Understanding Sciatica: Symptoms, Treatment Options, and When to Consider Surgery
Herniated disc I have already seen a rehabilitation specialist. I am 20 years old and have been diagnosed with spinal stenosis at a specific lumbar vertebra, which is compressing the nerve, leading to sciatica. Currently, I am undergoing stretching exercises and electrical therap...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: If you have already made efforts in rehabilitation and your symptoms have not improved, it is recommended to consult a neurosurgeon. Bring your MRI scans for evaluation to see if other treatments can be considered, such as lumbar nerve block or minimally invasive spine sur...[Read More] Understanding Sciatica: Symptoms, Treatment Options, and When to Consider Surgery
Understanding Minimally Invasive Surgery for Disc Herniation: Key Insights and FAQs
Hello Director Lai: I would like to ask you for educational information regarding my herniated disc? Hello Director Lai, thank you for taking the time to respond. Considering economic factors and my limited understanding of medical terminology, I am reaching out to you online for...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: A. I see that you are seriously researching this topic, but you might be overwhelmed by the vast amount of information available online, leading to confusion. Many young internet users face similar challenges, getting misled by technical jargon and certain medical advertis...[Read More] Understanding Minimally Invasive Surgery for Disc Herniation: Key Insights and FAQs
Understanding Cervical Spine Surgery: Key Considerations for Recovery
Cervical spine spinal cord injury, laminectomy decompression surgery, discectomy, mobile artificial intervertebral disc? The mother is 62 years old and has diabetes, but it is uncertain whether she has osteoporosis. She fell off her bike on the road and was urgently taken to the ...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: A. The principles of surgical treatment for cervical spinal cord injury are 1. Decompression 2. Reconstruction. You have already undergone posterior decompression (without fixation), but if your symptoms have not improved and follow-up MRI shows significant anterior compre...[Read More] Understanding Cervical Spine Surgery: Key Considerations for Recovery
Post-Surgery Nerve Pain: Understanding Persistent Foot Numbness and Back Pain
Persistent leg numbness and occasional lower back pain after disc rupture surgery? Hello Doctor, I would like to ask on behalf of my husband: He underwent minimally invasive surgery for a herniated disc. Before the surgery, he experienced significant pain and numbness, but afte...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: Postoperative pain has improved relatively quickly, but the numbness is indeed more difficult to recover from. If you are not satisfied with the answers from your original physician, and while postoperative pain has improved, you still feel residual symptoms of numbness, w...[Read More] Post-Surgery Nerve Pain: Understanding Persistent Foot Numbness and Back Pain
Post-Spinal Fusion Surgery: Understanding Symptoms and Treatment Options
Post-spinal fusion surgery I have rheumatoid arthritis and underwent surgery on June 23 for L4-L5 instability (with a Romeo cage and health insurance screws). Due to osteoporosis with a T-score of -2.4, I experienced collapse and pain, which led to a second surgery for adjustment...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
Due to the varying complexity of individual medical conditions, it is not possible to provide specific explanations for each person's condition.[Read More] Post-Spinal Fusion Surgery: Understanding Symptoms and Treatment Options
Understanding Cauda Equina Syndrome: Recovery, Surgery, and Treatment Options
Cauda equina syndrome Hello Doctor, I fell from the fourth floor on August 13, resulting in cauda equina syndrome, with compression at vertebrae 7 and 12, as well as a pelvic fracture and bilateral crush fractures of the feet. The doctor initially mentioned a minimally invasive p...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: 1. Cauda equina syndrome is a severe neurological injury. An MRI is needed to assess where the affected segments are and to determine if there are conditions for surgical decompression and spinal reconstruction. 2. If surgery is indicated, it should be performed as earl...[Read More] Understanding Cauda Equina Syndrome: Recovery, Surgery, and Treatment Options
Understanding Cervical Spine Issues and Their Impact on Tinnitus
Cervical spine-related issues Hello, doctor. In very quiet places, I experience tinnitus, and if I bend my head down for too long, it also triggers the tinnitus. Changing my position helps improve the symptoms. Previously, I visited a rehabilitation clinic and had X-rays taken, w...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: It is recommended to postpone cervical traction. Further examination of the cervical spine can be arranged, such as dynamic X-rays of the cervical spine, MRI, or carotid ultrasound. You may consult with a neurosurgeon, neurologist, or rehabilitation specialist. Wishing you...[Read More] Understanding Cervical Spine Issues and Their Impact on Tinnitus
Understanding Cervical Disc Herniation: To Operate or Not?
