Understanding Post-Surgery Recovery for Herniated Discs: Is Traction Effective?
I have a herniated disc problem? Hello, three years ago I had a herniated disc at the L4 and L5 levels that was compressing a nerve, causing numbness in my left calf. Three months ago, the doctor performed surgery to remove the herniated disc. Although the surgery has been comple...
Dr. Xie Bojun Reply:
Based on your inquiry, the issues you are currently facing are post-surgical lower back pain and numbness in your left calf. The purpose of the discectomy is to relieve nerve compression, so symptoms of nerve pain should improve after the surgery. However, the stability of the sp...[Read More] Understanding Post-Surgery Recovery for Herniated Discs: Is Traction Effective?
Managing Post-Surgery Pain and Numbness from L4-L5 Disc Herniation
There is a herniated disc issue at the L4 and L5 levels? Hello, three years ago I had a herniated disc at the L4 and L5 levels that was compressing a nerve, causing numbness in my left calf. Three months ago, the doctor performed surgery to remove the herniated disc. Although the...
Dr. Ding Xianwei Reply:
Hello, regarding your symptoms after surgery. Since I am not familiar with your specific situation, the following suggestions are for reference only. Generally speaking, if there is an acute herniated disc with nerve root compression, surgery can be performed for decompression. H...[Read More] Managing Post-Surgery Pain and Numbness from L4-L5 Disc Herniation
Post-Surgery Back Pain: Understanding Symptoms After Disc Removal
Postoperative complications of disc surgery? Hello, doctor. I previously asked you about related issues. After my discectomy on May 31, I experienced pain at the incision site, and I was concerned about nerve adhesion. At that time, you mentioned that nerve adhesion does not occu...
Dr. Ding Xianwei Reply:
Hello, the internet is not a suitable place for diagnosing your condition. Without an in-person examination, we cannot determine your actual problem. Additionally, it seems you did not follow the previous recommendations. We suggest that you rest properly by lying flat and consul...[Read More] Post-Surgery Back Pain: Understanding Symptoms After Disc Removal
Post-Discectomy Care: Managing Pain and Recovery Timeline
Postoperative Care and Complications After Discectomy I just had a discectomy on May 31 and have returned home to rest. Besides showering and sleeping, I wear a lumbar support brace. The doctor said that I did not have any artificial titanium metal or support structures implanted...
Dr. Ding Xianwei Reply:
Hello, generally speaking, it is normal to experience pain at the surgical site after surgery. However, if the pain persists, it may be necessary to consider the possibility of an infection. Nerve adhesions typically do not occur immediately after surgery. For my patients, I stil...[Read More] Post-Discectomy Care: Managing Pain and Recovery Timeline
Understanding Osteoporotic Vertebral Compression Fractures in Seniors
Vertebral compression fractures caused by osteoporosis? The mother is 76 years old and had a crush fracture in her lumbar spine due to a fall four years ago. She is currently visiting the hospital for consultation. The doctor mentioned the need for bone cement injection. Could yo...
Dr. Ding Xianwei Reply:
Hello, generally speaking, fractures in the elderly are usually due to osteoporosis. However, due to insufficient data, I cannot provide specific recommendations. If it has been four years, whether a vertebroplasty is necessary would depend on the patient's condition, which ...[Read More] Understanding Osteoporotic Vertebral Compression Fractures in Seniors
Understanding Shoulder Pain and Numbness: When to Seek Medical Help
Shoulder pain and numbness in the back? Hello Doctor: I have to stand for long periods and lift heavy objects at work. Every day, I experience numbness on both sides of my back near the spine, which has persisted for over a year. It is very distressing, and sometimes even the tip...
Dr. Zheng Zhong Reply:
Hello, please schedule an appointment with Dr. Zheng Zhong in the neurosurgery department. The clinic hours are Monday afternoons and Wednesday mornings. Wishing you well.[Read More] Understanding Shoulder Pain and Numbness: When to Seek Medical Help
Is Surgery the Only Option for Lumbar Disc Issues? Expert Advice Needed
Hello, Dr. Cheng! Dear Dr. Cheng, After my consultation, the doctor informed me that my lumbar spine at the L4-L5 levels shows dark areas on the MRI and recommended surgery. Is there truly no other option available, and is surgery the only way forward? My symptoms include occasi...
