Understanding Spinal Arthritis: Symptoms, Treatment, and Dietary Tips
Intervertebral disc inflammation? Recently, I underwent a second MRI at Tungs' Taichung MetroHarbor Hospital in Hsinchu County, which revealed a mild protrusion of the L4-L5 intervertebral disc, but there was no evidence of nerve compression. I have been experiencing numbnes...
Dr. Wang Shouji Reply:
Hello Xiao Hu, I apologize for the delayed response due to business commitments, and I appreciate your understanding. The intervertebral discs are part of the spinal joints, which is why it is referred to as degenerative spinal arthritis. The treatment for this condition is simi...[Read More] Understanding Spinal Arthritis: Symptoms, Treatment, and Dietary Tips
Knee Injury and Its Unexpected Impact on Lower Back Pain
Knee impact can cause pain in the lumbar spine? I practiced extreme sports last night and accidentally bumped my knee. I was wearing a knee brace, but it still hurts a little. However, when I woke up the next morning, my lumbar spine started to hurt a bit, and I have difficulty b...
Dr. Chu Baijun Reply:
Hello, injuries to various parts of the body due to sports accidents are commonly seen in clinical practice, but the nature and location of the injuries can vary. It is relatively unlikely for knee injuries to directly cause lower back pain. The ankylosing spondylitis mentioned i...[Read More] Knee Injury and Its Unexpected Impact on Lower Back Pain
Understanding Ankylosing Spondylitis: Surgical Options and Recovery Insights
Ankylosing Spondylitis I have been suffering from ankylosing spondylitis since I was in the ninth grade, and now at nearly 35 years old, both my spine and cervical spine have severely calcified and curved, with a curvature of 50 degrees. I am considering surgery to address 1) the...
Dr. Wang Zikang Reply:
Dear Sir/Madam, Ankylosing spondylitis commonly occurs in young males and leads to persistent spinal changes resulting in spinal fusion, kyphosis, and scoliosis. The necessity for surgery depends on the severity of the curvature. Although it is considered a high-risk procedure, ...[Read More] Understanding Ankylosing Spondylitis: Surgical Options and Recovery Insights
Understanding Lyme Disease: Symptoms, Risks, and Treatment Options
Leigh syndrome Hello Dr. Lin, I previously asked you a question, and today during my follow-up appointment, the doctor informed me that I have a Chlamydia infection. She believes it was contracted through sexual contact, but I have never had any sexual experience. Why would I sti...
Dr. Lin Xiaoyi Reply:
The most common infection caused by Chlamydia is Chlamydia trachomatis, which can lead to conjunctivitis, keratitis, and sexually transmitted diseases. Therefore, Chlamydia infections do not necessarily require sexual contact; exposure to secretions can also result in infection. ...[Read More] Understanding Lyme Disease: Symptoms, Risks, and Treatment Options
Understanding Lower Spine Pain: Causes and Self-Improvement Tips
Pain below the spine? Hello Dr. Zhou: I have been experiencing pain in my spine for about seven to eight years, particularly near the lower back. Sometimes, I feel that the pain in my lower back (or back pain) causes me to have diarrhea. A few years ago, I also started to have kn...
Dr. Zhou Hongzhi Reply:
Your condition may be ankylosing spondylitis, and you should undergo blood tests and X-ray examinations.[Read More] Understanding Lower Spine Pain: Causes and Self-Improvement Tips
Understanding the Difference Between Spondyloarthritis and Seronegative Spondyloarthritis
Spondyloarthritis I previously had an examination in the rheumatology department, and my B27 blood test result was negative. The doctor said I do not have ankylosing spondylitis, but rather spondyloarthritis. I would like to ask if "spondyloarthritis" refers to "se...
Dr. Lin Xiaoyi Reply:
Hello: Spondyloarthritis refers to seronegative spondyloarthritis, which is termed "seronegative" due to the absence of rheumatoid factor in the blood. Among these, ankylosing spondylitis is the most typical, along with reactive arthritis, Reiter's syndrome, psoria...[Read More] Understanding the Difference Between Spondyloarthritis and Seronegative Spondyloarthritis
Understanding Spinal Imaging: Concerns About Scoliosis and Inflammation
Skeletal imaging I previously underwent a bone scan, and I was referred to the rheumatology department. The results showed that my spine appears as follows... <=== The first vertebra is slightly misaligned)______)______)___)___ p.s. This is a side view (of course, it’s not as ...
