Understanding Persistent Lumbar Pain: When to Seek Further Treatment
Lumbar pain has made it difficult to sit, and there has been no improvement for over a week? Hello Doctor, I previously experienced sudden lumbar pain and had imaging done, where the doctor indicated that my muscles were too tight, leading to inflammation. However, each time, I w...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: It is suspected that there may be degeneration of the lumbar intervertebral disc. You have already consulted with orthopedic and rehabilitation specialists. If you do not see improvement and are still experiencing discomfort that is difficult to tolerate, please consider s...[Read More] Understanding Persistent Lumbar Pain: When to Seek Further Treatment
Understanding Left Neck Pain: Causes and Rehabilitation Strategies
Left-sided cervical pain? Yesterday morning, I stretched and heard a "pop" near my neck. Since then, turning my head backward or moving it up and down has caused significant soreness and limited mobility. I can feel a muscle on the left side of my neck, extending from t...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: It is suspected that there is a strain in the cervical facet joints, along with inflammation of the surrounding muscles and ligaments. It is recommended to wear a cervical collar to allow the cervical spine to rest. For the first three days, apply ice if there is severe pa...[Read More] Understanding Left Neck Pain: Causes and Rehabilitation Strategies
Understanding Cervical Disc Replacement: Costs, Vaccination, and Recovery Tips
Cervical spine surgery I am scheduled for artificial disc replacement surgery next week, but I found limited information online. I have a few questions: 1) Out-of-pocket expenses: I currently know that the artificial disc itself is an out-of-pocket expense, but are there any ot...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: 1. There are both self-pay and National Health Insurance options for cervical spine items, and you can also include what you mentioned. It is recommended that you discuss this with your actual surgeon, as other doctors may not be aware of what has been discussed between yo...[Read More] Understanding Cervical Disc Replacement: Costs, Vaccination, and Recovery Tips
Post-Surgery Concerns for Giant Cell Tumor of the Spine: What to Expect?
Postoperative issues following surgery for giant cell tumor of the spine? I have a giant cell tumor at my lumbar spine L3. I underwent surgery at the beginning of February, and the doctor mentioned that the tumor was removed cleanly. He specifically referred to the surgical metho...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello, theoretically, as you wait for your spinal fusion, the stability should increase and your symptoms may improve. I recommend that you consult with your surgical medical team. Best wishes to you.[Read More] Post-Surgery Concerns for Giant Cell Tumor of the Spine: What to Expect?
Post-Surgery Challenges: Addressing Neck Spine Issues and Recovery
Cervical spine surgery recovery Hello, Director Zhang. I would like to consult you about my husband. Previously, he experienced gradual weakness in his right leg, and after an examination at the neurology department, it was determined that he had nerve compression at the C1 and C...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
Without detailed imaging and physical examination, it is not possible to provide an answer.[Read More] Post-Surgery Challenges: Addressing Neck Spine Issues and Recovery
Understanding Lumbar Pain: Causes and Solutions for Discomfort
Discomfort in the lumbar spine? Hello Doctor: I experience pain in my lumbar spine when I get up from a lying position, and it also hurts when I cough. What could be the cause of this persistent pain?
