Understanding Post-Operative Symptoms After Endoscopic Discectomy
Endoscopic Discectomy Hello, I would like to ask about my condition. I underwent endoscopic discectomy on January 26th, where a portion of the herniated disc at the L5 level was removed due to stenosis and compression. I was able to walk the day after the surgery, but I am experi...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: You underwent endoscopic discectomy on January 26, and it has been about a week since the procedure. You can start taking the discharge medications prescribed by your original surgeon. /// Are these symptoms a result of the surgery? How long will it take to recover? Which ...[Read More] Understanding Post-Operative Symptoms After Endoscopic Discectomy
Understanding Upper Left Back Pain: Causes and Treatment Options
Upper left back pain? I have been experiencing mild soreness in my upper left back for the past few weeks, especially when lying flat. I rarely feel soreness when sitting, standing, or lying on my side, but it does occur occasionally. I think it might be related to a time when I ...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: It is suspected that 1. an injury from cycling has caused deep muscle fascia damage and inflammation in that area. 2. It is also necessary to rule out cervical nerve involvement affecting the Gao Mang point. You should rest more, avoid heavy lifting, apply heat to the affe...[Read More] Understanding Upper Left Back Pain: Causes and Treatment Options
Understanding Post-Operative Symptoms After Endoscopic Disc Surgery
Endoscopic Disc Surgery Hello, I would like to ask about my condition. I underwent endoscopic discectomy on January 26th, where the protruding portion of the intervertebral disc at the L5 level was removed due to stenosis and compression. I was able to walk the day after the surg...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: You underwent endoscopic discectomy on January 26, and it has been about a week since the procedure. You can start taking the discharge medications prescribed by your original surgeon. /// Are these symptoms a result of the surgery? How long will it take to recover? Which ...[Read More] Understanding Post-Operative Symptoms After Endoscopic Disc Surgery
Post-Surgery Neck Pain: Understanding Symptoms and Solutions
Cervical spine surgery pain issues? On December 28, 2021, due to degeneration of the C5-C6 and C6-C7 intervertebral discs causing nerve compression, symptoms such as arm numbness, finger numbness, and arm pain prompted cervical spine surgery. After undergoing two surgeries to rep...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: It is suspected that the inflammation is caused by blood accumulation, but other causes cannot be ruled out. It is recommended that you consult with the surgeon who originally performed your operation as soon as possible. Please also ask him to follow up with imaging studi...[Read More] Post-Surgery Neck Pain: Understanding Symptoms and Solutions
Head Injury and Neck Pain: When to Seek Medical Attention?
Head injury and neck and shoulder soreness? 1. Two weeks ago, I hit my head on the shoe cabinet door when I lifted it, and it hurt so much that I couldn't stand. I didn't apply ice at the time. Although I feel much better now, I suddenly lost my balance while walking th...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: 1. After a head injury, the first three days are the most critical. It is recommended to observe at home for at least three months, especially during the first three weeks. If symptoms such as persistent headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, mental status changes, altered...[Read More] Head Injury and Neck Pain: When to Seek Medical Attention?