Cervical intervertebral disc herniation..? Hello Dr. Lai: I visited for arm numbness and pain last November, and it was found that I have a herniated disc at the C5 and C6 vertebrae. At that time, I underwent traction therapy and acupuncture, which helped a bit, but I did not ful...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: Whether to perform surgery for cervical disc herniation compressing the nerves depends on: 1. The urgency of the situation, such as if there is already paralysis or weakness; 2. The effectiveness of conservative treatments, such as medications and physical therapy; if thes...[Read More] Understanding Cervical Disc Herniation: To Operate or Not?
Understanding Pain at the Tailbone: Causes and Implications for Sexual Health
Pain at the posterior edge of the buttocks? Hello doctor, I have a bruising pain at the posterior edge of my pelvis (the end of my spine), which is affecting my ability to achieve an erection. What could be the issue?
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
Please schedule an appointment with the urology department.[Read More] Understanding Pain at the Tailbone: Causes and Implications for Sexual Health
Risks of Early Ear Stone Repositioning After C5-C6 Disc Surgery
C5-C6 artificial disc replacement and otolith repositioning procedure? Hello, Doctor. At the end of last month, I underwent cervical spine surgery at the C5-C6 level due to bone spurs and a herniated disc, and I had an artificial disc implanted. This month, I had a canalith repos...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: If the procedure is performed gently and with a protective neck collar, it is still feasible to treat the condition of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) by professional medical staff. Please continue to follow up! Wishing you health and safety. By Dr. Lai Chao-Ka...[Read More] Risks of Early Ear Stone Repositioning After C5-C6 Disc Surgery
Post-Operative Care for Artificial Disc Replacement Surgery
Postoperative Care for Artificial Disc Replacement How many days do patients typically need to stay in the hospital after artificial disc replacement surgery? What precautions should be taken in daily life after discharge? How long after discharge can patients drive to work?
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: Generally, the postoperative hospital stay is 2 to 3 days, focusing on wound care. The key point in postoperative care is to ensure that the cervical collar is worn properly. There are not many restrictions on daily activities. I usually advise patients that if the wound i...[Read More] Post-Operative Care for Artificial Disc Replacement Surgery
Neck and Back Issues After a Motorcycle Accident: What You Need to Know
Cervical and lumbar spine issues after a car accident? A month ago, I was in a motorcycle accident where a motorcycle suddenly came out in front of me. I braked hard, and both myself and the motorcycle fell to the right, with my body impacting the ground on the right side, includ...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
If you continue to feel unwell, please return to the outpatient clinic for an examination. Without detailed imaging studies, we cannot provide an answer.[Read More] Neck and Back Issues After a Motorcycle Accident: What You Need to Know
Post-Spinal Surgery: Understanding Right Leg Pain and Recovery Challenges
Post-operative pain in the right leg after spinal surgery? Hello Doctor: I am consulting on behalf of my mother. She underwent surgery on July 26 for spondylolisthesis at levels L2, L3, and L4. Before the surgery, she experienced significant pain in her left leg and lower back, w...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: You have right-sided sciatica. Please consult with your original surgeon, as it may be due to inflammation combined with blood or blood clots causing irritation, or it could be due to other reasons. If medication treatment is ineffective and X-ray results are normal, pleas...[Read More] Post-Spinal Surgery: Understanding Right Leg Pain and Recovery Challenges
Understanding Foot Pain and Numbness: Could a Herniated Disc Be the Cause?