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello, it is suspected to be a lumbar spine issue, most commonly involving the muscles, ligaments, joints, or even the cartilage and intervertebral discs. It is recommended to avoid bending over, rest, and wear a lumbar support for 1-2 weeks. If there is no improvement or if disc...[Read More] Understanding Lumbar Pain: Causes and Solutions for Discomfort
Understanding Cervical Osteophytes: Recovery and Rehabilitation Insights
Cervical osteophytes Hello Doctor, I would like to ask you about my mother who is 64 years old. She underwent cervical spine surgery for bone spurs ten years ago. Last year, she fell and started experiencing numbness and pain in her fingers again. It was later discovered that the...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello, you just had surgery a month ago. It is recommended to follow up with your original surgeon for further examination. Wishing you well. // Dr. Lai Chao-Kang, Neurosurgery[Read More] Understanding Cervical Osteophytes: Recovery and Rehabilitation Insights
Understanding Post-Surgery Pain: Symptoms After Lumbar Spine Surgery
Spondylolisthesis of the L4-L5 and L5-S1 vertebrae? Doctor, I underwent minimally invasive surgery on March 31, and it has been four weeks since then. I frequently experience sharp pain and occasional burning sensations in the sole and toes of my right foot. At night, the pain of...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello, for discomfort issues after surgery, it is strongly recommended to follow up with the original surgeon. Best wishes to you. // Dr. Lai Chao-Kang, Department of Neurosurgery, Changhua Hospital.[Read More] Understanding Post-Surgery Pain: Symptoms After Lumbar Spine Surgery
Post-Surgery Pain Management After Lumbosacral Dissociation Surgery
Postoperative care after vertebral arch dislocation surgery? After previously falling on my butt due to an unstable chair, I have been experiencing soreness and pain in my legs, which is more pronounced when sitting. The discomfort is felt in my thighs, calves, and the joints in ...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello, as you mentioned: "Last month, I had surgery with steel pins and bone grafting..." For discomfort issues after surgery, it is strongly recommended to follow up with the original surgeon. If there is no improvement post-surgery and you still have concerns, please ...[Read More] Post-Surgery Pain Management After Lumbosacral Dissociation Surgery
Could It Be Osteomyelitis? Understanding Symptoms and Diagnosis
Inquire about the possibility of osteomyelitis? Hello, doctor. My family member (female, approximately 60 years old) is currently experiencing cervical spine pain and underwent an X-ray examination. Within the past 1-2 months, the cervical vertebrae from C5 to C7 have progressed ...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
Based solely on the above tests, it is truly difficult to answer your question. I recommend discussing this further with your physician during your outpatient visit, or seeking a second opinion from another doctor.[Read More] Could It Be Osteomyelitis? Understanding Symptoms and Diagnosis
Understanding Neuropathy: Seeking Answers for Unresolved Pain
Neuropathy Hello, doctor. A year ago, I suddenly started experiencing numbness in my little finger, along with heat and pain in my palm, and unusual pain in my chest and back. I have visited various hospitals and undergone numerous tests, including X-rays, MRIs, ultrasounds, and ...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
It is advisable to seek diagnoses and treatment from different neurologists or neurosurgeons at various hospitals or medical centers, as your issue is complex and cannot be accurately addressed online.[Read More] Understanding Neuropathy: Seeking Answers for Unresolved Pain
Understanding Pain from Herniated Discs, Bone Spurs, and Weather Changes
Bone spur, slippage, herniated disc? Hello, Dr. Lai. I would like to ask if conditions such as herniated discs, bone spurs, and spondylolisthesis can cause pain during changes in weather, like when it rains or gets cold? Additionally, can lying down or sitting still also lead to ...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: Based on the symptoms described, it seems that your family member may have a lumbar spine issue. Conditions such as bone spurs, spondylolisthesis, or herniated discs within the lumbar spine can potentially compress nerves or lead to structural instability, which may cause ...[Read More] Understanding Pain from Herniated Discs, Bone Spurs, and Weather Changes
Understanding Discomfort After Minimally Invasive Surgery with Coflex
Minimally invasive surgery with the implantation of coflex? It has been a month since my minimally invasive surgery, and I am still wearing a brace. I had two coflex implants placed at L4-5 and L5-S1. There has been improvement in my leg issues, but when I sit for a while, I feel...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: I apologize, but you are not a fellow patient of mine, and I do not understand your situation before and after the surgery. Regarding this kind of postoperative discomfort, I still recommend that you consult with the original surgeon. Wishing you all the best. // Dr. Lai C...[Read More] Understanding Discomfort After Minimally Invasive Surgery with Coflex
