Understanding Sudden Lumbar Pain: Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Acute lumbar pain? Hello Doctor, a few days ago, due to my menstrual period, I experienced slight lower back pain. Additionally, I had to kneel all day for a family funeral, and that evening, I felt severe pain. The discomfort extended from my lumbar spine to my knees, and I also...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
Muscle strains typically do not present with lower limb numbness or extend to the calf or sole of the foot, nor do they cause weakness in the calf or toes. Back injuries are often related to poor posture or repetitive movements. Initial treatment should focus on medication and re...[Read More] Understanding Sudden Lumbar Pain: Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Managing Bruising and Pain After an Ankle Injury: When to Seek Help
Bruising and soreness? I apologize for the inconvenience, but I would like to ask about my condition. Last week, I was involved in a car accident where I sprained my right ankle, resulting in bruising and some abrasions. I went to a hospital for an X-ray, and they confirmed that ...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
Bruising typically takes about two weeks to resolve on its own. Lower back pain is not necessarily due to a herniated disc; it could also be caused by a strain or contusion. If the pain does not improve after rest, it is advisable to see a physician.[Read More] Managing Bruising and Pain After an Ankle Injury: When to Seek Help
Persistent Pain After Spinal Surgery: Seeking Answers and Solutions
Spondylolisthesis: Persistent Pain After Surgery My mother has experienced spondylolisthesis at the L3, L4, and L5 vertebrae, which has caused pain in her right lower limb. She underwent surgery (orthopedic) and had screws inserted. It has been five months since the surgery, but ...
Dr. Wang Shouji Reply:
Hello: This issue depends on whether there is new nerve compression or if it is caused by an existing problem leading to long-term nerve damage. X-rays primarily assess the position of the screws and whether there is successful bone healing. If nerve symptoms are present, a repea...[Read More] Persistent Pain After Spinal Surgery: Seeking Answers and Solutions
Understanding Lower Back Pain: Causes and Solutions for Relief
Lower back pain? Dear Dr. Chen, I have been experiencing lower back pain for some time, but over the past month, the pain has intensified. I feel soreness and discomfort in my entire lower back and pelvic area. Additionally, when I take a deep breath and engage my abdominal musc...
Dr. Chen Yongxue Reply:
Hello, 1. Please go to the outpatient clinic for a lumbar spine examination. 2. It is possible. Thank you.[Read More] Understanding Lower Back Pain: Causes and Solutions for Relief
Understanding Spinal Alignment: Straight vs. S-Shaped Spine Issues
The spine is straight? Hello, doctor. My brother was in a car accident last Wednesday and went to Cheng Ching Hospital in Wuri for an X-ray. The doctor mentioned that his spine is straight, but it should be S-shaped, right? The doctor didn't elaborate much, so I would like t...
Dr. Wang Shouji Reply:
Hello: The lateral X-ray of the spine should not show an S-curve. A spine that is too straight on the lateral view may be due to muscle tightness after an injury or long-term poor posture. It is advisable to monitor this after recovery from the current injury. You may first consu...[Read More] Understanding Spinal Alignment: Straight vs. S-Shaped Spine Issues
Understanding Spinal Numbness After Weight Training: When to Seek Help
Experiencing spinal numbness the day after weight training? Hello Doctor, during my high school entrance physical examination, I was found to have mild scoliosis (15-20 degrees). I often experience back pain and had difficulty standing up straight for two weeks after running a ha...
Dr. Wang Shouji Reply:
Hello: If there is only numbness in the back spine, it should not be a major concern. However, if there is treatment extending to other areas such as the lower limbs, further follow-up examinations are necessary. Thank you![Read More] Understanding Spinal Numbness After Weight Training: When to Seek Help
Choosing the Right Specialist for Severe Spine Issues in Taipei
Spinal issues? Hello Dr. Wang: My father has worn out the cartilage in his lumbar vertebrae L2, L3, L4, and L5. The intervertebral discs are protruding and pressing on the nerves, causing bone spurs. He is currently experiencing severe back pain and has difficulty standing, and t...
