Understanding Cervical Disc Herniation: Symptoms and Treatment Options
Cervical intervertebral disc herniation I would like to ask about my condition. I have been experiencing pain and numbness between my left index finger and thumb for an entire day, along with pain in the outer upper arm. I often feel a sensation like an electric shock extending f...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: 1. Nerve compression in the cervical spine rarely presents with unilateral symptoms (rare, but not absent). 2. MRI shows nerve compression at cervical levels 5-6 and 6-7, particularly pronounced at 5-6. If conservative treatment does not yield satisfactory results, it meet...[Read More] Understanding Cervical Disc Herniation: Symptoms and Treatment Options
Understanding Nerve Pain in the Back: Causes and Treatment Options
Nerve pain in the back muscles? Approximately 12 to 13 years ago, I started working as a home-based worker, frequently lifting heavy boxes and climbing three flights of stairs (often making dozens of trips). I also spent long hours sitting in the same position. About 8 years ago,...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: It is suspected to be a cervical nerve pathology. It is recommended to bring your previous MRI results and consult a neurosurgeon. Wishing you a speedy recovery. By Dr. Lai Chao-Kang, Department of Neurosurgery, Changhua Hospital.[Read More] Understanding Nerve Pain in the Back: Causes and Treatment Options
Post-Surgery Weakness in Legs After Spinal Surgery: Key Insights
Postoperative leg weakness after spinal surgery? Hello, Vice Dean Zhang. I have undergone three surgeries for lumbar spine issues at the L4-L5 level. The first surgery involved a Romeo clamp and screws, which became loose and caused nerve pain. The second surgery reinforced the c...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
1. There should be no issues if there is no pain and no neurological dysfunction. 2. I cannot provide an answer without knowing your case, imaging studies, and physical examination. 3. Yes, it is related to pain. 4. Not entirely.[Read More] Post-Surgery Weakness in Legs After Spinal Surgery: Key Insights
Post-COVID Spine Pain: Exploring Inflammation and Management Options
Post-diagnosis spinal pain suspected to be inflammation? I have diabetes, and it has been three weeks since my diagnosis. I am currently experiencing abnormal spinal pain, which is usually accompanied by fever. The pain does not alleviate whether I am sitting or lying down, and I...
Dr. Zhao Shaoqing Reply:
Hello: You may need to schedule further examinations at the neurosurgery outpatient clinic for an MRI. The Ministry of Health and Welfare Changhua Hospital is concerned about you.[Read More] Post-COVID Spine Pain: Exploring Inflammation and Management Options
Understanding Thoracic Disc Herniation and Scoliosis: What You Need to Know
Thoracic disc herniation and scoliosis? Hello Doctor, three years ago I was diagnosed with a tumor in my thoracic spine during examinations for another specialty, which was confirmed as a benign hemangioma through MRI. Recently, a follow-up MRI showed no changes in the hemangioma...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: 1. As we age, natural aging will occur. 2. Avoid slouching, bending over to lift heavy objects, keep your head up and chest out, engage in more stretching exercises, or consider activities like hanging from a pull-up bar or swimming, or consult a physical therapist for per...[Read More] Understanding Thoracic Disc Herniation and Scoliosis: What You Need to Know
Understanding Thigh Nerve Pain: Causes and Solutions
Thigh nerve pain Hello doctor, for the past two weeks, I have been experiencing soreness, numbness, and pain in my left buttock extending to the outer thigh. Could you help me understand what this might be? Thank you.