Understanding Lumbar Fractures: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment Options
Medical Consultation for Fracture of the Fifth Lumbar Vertebra I am experiencing unexplained pain and numbness in my thigh. An initial X-ray examination at the hospital suggests a fracture of the fifth lumbar vertebra, and further MRI imaging is needed for confirmation. Since I a...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: What you referred to as a "fracture of the fifth vertebra" is likely a "vertebral arch fracture." If that is the case, it is generally congenital for someone your age, but it may also be combined with acquired injuries, strain, or poor posture. If you a...[Read More] Understanding Lumbar Fractures: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment Options
Understanding Screw Loosening After Cervical Spine Surgery: Risks and Options
Loosening of bone screws after cervical cone surgery? Two years ago, I underwent surgery for cervical osteophytes. A few days ago, I felt a sensation of something stuck in my throat, so I went for an X-ray and found that the tip of the first screw at the surgical site had fractur...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
Surgery is theoretically possible and carries low risk, but it still requires assessment by an outpatient physician based on symptoms.[Read More] Understanding Screw Loosening After Cervical Spine Surgery: Risks and Options
Understanding the Longevity and Strength of Titanium Spinal Implants
Regarding the service life of titanium alloy cervical spine plates and screws? Hello, Director Lai. I underwent spinal instrumentation surgery nearly a year ago, during which three titanium alloy plates and six screws were implanted. From the X-ray images, the titanium alloy plat...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: Titanium alloy has become the most advanced medical material that can be found, mass-produced, and is economically viable, while being compatible with human bone, durable, and strong. Titanium alloy plates and screws are not absorbed by the body. If the plates and screws s...[Read More] Understanding the Longevity and Strength of Titanium Spinal Implants
Understanding Recovery Expectations After Cervical Spine Fracture Surgery
Expected Recovery After Cervical Spine Fracture Surgery Hello Doctor: A relative has suffered a cervical spine fracture due to diving, and the patient can currently only move their limbs slightly. Surgery has been scheduled, and the doctor's diagnosis is as follows: fracture...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
Without detailed imaging reports and neurological examinations, it is not possible to provide an answer.[Read More] Understanding Recovery Expectations After Cervical Spine Fracture Surgery
Post-Surgery Scoliosis: Understanding Recovery Chances and Symptoms
Postoperative scoliosis? Hello, Dr. Lai. Brief summary of the condition: The patient has undergone two surgeries on the spine at the 2nd and 3rd vertebrae. The first surgery involved the installation of bone screws, but the attempt to install screws on the other side was unsucces...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: According to your description: <..the current curvature of the scoliosis is quite severe, approximately 40 degrees...> This curvature angle is significant and there is still room for treatment. However, I recommend that you bring recent X-rays and MRI scans for a per...[Read More] Post-Surgery Scoliosis: Understanding Recovery Chances and Symptoms
Understanding Lumbar Spine Fractures and Severe Injury Claims
Lumbar spine issues A burst fracture of the second lumbar vertebra with spinal cord injury resulting in paralysis of both lower limbs is considered a severe injury. It is also possible to apply for a major disability card in this case.
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: Paralysis of both lower limbs is considered serious. However, whether it qualifies as a "severe injury" or for "application for major illness" requires returning to the original hospital for consultation with the attending physician and reviewing the me...[Read More] Understanding Lumbar Spine Fractures and Severe Injury Claims
Understanding Cervical Spine Lesions: Are They Tumors or Abnormalities?
Neck issues? Hello Doctor: Recently, the X-ray results from my health check-up showed a 2.4 cm lesion in my cervical spine. I have already scheduled an appointment with orthopedics for October, but I am still concerned and would like to ask if a 2.4 cm cervical spine lesion indic...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
This should be abnormal! It is not necessarily a tumor.[Read More] Understanding Cervical Spine Lesions: Are They Tumors or Abnormalities?
Understanding Tarlov Cysts: Urinary Issues and Neurological Concerns
There is a 2 cm Tarlov cyst at the S1-S2 level? Three years ago, I fell and landed on my buttocks, after which I discovered a cyst measuring 2.x cm at the S1-S2 level of my spine. I consulted a doctor who diagnosed it as a Tarlov cyst, and I have been under observation since then...
