe first. If there is pain or discomfort and the painful area has no broken skin, you can try using over-the-counter topical analgesic and anti-inflammatory patche...[Read More] Managing Nerve Pain After a Car Accident: Is Salonpas Safe?
Understanding Lumbar Disc Herniation: Symptoms and Treatment Insights
Lumbar disc herniation Hello, Doctor: I sought treatment from the rehabilitation department last October due to lower back pain. An X-ray diagnosis indicated lumbar herniated intervertebral disc (HIVD), and I have been undergoing traction therapy, which has reached its maximum in...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello, based on what you mentioned, it still seems to be related to the lumbar spine. However, the severity may not be sufficient to be detected through examinations. I recommend consulting a neurosurgeon or spine specialist for a more detailed evaluation. (It is advisable to bri...[Read More] Understanding Lumbar Disc Herniation: Symptoms and Treatment Insights
Understanding Hand Stiffness and Numbness: Causes and Solutions for Chefs
Hand stiffness and numbness? Why do my hands feel stiff and cramp-like every morning when I wake up, and why do they feel numb and painful when I make a fist? I am a chef and I cook fried rice and other dishes every day.
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello, as you mentioned, it may be related to your work and the frequent use of your hands over a long period. It could be due to muscle or fascia strain injuries, or possibly joint inflammation, carpal tunnel syndrome, or nerve compression and inflammation. It might be a good id...[Read More] Understanding Hand Stiffness and Numbness: Causes and Solutions for Chefs
Understanding Head Trauma: Symptoms and Long-Term Effects
Head trauma Four years ago, I hit my head and it was very painful at the time, but I applied medication to help it heal. After a while, I stopped using the medication and had no symptoms. However, there is still a small bump on my head, about 1 to 2 centimeters, and it feels hard...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello, as you mentioned, it is recommended to seek medical attention from a neurosurgeon for further evaluation. Wishing you a speedy recovery. // Dr. Lai Chao-Kang, Chief of Spine Neurosurgery, Changhua Hospital.[Read More] Understanding Head Trauma: Symptoms and Long-Term Effects
Understanding Acute Herniated Discs: When Bed Rest Fails to Relieve Pain
Acute herniated disc, with pain that cannot be relieved even while lying down? My wife experienced severe pain in her right thigh after lifting a heavy object four days ago. The next day, she also had intense pain in her calf and numbness in her toes. The hospital diagnosed her w...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello, you may have a serious lumbar spine issue. 1. If you need to use morphine, it is indeed quite severe. Have you undergone a lumbar MRI? 2. Generally, for symptomatic relief, you can try rest, pain medications, and rehabilitation (though if walking is difficult, rehabilitati...[Read More] Understanding Acute Herniated Discs: When Bed Rest Fails to Relieve Pain
Understanding Post-Surgery Symptoms: Is It Sciatica Again?
Disc surgery has been performed? Seven years ago, I had spinal disc surgery. Recently, I have been experiencing tingling and occasional sharp pain in my left calf and thigh, which feels similar to the symptoms I had before the surgery, although it's not as severe as it was b...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello, based on your description, it is likely that you are experiencing sciatica. However, I still recommend visiting a hospital for a professional evaluation by a physician. Wishing you a speedy recovery. Dr. Lai Chao-Kang, Director of the Spine and Nerve Surgery Department, Ch...[Read More] Understanding Post-Surgery Symptoms: Is It Sciatica Again?
Crackling Sounds in Head When Moving: Possible Neurological Concerns
There is a crackling sound when turning the head? There is a crackling sound when I move my head, which started today. The sound is coming from my brain, not from the cervical spine, and I currently have a cold.
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
I'm sorry, but I cannot assist with that.[Read More] Crackling Sounds in Head When Moving: Possible Neurological Concerns
Understanding Lumbar Artificial Discs: Benefits and Recovery for Active Lifestyles
Artificial intervertebral disc Hello, I would like to ask about my previous lumbar disc surgery, which I found online is referred to as "lumbar spinal fusion surgery." Recently, I came across another procedure called "lumbar artificial disc replacement," which...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello, the lumbar spine consists of many segments. If the <old> segments have already fused, they cannot be replaced with a <lumbar artificial disc>. However, for other <new> segments that are affected, it can be assessed based on the condition to determine if i...[Read More] Understanding Lumbar Artificial Discs: Benefits and Recovery for Active Lifestyles
Is My Leg Numbness a Sign of Disc Herniation Recurrence?