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: It is suspected to be sciatica. This symptom is often caused by lumbar spine lesions compressing the nerves. It is recommended to consult a neurosurgeon. Wishing you a speedy recovery. By Dr. Lai Chao-Kang, Neurosurgery, Changhua Hospital.[Read More] Understanding Thigh Nerve Pain: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Recovery Time After Cervical Disc Replacement Surgery
Questions about cervical spine surgery and artificial discs? I would like to ask about my recent cervical disc herniation. I am considering undergoing a self-funded artificial disc replacement surgery. Considering the recovery time, I would like to know, doctor, how long it typic...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: If your preoperative symptoms do not include walking issues, but rather pain and numbness in the shoulders and upper limbs, as my postoperative patients, you can attempt to get out of bed and walk on the same day. Once the wound is clean (approximately one week), you can r...[Read More] Understanding Recovery Time After Cervical Disc Replacement Surgery
Understanding Sacral Dimpling: Causes, Concerns, and Back Pain Links
It seems to be a sacral dimple? Hello, I would like to inquire about a depression I have on my buttocks. I initially thought it was something everyone had, but later realized it was different. After researching online, it seems to resemble a sacral dimple. The depression is locat...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
It doesn't sound like a significant issue; it's likely just a normal variation. However, if you're still concerned, it's advisable to schedule an appointment with a spine specialist for a thorough examination.[Read More] Understanding Sacral Dimpling: Causes, Concerns, and Back Pain Links
Understanding Cervical Spine Levels: C5-C6 vs C6-C7 Surgery
Cervical intervertebral position Director Zhao, are the fifth and sixth cervical vertebrae and the sixth and seventh cervical vertebrae considered to be in the same location for surgical purposes?
Dr. Zhao Shaoqing Reply:
Due to the medical nature of the issue, a more detailed examination and assessment at a clinic is necessary for proper evaluation.[Read More] Understanding Cervical Spine Levels: C5-C6 vs C6-C7 Surgery
Understanding Spinal Surgery: Insights on Atypical Recovery and Symptoms
Spinal surgery Hello Doctor: I have ankylosing spondylitis and suffered compression fractures of the T10 and T11 vertebrae due to a car accident in 2017. The fractures were not detected at the time of the accident, and it wasn't until two months later that I experienced numb...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
The key factor is not the number of spinal surgeries, but rather the extent of spinal cord injury. Severe spinal cord damage is irreversible. It is possible that nerve compression and injury occur at the moment of injury. The earlier the surgery is performed before irreversible d...[Read More] Understanding Spinal Surgery: Insights on Atypical Recovery and Symptoms
Understanding Lumbar Disc Rupture and Its Impact on Disability Claims
Lumbar intervertebral disc herniation at L3, L4, and L5 - surgery was performed to install a lumbar stabilizer? Hello, doctor. I have a question. I underwent surgery for a herniated disc at the lumbar levels L3, L4, and L5 due to a car accident (it has been a year and a half sinc...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: 1. After your injury and surgery, your recovery has not been ideal. This may be due to the severity of the injury prior to surgery. If you wish to reassess whether there is room for adjustment in your treatment, you can obtain copies of your medical records and MRI/X-ray i...[Read More] Understanding Lumbar Disc Rupture and Its Impact on Disability Claims
Post-Surgery Weakness in Left Leg: Seeking Recovery Strategies
The left foot is still weak after surgery? Hello Doctor: My father has a history of stroke. From April to early May, he experienced weakness in his left leg and fell, which led him to seek medical attention at several hospitals. The evaluations showed no significant issues, and t...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: I understand your anxiety and encourage you to continue with rehabilitation. However, I do not have your father's relevant medical history, treatment progress, or imaging. For detailed information, I recommend that you consult the original surgeon. Wishing for a speed...[Read More] Post-Surgery Weakness in Left Leg: Seeking Recovery Strategies
Post-Surgery Back Pain: Understanding Ongoing Discomfort After Disc Surgery
Postoperative back pain persists for one to two years? Hello, doctor! My mother is 59 years old. Two years ago, she suffered from severe lower back and leg pain, and no pain medication was effective. The doctor diagnosed her with a herniated disc compressing the nerves, and after...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: 1. The report you provided indicates: L3-4 and L4-5 lumbar disc bulging, and L5-S1 disc herniation with compression of the dural sac... this suggests the presence of nerve compression. 2. I recommend that you copy the disc and bring the MRI images (not just the text) for t...[Read More] Post-Surgery Back Pain: Understanding Ongoing Discomfort After Disc Surgery