Dr. Wang Shouji Reply:
Hello: In cases of degenerative arthritis of the spine with associated conditions, if conservative treatment (medication and rehabilitation) is ineffective, and MRI shows spinal compression, surgical decompression is necessary to restore neurological function and reduce pain. In ...[Read More] Choosing the Right Specialist for Severe Spine Issues in Taipei
Understanding Pain in Lower Back and Upper Buttocks: Causes and Treatment Options
Pain in the lower back and sides of the upper buttocks? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask about the sudden pain I have been experiencing in my lower back, around the sacrum, and on both sides of my buttocks over the past two days. What could be the cause? Which department should...
Dr. Wang Shouji Reply:
Hello: If you are experiencing long-term soreness after an injury, it is recommended to follow up at the hospital for further evaluation and advice. Thank you![Read More] Understanding Pain in Lower Back and Upper Buttocks: Causes and Treatment Options
Understanding Inversion Therapy for Osteoarthritis and Back Pain Relief
Degenerative arthritis. Lower back pain and the "inversion table." Hello: I have osteoarthritis and am currently undergoing hyaluronic acid treatment, which is in the fourth phase of therapy. I also have a chronic lower back pain condition (left lumbar region - middle l...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
If degenerative arthritis is not severe, it can be treated with medication. If this is ineffective, intra-articular hyaluronic acid injections may be considered, although their effectiveness is not guaranteed. In cases of severe arthritis that do not improve, surgical interventio...[Read More] Understanding Inversion Therapy for Osteoarthritis and Back Pain Relief
Understanding Your Symptoms: Neck and Back Pain Diagnosis and Treatment
What symptoms should I have? Hello Dr. Wang, I have been experiencing pain in my neck and lower back for over a month. Today, I went to a larger clinic for an X-ray, and they told me that I have small bone spurs and that the bones connecting to my lower back have degenerated and ...
Dr. Wang Shouji Reply:
Hello: The presence of bone spurs indicates that degenerative arthritis of the spine is already present. It is important to be cautious with weight-bearing activities, bending, and posture. Using analgesics can only provide temporary relief from discomfort and is not a long-term ...[Read More] Understanding Your Symptoms: Neck and Back Pain Diagnosis and Treatment
Chronic Lower Back Pain: Seeking Solutions After 18 Months of Discomfort
Lumbar pain lasting for one and a half years? Dear Dr. Wang, I apologize for the lengthy message, but I believe that clearly describing my symptoms will help you understand my situation better. I have had scoliosis since high school, with a curvature of about 15 degrees. After g...
Dr. Wang Shouji Reply:
Hello: Scoliosis, combined with the fact that humans spend most of their time either sitting or standing, increases the likelihood of degenerative changes in the spinal joints. If the symptoms you described are indeed that severe, it is advisable to visit a hospital for further e...[Read More] Chronic Lower Back Pain: Seeking Solutions After 18 Months of Discomfort
Understanding Right-Side Back Pain: Muscle vs. Rib Issues Explained
Right-sided musculoskeletal muscles Hello, doctor. Recently, I've been experiencing intermittent sharp pain or discomfort on the right side of my back, starting from the area near my armpit close to the scapula and extending across the entire latissimus dorsi. The discomfort...
Dr. Chen Yongxue Reply:
The symptoms described in your letter may be indicative of fasciitis, but fasciitis can be palpated at the pain points. It is recommended to consult an orthopedic physician for a physical examination. Additionally, it is important to rule out issues such as shingles or pleuritis....[Read More] Understanding Right-Side Back Pain: Muscle vs. Rib Issues Explained
Understanding Your Back Pain: Bones or Nerves?
It is unclear whether the issue is with the bones or the nerves? Since the beginning of this year, I've been experiencing significant lower back pain when getting out of bed. I've also noticed that I can no longer bend over as easily as before, and I have difficulty squ...
Dr. Chen Yongxue Reply:
Hello, this phenomenon could be related to issues with the vertebrae, muscles, or nerves. Please consult an orthopedic physician for further evaluation.[Read More] Understanding Your Back Pain: Bones or Nerves?
