Understanding Lower Back Pain: When to See an Orthopedic or Neurology Specialist
Strained my back? Due to lifting heavy specimens during experiments, I experienced soreness after returning home. Then, while doing laundry, I suddenly stood up and felt a sharp pain, making it difficult to stand upright. About a month later, I went hiking on Yushan. Now, if I st...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
It sounds like a muscle strain in the back. It's best to consult an orthopedic doctor for a detailed evaluation, as it may heal on its own.[Read More] Understanding Lower Back Pain: When to See an Orthopedic or Neurology Specialist
Understanding Hip and Lower Back Tendon Inflammation: Causes and Solutions
Tendinitis often occurs in the area where the lower back connects to the hips? Hello Doctor, I would like to ask about the pain I've been experiencing in the area where my lower back connects to my hips for the past few years. After visiting the doctor, I was told that it wa...
Dr. Lin Yijun Reply:
Hello: First, without a direct examination, it is not possible to provide a definitive diagnosis, but the following opinions are for your reference. 1. If your lower back pain is accompanied by morning stiffness lasting more than 30 minutes, worsens after rest, and improves wit...[Read More] Understanding Hip and Lower Back Tendon Inflammation: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Chronic Lower Back Pain: Causes and Solutions
Lower back pain? Hello doctor, my lower back pain started around July of this year. At first, I took medication, but once the pain subsided, I stopped taking it. After playing basketball, the pain returned slightly. The discomfort has persisted since then, located just above the ...
Dr. Wang Shouji Reply:
Based on your age, most of the muscle soreness is likely caused by factors such as poor posture. Generally, taking medication and resting will lead to improvement. If the condition persists, I recommend visiting a hospital's orthopedic or rehabilitation department for furthe...[Read More] Understanding Chronic Lower Back Pain: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Morning Lower Back Pain: Causes and Specialist Guidance
Regarding lower back pain issues? Dear Vice Director, I have been experiencing pain in the left lower back upon waking up in the morning for about three months. Sometimes the pain is severe enough to wake me up, preventing me from continuing my sleep. After getting up, the pain ...
Dr. Shi Qiming Reply:
Dear Sir/Madam, There are numerous causes of lower back pain, and when accompanied by stiffness and pain upon waking in the morning, rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis should be considered first. If all tests return normal and neurological symptoms are significant, ...[Read More] Understanding Morning Lower Back Pain: Causes and Specialist Guidance
Understanding Knee and Lower Back Pain: Causes and When to Seek Help
Knee pain and lower back pain? Hello Doctor: I have been experiencing pain in my left knee for a while, and recently I have noticed pain in my left lower back as well, which radiates to my left buttock and the back of my thigh. I would like to ask what might be causing this. The ...
Dr. Wang Shouji Reply:
Xiao Yu: If you have knee pain without obvious trauma, you should pay attention to whether there is a patellar issue. At this age, pain in the lower back, hips, and legs is often related to muscle and soft tissue problems, which are associated with poor posture and lifestyle habi...[Read More] Understanding Knee and Lower Back Pain: Causes and When to Seek Help
Can a Sagging Mattress Cause Morning Lower Back Pain?
Could a sagging mattress cause lower back pain upon waking up? Dear Dr. Shi, I apologize for not visiting the hospital directly, as I was unsure of the cause of my discomfort. About two months ago, I purchased a new bed, but after approximately a month of use, I began to notice ...
Dr. Shi Qiming Reply:
Hello: The firmness of the mattress is a factor that affects the angle of the lumbar spine during sleep. Both too hard and too soft mattresses are unsuitable. Ideally, when lying flat, the mattress should sink about three centimeters. As you mentioned, a new mattress that has sig...[Read More] Can a Sagging Mattress Cause Morning Lower Back Pain?
Understanding Narrow Joint Spaces and Their Impact on Osteoarthritis
Issues related to smaller cartilage areas? I visited a doctor due to lower back pain, and after examining my lumbar X-rays, the doctor mentioned that my joints are fine but noted that I have a naturally narrower joint space, which results in smaller cartilage areas and a higher r...