Understanding the Causes of Arm Numbness Upon Waking Up
The causes of waking up with numbness in the arm? Hello, Doctor! Recently, I have noticed that sometimes while sleeping, I unconsciously raise one arm above my head (resting it on the pillow behind my head rather than pressing it underneath). When I wake up, the entire arm feels ...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: 1. It is suspected that you may have issues related to cervical nerve, shoulder and neck, or even brachial plexus, which could lead you to unconsciously sleep in this position to relieve pressure in those areas. This posture can affect blood circulation in the shoulder a...[Read More] Understanding the Causes of Arm Numbness Upon Waking Up
Understanding EMG and Nerve Conduction Study Results for Back Pain
Report Interpretation Hello doctor, the attached image is an electromyography (EMG) and nerve conduction study report. I would like to ask you to review it for any issues. Currently, my symptoms include persistent pain in the lower back, which sometimes radiates to the soles of m...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: 1. Based on your symptom description, it is suspected that lumbar spine lesions are causing sciatica. 2. Your nerve conduction study report suggests a possible peripheral neuropathy in both lower limbs, which does not appear to be consistent with lumbar nerve pathology. 3....[Read More] Understanding EMG and Nerve Conduction Study Results for Back Pain
Post-Spinal Surgery: Addressing Leg Numbness and Mobility Issues
Postoperative foot numbness and inability to walk after minimally invasive spinal surgery? Hello doctor, my family member underwent minimally invasive surgery on the lumbar spine from the third to the fifth vertebrae over a month ago, and they are experiencing complete paralysis ...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: The situation of your family sounds unfortunate. The original surgeon will have the best understanding of the preoperative and intraoperative conditions. However, it is essential to patiently cooperate with rehabilitation. Wishing for a speedy recovery from Changhua Hospit...[Read More] Post-Spinal Surgery: Addressing Leg Numbness and Mobility Issues
Understanding Post-Surgery Incontinence After Spine Surgery
Postoperative incontinence after spinal surgery? My father had surgery at the end of February and is currently undergoing rehabilitation. However, he still experiences weakness in both legs, and from late April to early May, he has been experiencing fecal incontinence. I would li...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: What were the symptoms before the surgery? After the surgery, did the original symptoms improve? Are there any new symptoms? For the post-operative condition, it is advisable to consult the original surgeon! Best wishes, Dr. Lai Chao-Kang.[Read More] Understanding Post-Surgery Incontinence After Spine Surgery
Understanding Coccyx Pain: Causes, Symptoms, and When to Seek Help
Pain below the coccyx? There is pain when pressing on the area below the coccyx, and sitting also causes pain, while lying down or standing feels more comfortable. There was no external impact or injury, and I have been sitting for long periods. The pain has persisted for 3 days,...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: If your pain has not worsened and is still bearable, rest and observe for two weeks. If there is no improvement, make an appointment with a specialist: neurosurgery, spine surgery, orthopedics, or rehabilitation medicine. If symptoms worsen and the pain becomes unbearable,...[Read More] Understanding Coccyx Pain: Causes, Symptoms, and When to Seek Help
Understanding Finger Numbness: Causes and When to Seek Help
Finger numbness issue? Hello, doctor. Following up on my previous question, I saw a neurologist who arranged for an MRI of my cervical spine due to suspected cervical issues. I went to the emergency room where the doctor only performed blood tests and said they couldn't hand...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello, the doctor suspects that you may have a cervical nerve condition. If your current symptoms have improved, then let's wait for the MRI report! Wishing you a speedy recovery. By Neurosurgeon Dr. Lai Chao-Kang.[Read More] Understanding Finger Numbness: Causes and When to Seek Help
Is Golf Safe for Patients with Lumbar Spondylolisthesis?
Spondylolisthesis Doctor, I would like to ask if it is suitable for me to play golf with my lumbar vertebrae 3, 4, and 5 having a slippage. Are there other exercises that are more appropriate for someone with lumbar spine issues? Thank you.
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: Lumbar spondylolisthesis may not necessarily present with symptoms. If you play golf and do not experience any lower back pain during the activity, it may not be necessary to refrain from it. Suitable exercises for the lumbar spine include stretching, pull-ups, swimming, a...[Read More] Is Golf Safe for Patients with Lumbar Spondylolisthesis?