Only experiencing numbness in the soles of the feet and a tingling sensation in the lower limbs? Hello, doctor. Since November 2021, I have experienced sudden pain and numbness in the left sole of my foot while playing basketball. After a month, the right foot also started to fee...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: Cervical spinal cord lesions presenting solely with foot symptoms are rare, but they can occur. It is recommended that if you 1. experience severe and intolerable symptoms, or 2. have significant neural compression evident on MRI that can explain your condition, you may co...[Read More] Understanding Foot Pain and Numbness: Could a Herniated Disc Be the Cause?
Chronic Neck and Shoulder Pain: Seeking Answers for Lasting Relief
Daily Disturbances I have been experiencing persistent pain from my neck to my shoulders, and sometimes it even extends to my fingers, causing numbness. Recently, this pain has spread to my deltoid area. When I press on the side of my cervical spine and then release, I feel a str...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: It is suspected to be cervical spine degeneration, commonly cervical disc herniation, which compresses the nerves. It is recommended to consult a neurosurgeon and undergo X-rays, or even an MRI, to assess the condition. Best wishes from Dr. Lai Chao-Kang, Director of the S...[Read More] Chronic Neck and Shoulder Pain: Seeking Answers for Lasting Relief
Understanding Foot Pain and Numbness: Is Cervical Disc Herniation the Cause?
Only experiencing numbness in the soles of the feet and a tingling sensation in the lower limbs? Hello Doctor. Since November 2021, I have experienced sudden pain and numbness in the left sole of my foot while playing basketball. After a month, the right foot also began to feel s...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: Cervical spinal cord lesions presenting solely with foot symptoms are rare, but they can occur. It is recommended that if you 1. experience severe and intolerable symptoms, and 2. MRI imaging shows significant neural compression that can explain your condition, you may con...[Read More] Understanding Foot Pain and Numbness: Is Cervical Disc Herniation the Cause?
Can Patients with Previous Spinal Surgery Safely Perform Stretching Exercises?
Can I perform lumbar stretching rehabilitation after having undergone lumbar spine surgery? Hello doctor, my father had surgery on his lumbar spine several years ago and had bone screws placed. Now he is experiencing numbness in both legs. He consulted an orthopedic doctor who me...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
It is generally not recommended; you may consult a rehabilitation physician for further advice.[Read More] Can Patients with Previous Spinal Surgery Safely Perform Stretching Exercises?
Neck Pain and Tinnitus: Understanding Their Connection and Treatment Options
Cervical spine issues I currently have chest pain and tinnitus in my left ear. I consulted a cardiologist who performed tests and confirmed that my heart is fine. I also visited an otolaryngologist regarding the tinnitus, and they found no issues. However, both problems persist w...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: Please consult with a <Neurosurgery> specialist to evaluate whether it is cervical-related chest pain. Best wishes, Dr. Lai Chao-Kang, Neurosurgeon.[Read More] Neck Pain and Tinnitus: Understanding Their Connection and Treatment Options
Managing Sciatica During Pregnancy: Understanding Disc Herniation Risks
Herniated disc compressing nerves at 18 weeks of pregnancy? Hello Doctor, I am currently 18 weeks pregnant and experiencing severe pain when walking or sitting. I have sharp, shooting pain and numbness from my left hip down to my calf, and I am limping with a misaligned posture d...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: If you suddenly experience weakness and soreness in your thigh and knee, this symptom may indicate a more serious condition. Since lumbar spine surgery requires X-rays, there is a risk of fetal radiation exposure. Generally, expectant mothers are encouraged to endure the d...[Read More] Managing Sciatica During Pregnancy: Understanding Disc Herniation Risks
Understanding Lateral Lumbar Swelling in Children: When to Seek Help
My son has a lateral protrusion in his lumbar spine that feels like fluid-filled tissue when pressed? My son has a lateral protrusion in the lumbar region that feels like fluid upon palpation, and the skin is reddened. What could be the possible conditions? I have taken photos, b...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
Spine surgery or neurosurgery.[Read More] Understanding Lateral Lumbar Swelling in Children: When to Seek Help