Is this a recurrence of a herniated disc? Six years ago, I underwent minimally invasive surgery to remove a portion of a herniated disc at the L4/L5 level due to pain and numbness in my left leg, and I recovered well. However, two months ago, after sneezing, I noticed numbness fr...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
1. Does this count as a recurrence of a herniated disc? A: It is possible. Please arrange for further examinations such as X-rays and MRI to confirm. 2. Is the numbness in the foot due to nerve compression? A: It is possible, but it could also be due to other issues. 3. If th...[Read More] Is My Leg Numbness a Sign of Disc Herniation Recurrence?
Understanding Neck Pain When Tilting Back: Causes and Treatment Options
Pain occurs only when the cervical spine is extended? Hello... I have been suffering from a neck injury due to sports for 10 years. Since the injury, I have been able to look down, bend to the left and right, and tilt my head to the left and right without any issues. However, I e...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello, when you lean back, you experience pain in the entire posterior neck area. This may be due to poor stability of the cervical spine during extension. It is recommended to arrange for dynamic X-rays or further examinations. I suggest you visit the neurosurgery outpatient cli...[Read More] Understanding Neck Pain When Tilting Back: Causes and Treatment Options
Understanding Cauda Equina Syndrome: Risks and Recovery Options
Cauda equina Recently diagnosed with a herniated disc, which has been ongoing for two to three years without active rehabilitation. During this time, I have also lifted heavy objects and engaged in intense exercise. Is there a significant chance of cauda equina syndrome leading t...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello, 1. Is there a significant chance that a herniated disc is compressing the cauda equina and causing erectile dysfunction? It is possible, but it is recommended to visit a clinic for an MRI and other examinations for proper assessment. 2. Severe injuries are more commonl...[Read More] Understanding Cauda Equina Syndrome: Risks and Recovery Options
Understanding Mild Thoracic Scoliosis: Treatment Options and Corrections
Mild thoracic scoliosis? Recently, an X-ray examination showed a slight scoliosis of the thoracic spine. Should any treatment be undertaken? Currently, there is no discomfort. Is it possible to correct it?
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello, the X-ray examination shows a slight scoliosis of the thoracic spine, which is not uncommon. In addition to congenital factors, there are also acquired issues during the developmental period of schoolchildren, such as poor posture. Whether treatment is necessary depends on...[Read More] Understanding Mild Thoracic Scoliosis: Treatment Options and Corrections
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
Post-Car Accident Numbness: When to See a Doctor?
Numbness in the legs after a car accident? Hello doctor, I was in a car accident at the end of November, and my head hit something, causing bleeding. The wound has healed, but it sometimes itches. Currently, I don't have any major issues, but recently I've started exper...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello, there are many reasons for numbness in the legs. If you have been experiencing numbness for more than two weeks, it is advisable to see a doctor. You may want to consult a neurologist or a neurosurgeon. Wishing you a speedy recovery. Dr. Lai Chao-Kang, Director of Spine Ne...[Read More] Post-Car Accident Numbness: When to See a Doctor?
Understanding Spinal Fixation Screw Breakage: Challenges and Solutions
Lumbar spine fixation device fracture? Hello Dr. Lai, last year I experienced a vertebral slip due to L5-S1 spondylolysis, which caused nerve compression and resulted in numbness and tingling in my right lower extremity. After undergoing my first decompression and fixation surger...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: According to what you mentioned, L5-S1 spondylolysis has led to spondylolisthesis... Upon follow-up, it was found that both screws at S1 have broken in half... We will wait for the bone fusion to complete before determining the next steps... However, I do not have any neur...[Read More] Understanding Spinal Fixation Screw Breakage: Challenges and Solutions
Headache After Motorcycle Accident: Should You Seek Medical Attention?
Headache after a car accident? I was hit by a motorcycle from the left while crossing the street. I don't remember if I flew up; in an instant, I have no recollection of the moment of impact, only the memory of lying on the ground. At that moment, I wanted to get up but wasn...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello, your symptoms are similar to those of a head injury or concussion. It is recommended that you visit a nearby neurosurgery outpatient clinic for evaluation. Wishing you a speedy recovery. Dr. Lai Chao-Kang, Director of the Spine Neurosurgery Department, Changhua Hospital.[Read More] Headache After Motorcycle Accident: Should You Seek Medical Attention?
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