Understanding Chronic Back Pain: Causes and Treatment Options
The only position I can sleep in due to back pain is on my stomach? Hello Dr. Zhou, I have been experiencing chronic lower back pain for a long time. In recent years, I have been unable to sleep lying down, as it causes discomfort in my lower back. As a result, I can only sleep o...
Dr. Zhou Lizhi Reply:
Ninety percent of lower back pain is still caused by tendon or ligament issues, with inflammation or strains due to long-term or sudden physical activity being the primary causes. In contrast, skeletal or intervertebral disc problems often present with symptoms of nerve compressi...[Read More] Understanding Chronic Back Pain: Causes and Treatment Options
Understanding Lumbar Pain: Is It Related to Your X-Ray Findings?
Lumbar pain Hello doctor, about a year ago I underwent a comprehensive health check-up and the X-ray report indicated the presence of Schmorl's nodes in the vertebrae and slight irregularities in the lumbar endplates, suggesting mild osteochondrosis. At that time, I occasion...
Dr. Wang Shouji Reply:
The lower back pain may be related to previous examination results. If there is also a sensation of numbness in the thigh, it is important to consider whether spinal nerve compression is causing sciatica. It is recommended to seek evaluation at a hospital. Wishing you a speedy re...[Read More] Understanding Lumbar Pain: Is It Related to Your X-Ray Findings?
Understanding Ankylosing Spondylitis: Symptoms and Diagnosis Explained
Ankylosing spondylitis Hello Dr. Wang: Previously, I felt something unusual in my right foot, and after seeing a traditional Chinese medicine doctor (later a Western doctor diagnosed it as flat feet), the doctor suggested I check for ankylosing spondylitis. I would like to ask, w...
Dr. Wang Shouji Reply:
Ankylosing spondylitis symptoms typically include recurrent back pain, a family history, and a higher prevalence in males, as it is an autoimmune disease. X-rays may show inflammation of the sacroiliac joints and spinal joints. A blood test for HLA-B27 may be positive. Diagnosis ...[Read More] Understanding Ankylosing Spondylitis: Symptoms and Diagnosis Explained
Understanding Back Muscle Pain in Students: Causes and Concerns
Spinal muscle soreness? Hello, doctor. As a student, I sit for long periods every day, and when I get up, I often twist and stretch my body, which frequently makes sounds. I'm not sure if this is due to excessive use, but the next day when I wake up, my back muscles along th...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
Back pain is a common issue often associated with prolonged sitting or standing. Additionally, frequently bending over to perform tasks or lifting heavy objects can lead to similar symptoms. If there is a sound when twisting the back, it is related to the friction between tendons...[Read More] Understanding Back Muscle Pain in Students: Causes and Concerns
Effective Solutions for Shoulder Stiffness and Lower Back Pain
Shoulder stiffness, lower back pain, and discomfort in the back! Dear Director Shih, My mother has been experiencing stiffness and pain in her shoulders, as well as soreness in her lower back, due to work-related fatigue. Although she has consulted an orthopedic physician, the e...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
Shoulder pain in middle-aged individuals is most commonly caused by arthritis and shoulder bursitis, which can lead to joint stiffness or limited mobility. Lower back pain is often associated with aging or osteoporosis of the vertebrae, which can result in fractures. Treatment ca...[Read More] Effective Solutions for Shoulder Stiffness and Lower Back Pain
Managing Osteoarthritis Pain: The Impact of Exercise on Joint Health
The relationship between osteoarthritis and exercise (pain and exercise relationship)? Dear Director Shih, I am reaching out based on the medical information available online regarding your professional background and expertise. I humbly seek your advice and assistance in allevi...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
Degenerative arthritis can occur in individuals over the age of fifty. If you have already had an X-ray that shows significant degenerative changes, then engaging in high-impact exercise may not be advisable. However, since you mentioned that the physician at National Taiwan Univ...[Read More] Managing Osteoarthritis Pain: The Impact of Exercise on Joint Health
Chronic Lower Back Pain: Seeking Answers Beyond X-rays and Medications
Low back pain I have been suffering from lower back pain for over a year. I have visited nearly ten hospitals (both large and small, traditional and Western medicine). After X-rays, doctors have said there are no significant issues. Blood tests also indicated no signs of inflamma...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
It is possible that no clear cause can be identified. Your symptoms resemble myofascial pain syndrome, which is an inflammation of the muscle fascia. Typically, X-rays do not reveal any issues, but the pain is related to muscle activity and can radiate from the neck down to the l...[Read More] Chronic Lower Back Pain: Seeking Answers Beyond X-rays and Medications
Morning Back Pain: Is It Ankylosing Spondylitis?