Dr. Zhou Lizhi Reply:
In your letter, you mentioned three diseases: 1. Scoliosis 2. Ankylosing Spondylitis 3. Rheumatoid Arthritis. Since you did not provide information about your age, symptoms, etc., it is difficult to determine which disease you may have. Therefore, here is an overview of these thr...[Read More] Understanding Spinal Imaging: Concerns About Scoliosis and Inflammation
Can Ankylosing Spondylitis Cause Diarrhea and Other Concerns?
Does ankylosing spondylitis cause diarrhea? 1. Can ankylosing spondylitis cause diarrhea? 2. Which specialty should be consulted for ankylosing spondylitis? 3. Can the medications for ankylosing spondylitis harm the kidneys? 4. What is the probability of passing it on to ch...
Dr. Lin Xiaoyi Reply:
1. The onset or exacerbation of ankylosing spondylitis may be related to gastrointestinal infections and diarrhea; some patients with ankylosing spondylitis may have inflammatory bowel conditions that can also cause diarrhea. 2. Please consult a rheumatologist for evaluation and ...[Read More] Can Ankylosing Spondylitis Cause Diarrhea and Other Concerns?
Chronic Lower Back Pain: Seeking Answers After Two Years of Suffering
Lower back pain has persisted for two years? Hello, Doctor. I have been experiencing lower back pain for almost two years now. At its worst, I was unable to bend over to get out of bed and had to roll onto my side and push myself up with my hands. Currently, the pain persists whe...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
Lower back pain can be quite bothersome and may persist for a long time. Its diagnosis is often uncertain, but rehabilitation typically leads to some improvement. Treatment may require a multifaceted approach, including medication, physical therapy, and correcting poor posture an...[Read More] Chronic Lower Back Pain: Seeking Answers After Two Years of Suffering
Understanding the Diagnosis of Ankylosing Spondylitis: Key Insights
Diagnosis of Ankylosing Spondylitis Hello Doctor: I underwent an HLA-B27 test during college due to acute iritis. At that time, the orthopedic doctor directly told me that I had spondyloarthritis. Initially, I didn't fully understand it and simply accepted what the doctor sa...
Dr. Lin Xiaoyi Reply:
Hello: At that time, you were suspected of having iritis associated with the HLA-B27 gene, as HLA-B27 positivity is related to iritis. Therefore, your physician requested further testing. The orthopedic doctor may have diagnosed you with spondyloarthritis based on the positive HL...[Read More] Understanding the Diagnosis of Ankylosing Spondylitis: Key Insights
Understanding Ankylosing Spondylitis: Symptoms, Treatment, and Concerns
Ankylosing spondylitis is a type of inflammatory arthritis that primarily affects the spine, leading to severe, chronic pain and discomfort. It can also affect other joints and areas of the body, including Hello LYC, this is Joann. You might remember me a little. I apologize for ...
Dr. Lin Yijun Reply:
Remember that your HLA-B27 test at National Taiwan University was negative, and your inflammatory markers were normal. Clinically, diagnosing ankylosing spondylitis in HLA-B27 negative patients requires caution. Due to anatomical factors, early sacroiliitis is often difficult to ...[Read More] Understanding Ankylosing Spondylitis: Symptoms, Treatment, and Concerns
Understanding Ankylosing Spondylitis: Diagnosis and Waiting Times
Ankylosing Spondylitis I would like to ask, because my friend previously had this examination at Taipei Hospital, and the hospital said that the testing needs to be outsourced, but we still haven't received the results. I would like to know approximately how long it will tak...
Dr. Chen Xingyuan Reply:
Dear Maruko, Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS) is an autoimmune disease primarily affecting the joints and surrounding tissues, particularly the spinal joints. It commonly occurs in patients aged 20 to 40 years. Patients often experience lower back pain, spinal stiffness, and limited ...[Read More] Understanding Ankylosing Spondylitis: Diagnosis and Waiting Times
Understanding Intermittent Pain in Multiple Body Areas: Possible Causes
Intermittent pain in various body parts? Hello, Doctor. Over the past week, I have been experiencing increasing pain throughout my body without a specific location. Initially, it felt like each segment of my spine was stuck together, and I had a sense of fatigue in my back. When ...
Dr. Zhou Hongzhi Reply:
At just 25 years old, experiencing so many ailments is concerning. You should be cautious and consider further examinations, such as tests for rheumatoid arthritis or ankylosing spondylitis. You can go to the hospital for blood tests.[Read More] Understanding Intermittent Pain in Multiple Body Areas: Possible Causes
Understanding Spine Stiffness and Pain: Causes and Solutions
Stiffness and pain in the spine? Hello, since high school, I have felt that my spine is very stiff. I can only bend down to about my calves, and at that time, I didn't think much of it. However, when I bend over, my spine protrudes more than others. Recently, I started pract...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
Based on your description, it may be necessary to visit a hospital for a physician's evaluation and possibly an X-ray to determine the underlying issue. Stiffness in the spine can occur in various conditions, and localized pain in the lower back may be due to inflammation of...[Read More] Understanding Spine Stiffness and Pain: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Spine Pain: Causes and Solutions for Better Sleep
Regarding spinal pain..? Dear Doctor: Sometimes when I sleep on my back, I experience increasing pain in my lumbar spine, which eventually forces me to sleep on my side. I often notice that when my lower back feels uncomfortable, moving my waist produces cracking or popping sound...