Dr. Zhao Shaoqing Reply:
A 2 cm tumor on the vertebra may cause symptoms if there is pressure, leading to the need for hospitalization for examination and evaluation. If there are issues with bowel or bladder function, it is recommended to visit an outpatient clinic to assess the possibility of surgery.[Read More] Understanding Tarlov Cysts: Urinary Issues and Neurological Concerns
Managing Disc Herniation Pain: Tips for Better Sleep and Comfort
Herniated disc, discomfort is worse when lying down? Hello, doctor. My height and weight are 177 cm and I started rehabilitation at 138 kg, currently around 125.8 kg. I have previously worked in heavy lifting and experienced a pelvic tilt after hitting a pothole while riding a bi...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello, it seems that your condition has significantly disrupted your daily life, leading to a decline in quality of life. If conservative treatments such as medication, rehabilitation, physical therapy, stretching exercises, rest, and weight loss have not resulted in improvement,...[Read More] Managing Disc Herniation Pain: Tips for Better Sleep and Comfort
Post-Discectomy Recovery: Understanding Symptoms and Timeline for Healing
Postoperative care for herniated disc surgery? I have a problem with disc compression, experiencing lower back pain, tightness in my left leg, and numbness in my left toes. Six months ago, I underwent a lumbar disc decompression surgery (L5-S1) without fixation or implant, just p...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: As you mentioned, it has been six months. If there is limited improvement, please ask the physician to arrange another MRI evaluation. Best wishes, Dr. Lai Chao-Kang, Director of Spine Surgery, Changhua Hospital.[Read More] Post-Discectomy Recovery: Understanding Symptoms and Timeline for Healing
Understanding Cervical Spine Issues: Displacement vs. Bone Spurs
Is the cervical spine displacement severe or is it bone spurs? Hello Doctor, last month I experienced numbness in my neck and went to a large hospital for an examination. The doctor reviewed my X-rays and mentioned that my cervical vertebrae C3/C4 and C4/C5 have some significant ...
Dr. Zhao Shaoqing Reply:
Hello: There is a certain degree of degeneration observed in the imaging. It is recommended to arrange an MRI examination at the outpatient clinic. The outpatient evaluation is provided by the Changhua Hospital of the Ministry of Health and Welfare, which cares about your health.[Read More] Understanding Cervical Spine Issues: Displacement vs. Bone Spurs
Understanding Endoscopic Nerve Resection for Spinal Arthritis Relief
Endoscopic Spinal Nerve Resection Surgery I was diagnosed with degenerative arthritis in my spine. The doctor informed me that undergoing this surgery could improve my condition by about 80%. However, since it is an out-of-pocket procedure and quite expensive, I cannot afford the...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: 1. First, let me correct your statement; it is not "nerve resection," but rather "nerve decompression." The endoscopic spine surgery involves a smaller incision and uses an endoscope as a visual and working channel to remove the structures that compre...[Read More] Understanding Endoscopic Nerve Resection for Spinal Arthritis Relief
Exploring Non-Surgical Treatments for Lumbar Spondylolisthesis
Lumbar spondylolisthesis Hello, Doctor. I was in a car accident on May 19, and my bones healed by June 30. I started experiencing numbness and pain in my legs from my waist to my thighs, calves, and feet, along with frequent soreness in my lower back. I then visited a neurosurgeo...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: Lumbar spondylolisthesis with nerve compression, if it causes severe pain, difficulty walking, or even paralysis and bowel or bladder incontinence, requires early surgical intervention. If the symptoms are milder, conservative treatment options may be attempted, such as lu...[Read More] Exploring Non-Surgical Treatments for Lumbar Spondylolisthesis
Understanding Left Back Numbness: Causes and Treatment Options
Numbness near the left back, specifically in the area of the "Huang" point? Hello, doctor. I have had a habit of slouching since childhood, and I tend to support my head with my left hand while sitting. About two years ago, one morning after waking up and engaging in no...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: In addition to the condition of the cervical spine, it is advisable to further evaluate upper limb nerve conduction studies (NCS) and the thoracic spine to rule out other concurrent lesions. Best wishes // Dr. Lai Chao-Kang, Changhua Hospital[Read More] Understanding Left Back Numbness: Causes and Treatment Options
Understanding Lower Back Pain and Its Connection to Tailbone and Abdominal Discomfort
Lumbar pain, perianal pain, and cramp-like pain in the lower abdomen? Hello, doctor. Whenever I experience discomfort in my lower back, I also feel sharp pain in my coccyx and my lower abdomen (the triangular area between my legs), along with cramping pain that radiates to my rig...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: It is suspected to be a condition of the lumbar spine. It is recommended to consult a specialist in spinal neurology and arrange for a series of examinations, including magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), to identify the lesion. Best wishes to you. // Dr. Lai Chao-Kang, Chan...[Read More] Understanding Lower Back Pain and Its Connection to Tailbone and Abdominal Discomfort