Experiencing back pain upon waking up? Hello, for the past year or two, I often wake up feeling pain near my spine, which prevents me from bending my back. I have to get out of bed straight and often need to get up several times before I feel more comfortable. Could this be what ...
Dr. Wang Shouji Reply:
Ms. Wang: If you have been experiencing back pain for one to two years, it is certainly necessary to determine the underlying cause. Otherwise, it could develop into chronic lower back pain, which is more troublesome. As for ankylosing spondylitis, it is more common in males. At ...[Read More] Morning Back Pain: Is It Ankylosing Spondylitis?
Understanding the Connection Between Back Pain and Muscle Tension Issues
Spinal pain Hello Doctor, I have the following questions, but I'm unsure how to clarify where the issues lie, so I would like to ask about possible causes. 1. In recent months, I sometimes wake up with pain in my lumbar spine. 2. I have noticed that in crowded places or w...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
Prolonged use of computers or typing can easily lead to shoulder and neck pain. Additionally, improper sitting posture can cause spinal pain as well as lower back and upper back discomfort. To alleviate these issues, it is important to maintain proper posture while sitting and to...[Read More] Understanding the Connection Between Back Pain and Muscle Tension Issues
Understanding Lower Back Pain: Causes, Symptoms, and Solutions
Lower back spinal pain? Hello Doctor: I would like to inquire about my lower back pain. I am 25 years old, but I have been experiencing this pain for almost 10 years. Initially, the pain started when I slightly bent over to lift something heavy; my lumbar spine would begin to hur...
Dr. Wang Shouji Reply:
Mr. Luo: There are many causes of back pain. Considering your age and the absence of any significant injuries mentioned, the majority of cases to pay attention to are 1. Poor work habits and posture, and 2. Skeletal defects in the back such as spina bifida and spondylolisthesis. ...[Read More] Understanding Lower Back Pain: Causes, Symptoms, and Solutions
Chronic Back Pain: Understanding Causes and Seeking Effective Treatment
Severe chronic back pain? Hello Doctor: My husband has been suffering from chronic back pain (pain on both sides of the spine and soreness in both legs). We live in Tainan and would like to come to your hospital for a thorough examination. We want to understand the underlying iss...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
Chronic lower back pain has several causes, particularly in young individuals, which are often related to work and poor posture. Sciatica is also one of the causes, but it presents with neurological symptoms such as numbness, weakness, shooting pain, or difficulty walking. In som...[Read More] Chronic Back Pain: Understanding Causes and Seeking Effective Treatment
Understanding Spinal Concerns: Insights on Back Pain and Treatment Options
Spinal inquiry Hello~ Recently, while palpating my spine, I noticed two depressions in my lower back and at the coccyx. It only hurts when pressure is applied to these depressed areas; otherwise, there is no pain. Some people mentioned that this could affect fertility, so I decid...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
If you bring your X-ray to another hospital, it can provide clarity. A concave area in the lumbar region does not necessarily indicate a problem; such concavities are typically where the bones curve. The vertebral bodies and spinous processes of the spine naturally have irregular...[Read More] Understanding Spinal Concerns: Insights on Back Pain and Treatment Options
Can Yoga Help Correct Lumbar Scoliosis? Expert Insights
Lumbar scoliosis Hello Doctor: Due to weight training during my childhood, I have developed lumbar scoliosis. I would like to know if practicing yoga is suitable for correcting lumbar scoliosis. Will it be beneficial for my condition? Thank you!
Dr. Wang Shouji Reply:
Eric: To correct lumbar scoliosis, it is essential to first determine the degree of the curvature. Practicing yoga is not related to correcting spinal scoliosis, but it may help alleviate lower back pain. I recommend visiting an orthopedic clinic for a full spine X-ray to confirm...[Read More] Can Yoga Help Correct Lumbar Scoliosis? Expert Insights
Understanding Severe Back Pain and Nerve Issues: A Case Study
Please ask your question? My mother has been lifting heavy objects for a long time. On the night of May 20th, she suddenly felt numbness and loss of sensation in her right leg. After being examined at the hospital, a neurosurgeon diagnosed her with a herniated disc at the L3-L4 l...