Dr. Zheng Zhong Reply:
An MRI showing a dark intervertebral disc indicates decreased water content and reduced elasticity. This does not necessarily mean that surgery is required. Generally, it is important to assess whether the disc is herniated and compressing the nerve, and if conservative treatment...[Read More] Is Surgery the Only Option for Lumbar Disc Issues? Expert Advice Needed
Understanding Lumbar Burst Fractures and Nerve Injury Management
Lumbar vertebra burst fracture with spinal nerve injury? Hello Doctor: 1. I underwent lumbar spine surgery approximately ten years ago, during which I had a total of three to four surgeries. Recently, I have been experiencing lower back pain, leg numbness, and a burning sensati...
Dr. Zhang Yuanyi Reply:
Dear Jack, After surgery for lumbar nerve compression, it is common for some neurological symptoms to persist. This is because the relief of nerve compression does not always guarantee a return to original function. Currently, there are no specific treatment options available, a...[Read More] Understanding Lumbar Burst Fractures and Nerve Injury Management
Post-Operative Nerve Symptoms: Is It Normal After Lumbar Surgery?
Postoperative Is it normal to still feel tightness and mild numbness in different areas of my limbs (including hands) one and a half months after undergoing microdiscectomy for lumbar disc herniation? Thank you.
Dr. Zheng Zhong Reply:
Lumbar spine surgery should not be related to hand numbness. There is still a 10% chance of recurrence (reherniation) after lumbar microdiscectomy. It is recommended to return to the outpatient clinic to consult with the surgeon for further evaluation.[Read More] Post-Operative Nerve Symptoms: Is It Normal After Lumbar Surgery?
Understanding Left Coccyx Pain: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
Pain in the left coccyx may occur intermittently? Sometimes, even without engaging in strenuous exercise, I suddenly experience pain on the left side of my coccyx (only when I move that area of muscle). This started in July, but the pain is quite intense, often not hurting for ju...
Dr. Zhang Yuanyi Reply:
Dear Mr. Lin, Hello. 1. The term "ruptured disc" likely refers to a herniated disc, which can compress a nerve on one side, resulting in unilateral pain. It is important to maintain proper posture and consider using a supportive lumbar brace; however, there is no qui...[Read More] Understanding Left Coccyx Pain: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
Understanding Discomfort in the Right Leg After Spine Surgery
Discomfort in the right lower limb? Dear Dr. Cheng, I had spinal fusion and stabilization surgery on my fourth and fifth vertebrae one year and three months ago. My recovery has been quite good since the surgery, but over the past four to five months, I have started experiencing...
Dr. Zheng Zhong Reply:
Please schedule an outpatient appointment for further examination.[Read More] Understanding Discomfort in the Right Leg After Spine Surgery
Why Sleeping on Your Back Might Be Harmful: A Neurosurgical Perspective
It is not advisable to sleep on your back? Thank you, doctor, for taking the time to answer my questions. Two years ago, I had a habit of sleeping on my back, which allowed me to fall asleep easily. Recently, I have changed my sleeping habits and now sleep on my side. As a result...
Dr. Zhang Yuanyi Reply:
Dear Cats: In response to your inquiry, please find the following: 1. Uncertain. 2. Cervical spine issues are also a possibility. At this moment, it is not possible to determine the need for examination based solely on the description of the problem. Please visit a nearby outpati...[Read More] Why Sleeping on Your Back Might Be Harmful: A Neurosurgical Perspective
Understanding Ankylosing Spondylitis: Treatment and Daily Care Tips
Ankylosing spondylitis Hello Director Zheng: I would like to ask what ankylosing spondylitis is and how it can be treated. Can surgical intervention cure this condition? Are there any precautions that patients should take in their daily lives to avoid further damage to the spine?...
Dr. Zheng Zhong Reply:
This is not my area of expertise; please consult a rheumatologist.[Read More] Understanding Ankylosing Spondylitis: Treatment and Daily Care Tips
Understanding Cervical Bone Spurs: Symptoms, Treatment, and Care
Cervical osteophytes (bone spurs in the cervical spine) Hello, Dr. Cheng. Last year, I experienced neck stiffness for two consecutive months. After September, I noticed that I couldn't freely turn my head to either side. I thought it was okay and didn't pay much attenti...