Understanding Sciatica: Treatment Options and When to Consider Surgery
Sciatica If bending at the waist causes pain or if standing up from a sitting position also causes pain, the doctor has recommended physical therapy, which I am currently doing about six times a week. If there is no improvement, I may need to undergo an MRI. Does this examination...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
First, it is essential to confirm that the diagnosis is correct; otherwise, the treatment will also be incorrect. Sciatica refers to the phenomenon of nerve pain caused by compression of the lumbar nerves. This pain is located in the buttocks and can radiate down to the thigh, ca...[Read More] Understanding Sciatica: Treatment Options and When to Consider Surgery
Effective Strategies for Managing Chronic Pain in Multiple Joints
Shoulder blade, wrist joint, knee joint, ankle joint, lumbar intervertebral disc, sternum? The trapezius muscle has been in a forward-leaning position for a period of time while using a laptop about 8.9 years ago, resulting in long-term stiffness and soreness in the deeper areas ...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
Shoulder and neck pain is usually caused by overuse, and reducing activity in this area along with moderate heat therapy or some rehabilitation treatments may lead to improvement. If the right wrist joint continues to be problematic, it may be necessary to check for ligament issu...[Read More] Effective Strategies for Managing Chronic Pain in Multiple Joints
Understanding Spondylolysis: Symptoms, Treatment, and Recovery Options
Vertebral arch dissociation Hello Doctor: Recently, I experienced lower back pain. Initially, I suspected it might be prostatitis or a ligament strain. I first visited an orthopedic specialist and had an X-ray done. The doctor informed me that I have a condition called spondyloly...
Dr. Chen Yongxue Reply:
Patients with spondylolisthesis may experience soreness when bending or changing positions, but most do not have nerve compression. It is important to take care of the lower back, avoid heavy lifting, and have regular follow-ups. If any of the following occur: (1) worsening sympt...[Read More] Understanding Spondylolysis: Symptoms, Treatment, and Recovery Options
Understanding Avascular Necrosis After Fractures: Treatment and Recovery Insights
Avascular necrosis of the femoral head due to fracture of the wide joint? Is it necessary to replace the hip joint with an artificial joint for avascular necrosis of the femoral head due to closed fracture? If detected and treated early, will a replacement still be needed? How lo...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
Avascular necrosis of the femoral head requires assessment of its severity; only severe cases necessitate surgical intervention. In the early stages, surgery is not required, but close monitoring is essential. Typically, recovery from a total hip replacement takes about 6 to 12 w...[Read More] Understanding Avascular Necrosis After Fractures: Treatment and Recovery Insights
Understanding Hip Clicking: Is It a Sign of Ankylosing Spondylitis?
Ankylosing Spondylitis Hello doctor, three months ago I experienced lower back pain after lifting heavy objects, and during an incidental examination, I was found to have the HLA-B27 gene associated with ankylosing spondylitis. However, after examination, the doctor determined th...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
Ankylosing spondylitis does not cause joint crepitus. Crepitus in the hip is unrelated to hip joint necrosis. It occurs due to the fibrosis and subsequent stiffness of the gluteus maximus muscle, which produces a sound as it glides over the greater trochanter of the femur. This s...[Read More] Understanding Hip Clicking: Is It a Sign of Ankylosing Spondylitis?
Understanding Spinal Injuries: When to Seek Medical Attention
Lumbar spine injury? Hello, doctor: I slipped and fell while going down the stairs, resulting in a spinal injury. Even though I was wearing a thick coat in winter, I still sustained abrasions. After the injury, I experienced tinnitus and mild vomiting, and since then, I have been...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
First, we need to check for persistent lower back pain. Second, we should look for any numbness or weakness in the lower extremities. Third, we need to see if the legs can be straightened or lifted. If none of these symptoms are present, then there is likely no significant injury...[Read More] Understanding Spinal Injuries: When to Seek Medical Attention
Understanding L2 Compression Fractures: Recovery and Management Tips
Compression fracture of the second lumbar vertebra? Hello Dr. Chen, I slipped and fell while walking to work in early November. I had an X-ray taken in the emergency room, but the doctor diagnosed me with a lumbar contusion. Later, during a follow-up visit, the outpatient doctor...
Dr. Chen Xingyuan Reply:
Dear Readers: Lumbar compression fractures will definitely cause back pain, with the most discomfort typically occurring in the first week after the fracture. Symptoms should gradually improve thereafter. Important considerations after a lumbar compression fracture include: 1. Av...[Read More] Understanding L2 Compression Fractures: Recovery and Management Tips