Understanding Lower Left Back Pain: When to See a Specialist
Left lower back pain? Hello, doctor. I have lower back pain and went to see an orthopedic specialist. I also had an X-ray done, and the doctor said the cause of the pain is inflammation of the nerves due to prolonged standing or sitting. It cannot be completely cured and can only...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: General lower back pain is often related to lumbar spine issues. If it's your first occurrence, you can try rest, lumbar support, medication, and physical therapy. If it recurs or symptoms persist, it is advisable to consult a neurosurgeon. If a specific lesion is con...[Read More] Understanding Lower Left Back Pain: When to See a Specialist
Understanding T9 Compression Fractures: Symptoms and Treatment Options
Compression fracture of the ninth thoracic vertebra (T9) with nerve compression? Hello Dr. Lai, my mother is 75 years old. Six months ago, she began experiencing cramping pain in the upper abdomen and near the sides of her rib cage. After undergoing a spinal MRI at Chang Gung Mem...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: 1. The nerve at T9 is compressed, which can lead to back pain, followed by radicular chest and abdominal intercostal pain. Additionally, vertebral collapse and kyphosis can cause visceral compression discomfort, and in severe cases, spinal cord injury and paralysis, as wel...[Read More] Understanding T9 Compression Fractures: Symptoms and Treatment Options
Post-Car Accident Head Trauma: Understanding Symptoms and Recovery
Head impact from a car accident? Hello, Doctor: My mother (71 years old) was in a car accident on February 5th, where she sustained a blow to the left front side of her head. A CT scan was performed that day, and the emergency physician noted a slight bleeding (the images showed ...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
Common symptoms of head trauma include headache, dizziness, and discomfort, which may not necessarily be related to the presence of bleeding. The duration of symptoms typically lasts around one week, although some individuals may experience symptoms for up to a month.[Read More] Post-Car Accident Head Trauma: Understanding Symptoms and Recovery
Understanding Posterior Longitudinal Ligament Calcification and Its Management
Regarding posterior longitudinal ligament calcification? Hello Director Lai, I have a problem with calcification of the posterior longitudinal ligament, which has already caused discomfort in my neck. I heard that this is a condition unique to Asians. May I ask, Director Lai, is ...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: According to the literature: 1. Ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) is associated with various congenital genetic factors and multiple influencing factors. 2. Individuals who prefer pickled foods, such as kimchi, and staple foods like rice have a sig...[Read More] Understanding Posterior Longitudinal Ligament Calcification and Its Management
Understanding Left Chest Pain: Could It Be Related to Cervical Issues?
Left chest pain and heat? Hello, doctor. I do not smoke, drink alcohol, or chew betel nut. I occasionally experience a dull pain in my left chest, which sometimes feels warm, located slightly towards the armpit. The frequency is irregular. I have previously undergone a breast ult...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
The likelihood of left chest pain being related to cervical spine issues is very low. It is recommended to visit a thoracic medicine clinic for examination and treatment.[Read More] Understanding Left Chest Pain: Could It Be Related to Cervical Issues?
Understanding Neck and Shoulder Pain: Insights from Neurosurgery
Shoulder, neck, and back issues? About two years ago, I went to an amusement park and rode a roller coaster. I didn't keep my head pressed against the backrest, and during the turns, my neck was thrown around. At that moment, I only felt neck pain, but after a few weeks, it ...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
It may be a problem related to spinal nerve compression; it is recommended to consult a neurosurgery outpatient clinic for examination.[Read More] Understanding Neck and Shoulder Pain: Insights from Neurosurgery
Post-Operative Exercise Guidelines After Laminectomy Surgery
Postoperative Exercise After Kyphoplasty Hello Dr. Lai, I previously inquired about the issue of pedicle screw and plate fixation in posterior cervical decompression surgery, and I am still struggling with the decision to undergo the surgery. I enjoy running, practicing yoga, and...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: Generally, a cervical collar is required for protection for 3 months post-surgery to allow for fusion. Once fusion is confirmed, gentle movements of the cervical spine should be performed. Other activities such as running and hiking should be acceptable if done in moderati...[Read More] Post-Operative Exercise Guidelines After Laminectomy Surgery