Dr. Zheng Zhong Reply:
Bone spurs do not necessarily require surgery. Surgery may be needed if the bone spurs compress nerves or the spinal cord. To confirm the diagnosis, further imaging studies such as CT or MRI are necessary. My clinic hours are Monday afternoons and Wednesday mornings, Dr. Cheng.[Read More] Understanding Cervical Bone Spurs: Symptoms, Treatment, and Care
Understanding Left-Sided Pain: When to See a Neurosurgeon
Left-sided pain issues? Hello Dr. Cheng, I would like to consult you regarding the issue of "left-sided pain." My mother is 56 years old and has been experiencing body pain for the past year. The areas where she feels pain include her neck, back, lower back, calves, an...
Dr. Zheng Zhong Reply:
Your mother is experiencing pain that ranges from her neck and back down to her lower limbs, and it is localized to the left side of her body. If the pain is caused by neuropathy, the issue may be in the brain or neck; however, brain lesions are often accompanied by headaches, di...[Read More] Understanding Left-Sided Pain: When to See a Neurosurgeon
Understanding Pain in the Thigh: Is It Really Sciatica?
Similar to sciatica but seems to be something else? Deep aching pain in the back of the thigh (up to the back of the knee, not reaching the calf), with a specific point near the lumbar spine that causes leg pain when pressed (the lower back does not hurt normally, only when press...
Dr. Zheng Zhong Reply:
The pain you described is indicative of sciatica; however, the underlying causes of sciatica could be related to the lumbar nerve roots, the pelvic plexus, or issues with the peripheral nerves of the lower extremities. It is advisable for you to consult a neurosurgeon for further...[Read More] Understanding Pain in the Thigh: Is It Really Sciatica?
Differences Between Dynamic and Stabilization Techniques in Spine Surgery
The difference between dynamic and stabilization refers to two distinct concepts in various fields, including medicine and physical therapy. Dynamic typically refers to processes or movements that are characterized by change, activity, or progress. In a Hello Director Zheng: I ...
Dr. Zheng Zhong Reply:
Dynamic Stabilization is a type of dynamic stabilization system that can maintain spinal mobility while supporting the height of the intervertebral discs, thereby reducing the recurrence rate of disc herniation and the degeneration of adjacent joints. Currently, two methods appro...[Read More] Differences Between Dynamic and Stabilization Techniques in Spine Surgery
Do You Need Fixation After Microscopic Surgery for Lumbar Disc Herniation?
excuse me? Is fixation necessary after removing some of the spinous process in microsurgery? The herniated material at L4, L5, and S1 needs to be cleared.
Dr. Zheng Zhong Reply:
Microsurgery theoretically does not compromise the stability of the spine, and fixation surgery should not be necessary. However, it is currently believed that to prevent recurrent herniation after microsurgery, combining it with a "dynamic stabilization system" such as...[Read More] Do You Need Fixation After Microscopic Surgery for Lumbar Disc Herniation?
Understanding Neck and Shoulder Pain: A Guide to Symptoms and Specialist Referrals
Neck and shoulder pain? Hello Doctor: Recently, I have been experiencing many symptoms and have consulted various doctors in different hospitals without finding a diagnosis. Could you please help explain the following symptoms? 1. I have sharp pain in the left rear part of my h...
Dr. Zheng Zhong Reply:
It is recommended to first consult a neurosurgeon to rule out any brain or cervical spine lesions. My clinic hours are: Monday afternoons and Wednesday mornings. Best wishes, Dr. Zheng.[Read More] Understanding Neck and Shoulder Pain: A Guide to Symptoms and Specialist Referrals
Understanding Postural Distortion After Waking: Causes and Solutions
Body distortion upon waking up? Hello: I have a history of sciatica for about two years. Over six months ago, I visited Cathay General Hospital, where the doctor suggested surgery. I underwent an MRI at your hospital, but I ultimately did not follow the doctor's recommendati...
Dr. Qiu Yushu Reply:
You may change your posture and distort your body to alleviate nerve compression, which is why the "Q" shape is a common occurrence in cases of sciatica. Our hospital has specialists in neurosurgery and orthopedics who treat lumbar spine issues: Dr. Zheng Zhong and Dr. ...[Read More] Understanding Postural Distortion After Waking: Causes and Solutions