Dr. Lin Xiaoyi Reply:
Dear Mr. Fan Nao, You may be suspecting that you have ankylosing spondylitis, correct? Ankylosing spondylitis can present with your symptoms, but it is not possible to diagnose you with ankylosing spondylitis based solely on these symptoms. Please consult a rheumatologist for an...[Read More] Understanding Spine Pain: Causes and Solutions for Better Sleep
Understanding Ankylosing Spondylitis: Symptoms, Treatment, and Dietary Impact
Ankylosing Spondylitis I am 30 years old and last year I discovered that the cause of my pain is ankylosing spondylitis. I underwent blood tests and X-rays, and there are no cases of this condition in my family. The blood test came back positive, but the X-ray did not show any si...
Dr. Lin Xiaoyi Reply:
Dear Mr. Bad Egg, 1. It is not necessarily the case that you will progress to ankylosis. If you have a confirmed diagnosis of ankylosing spondylitis and your X-rays currently show no significant changes, most patients can achieve good control by adhering to medication and rehabi...[Read More] Understanding Ankylosing Spondylitis: Symptoms, Treatment, and Dietary Impact
Understanding Arthritis: Symptoms, Treatments, and Prognosis
Arthritis Hello Doctor: I have been experiencing pain in my fingers and lumbar spine, and I often have trouble sleeping due to joint pain in my fingers, sometimes waking up in pain. When the weather is cooler, I sometimes experience pain in my left shoulder and right knee after f...
Dr. Lin Xiaoyi Reply:
Hello Joy, Diagnosis: 1. Allergic Rhinitis 2. Ankylosing Spondylitis; Inflammatory Spondylopathy: Ankylosing Spondylitis is one type of inflammatory spondylopathy. Medications: 1. Loratadine: Antihistamine for allergic rhinitis, to be taken as needed based on symptoms. 2. Rofec...[Read More] Understanding Arthritis: Symptoms, Treatments, and Prognosis
Understanding Finger Joint Pain: Causes, Symptoms, and When to See a Doctor
Finger joint pain In the past month, I have experienced unexplained pain and stiffness in the second joint of my left middle finger. Over the last two days, I noticed that the first joint of my index finger has also developed similar symptoms. There is no swelling in the joints, ...
Dr. Ye Qingnian Reply:
Typically, swelling, pain, and stiffness in the proximal interphalangeal joints of a woman's hands should raise suspicion for rheumatoid arthritis. A blood test for rheumatoid factor should be conducted. If the pain is localized to a single finger joint, it is often related ...[Read More] Understanding Finger Joint Pain: Causes, Symptoms, and When to See a Doctor
Understanding Sacralization and Its Impact on Lower Back Pain
Lumbarization of the sacrum Dear Doctor: My L5 vertebra is underdeveloped and fused with the adjacent joint. Could this be lumbar sacralization or sacral lumbarization? I experience daily back pain, especially when bending over. I have researched online, and some doctors believe ...
Dr. Sun Ruisheng Reply:
In general, young individuals like Ah-Zhi often report muscle fatigue in the back, with over 90% experiencing chronic inflammation. Only a small percentage have spinal or joint pathologies due to injuries or congenital structural differences. This is particularly true for those w...[Read More] Understanding Sacralization and Its Impact on Lower Back Pain
Understanding Pain: Is It a Muscle Issue or a Family Condition?
It hurts a lot? Dr. Lin: I married in Taiwan two years ago after coming from mainland China, where brides are not allowed to work. As a result, I spend more than 6 hours a day sitting and weaving. About a year and a half ago, I started to notice stiffness in my body when I woke u...
Dr. Lin Xiaoyi Reply:
Ms. Cocoa: Hello! Ankylosing spondylitis has a genetic predisposition (such as HLA-B27). If you are concerned, you can visit a nearby hospital with an allergy, immunology, and rheumatology department. Best wishes! CY/Dr. Lin Hsiao-Yi TEL: 2875-7521 Fax: 2871-7195[Read More] Understanding Pain: Is It a Muscle Issue or a Family Condition?