Dr. Wang Shouji Reply:
NANCY: After surgery, there is numbness and lack of sensation, weakness in the lower limbs, and worsening urinary and fecal incontinence. This is an uncommon phenomenon following spinal surgery, and neurological damage or injury cannot be ruled out. Infection does not always pres...[Read More] Understanding Severe Back Pain and Nerve Issues: A Case Study
Understanding Lower Back Pain and Left Leg Numbness: Causes and Solutions
Lower back pain with numbness and pain radiating to the left leg? A few days ago, I strained my back while exercising and took pain relief and anti-inflammatory medication, which almost alleviated the back pain. However, now I find that after walking just a few steps, my left leg...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
This could be a case of lumbar disc herniation compressing the sciatic nerve. Try straightening your knee, dorsiflexing your ankle, and then lifting your lower limb. If you experience immediate numbness, pain, or a tingling sensation in your calf, thigh, and buttock, then the dia...[Read More] Understanding Lower Back Pain and Left Leg Numbness: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Ankylosing Spondylitis: Managing Pain and Sleep Issues
Ankylosing Spondylitis I have been suffering from ankylosing spondylitis for 15 years. Currently, I am taking anti-inflammatory and muscle relaxant medications at the Immunology and Rheumatology Department of Taipei Veterans General Hospital. Two weeks ago, I suddenly experienced...
Dr. Shi Qiming Reply:
Ankylosing spondylitis is a chronic long-term disease that affects various parts of the body, particularly the spine and joints. The pathology occurs due to the adhesion between the joints, leading to a gradual loss of mobility and resulting in stiffness. Additionally, decreased ...[Read More] Understanding Ankylosing Spondylitis: Managing Pain and Sleep Issues
Understanding Lower Back Pain After Pregnancy: Causes and Treatments
Lower back pain? Hello Dr. Wang, Situation: When lying flat on the bed, I feel like my lower back is about to break the next morning, along with back pain. However, after getting up, the pain alleviates within half an hour and I feel fine. If I sleep on a softer American-style m...
Dr. Wang Shouji Reply:
Kelly: Due to bipedalism, the human spine begins to show signs of degeneration around the age of 20. If you feel particularly uncomfortable after getting up, but it does not significantly affect your work or daily life, you should consider issues related to your mattress or sleep...[Read More] Understanding Lower Back Pain After Pregnancy: Causes and Treatments
Understanding Spinal Issues: Symptoms, Treatment, and Care for Back Pain
Spine After lifting heavy objects, I experienced pain between my left lower back and hip. I visited a clinic for an X-ray, and the doctor mentioned that my spine is aligned in a straight line instead of the normal S-curve, and there are bone spurs present. However, the doctor ind...
Dr. Shi Qiming Reply:
There are many causes of spinal pain, including degeneration, overuse, and congenital deformities. A more detailed examination should be conducted, such as MRI, X-rays, CT scans, etc., followed by a discussion with the physician to determine whether surgery is necessary.[Read More] Understanding Spinal Issues: Symptoms, Treatment, and Care for Back Pain
Understanding Osteitis Condensans Ilii: Causes, Symptoms, and Prevention Tips
Lower back and back pain? In recent months, I have been experiencing frequent pain in my lower back and back. I went to the hospital for an examination, and the X-ray showed white areas on the bones. The doctor said it is bone inflammation and diagnosed it as Osteitis Condensans ...
Dr. Shi Qiming Reply:
There are numerous causes of back pain, and relying solely on X-rays for diagnosis is not definitive. It is essential to consider various symptoms and the affected areas, in addition to the findings from X-rays. If the X-ray results are insufficient, further examinations such as ...[Read More] Understanding Osteitis Condensans Ilii: Causes, Symptoms, and Prevention Tips
Challenges in Treating Lumbar Spine Fractures with Nerve Injury
Burst fracture of the second lumbar vertebra with associated spinal nerve injury? 1. I have undergone lumbar spine surgery approximately ten years ago, with a total of three to four surgeries during this period. Recently, I have been experiencing persistent lower back pain, along...
Dr. Hong Ximing Reply:
Lumbar burst fracture with nerve injury, and increasingly adhesive scar tissue after surgery. It should be noted that the surgeon who performed the operation is the most familiar with your condition; other physicians can only suggest treatments. It is still advisable to consult y...[Read More] Challenges in Treating Lumbar Spine Fractures with Nerve Injury