Dr. Shi Qiming Reply:
Hello: The lumbar intervertebral joints differ from the general knee and hip joints. In addition to the bone (intervertebral disc) components, it is also important to consider factors such as the stiffness of the associated stabilizing muscles. Relying solely on X-ray examination...[Read More] Understanding Narrow Joint Spaces and Their Impact on Osteoarthritis
Understanding Spondylolysis: Symptoms, Risks, and Treatment Options
Spinal Dissociation Syndrome Hello Doctor, today I went to the hospital for an X-ray examination due to pain in my spine, and the results showed that I have "spondylolisthesis" at the L5-S1 level. The doctor also mentioned that the likelihood of displacement is low. I w...
Dr. Wang Shouji Reply:
Spinal dissociation can be classified into congenital skeletal dysplasia and acquired fatigue fractures with poor healing. It often presents with back pain issues. Strengthening the abdominal and back muscles is recommended. In rare cases of difficult-to-treat localized back pain...[Read More] Understanding Spondylolysis: Symptoms, Risks, and Treatment Options
Morning Back Pain: Understanding Causes and Seeking Relief
Every morning, I experience internal soreness in my lower back and back, which causes me difficulty sleeping due to the pain? Dear Doctor, I really don't know what to do. Please help me with these questions. I am unsure about my condition, and it feels like the range of issu...
Dr. Wang Shouji Reply:
Dear Mr. Yeh, Based on your description, you are experiencing lower back pain upon waking in the morning, and since you are a male patient, it is important to rule out ankylosing spondylitis. Most patients with ankylosing spondylitis experience morning lower back pain and stiffn...[Read More] Morning Back Pain: Understanding Causes and Seeking Relief
Understanding Sciatica: Symptoms, Causes, and Effective Exercises for Relief
Sciatica I have been suffering from lower back pain for about a year. I have seen many traditional Chinese and Western doctors, but nothing has worked. The Chinese doctors say my muscles are tense and recommend massage therapy, but the results have been poor, and the pain recurs ...
Dr. Zhou Lizhi Reply:
In young people, lower back pain is often related to muscle issues. However, if there is no improvement after treatment and symptoms such as leg numbness or pain (indicating nerve compression) persist, further examination is necessary. A common condition to consider is a herniate...[Read More] Understanding Sciatica: Symptoms, Causes, and Effective Exercises for Relief
Understanding Chronic Left-Sided Lower Back Pain: Causes and Solutions
Low back pain Hello Doctor, I have been experiencing pain in my left lower back for over a month. Three weeks ago, I received an injection at the hospital, which provided relief for only a week before the pain returned. Initially, I thought it was due to lifting heavy objects, an...
Dr. Wang Shouji Reply:
If the symptoms are characterized by numbness and pain, one should be cautious about the possibility of sciatica. If there is severe pain, inability to walk, or if there is no improvement after a period of medication and rehabilitation treatment, further examinations are necessar...[Read More] Understanding Chronic Left-Sided Lower Back Pain: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Ankylosing Spondylitis: Symptoms, Treatment, and Pregnancy Concerns
Ankylosing Spondylitis Hello, doctor. My husband is 31 years old. Since early October last year, he has been waking up in the middle of the night due to lower back pain. He has seen many doctors, and each one has given a different opinion. Today, we visited the Tri-Service Genera...
Dr. Shi Qiming Reply:
Hello: Ankylosing spondylitis currently has no curative treatment; the available therapies primarily aim to slow its progression and prevent severe deterioration. However, it does not significantly affect life expectancy. Due to the difference in incidence rates between genders (...[Read More] Understanding Ankylosing Spondylitis: Symptoms, Treatment, and Pregnancy Concerns
Could Kidney Health Affect My Grandma's Severe Back Pain?
Could these symptoms be related to kidney storage? Doctor: Hello, I would like to ask about my grandmother. Recently, she has been experiencing frequent lower back pain. She went to the hospital, and the doctor diagnosed her with osteoporosis and myofascial pain syndrome. Althoug...
Dr. Wang Shouji Reply:
Xiao Wan: Generally, back pain caused by kidney issues is commonly due to stones, infections, or tumors. However, considering your grandmother's age, it is quite common to have osteoporosis combined with degenerative arthritis of the spine, which may even lead to compression...[Read More] Could Kidney Health Affect My Grandma's Severe Back Pain?
Why Does Menstruation Cause Back Pain? Understanding the Connection
Menstrual periods can cause back pain? Why do I experience back pain every time my period comes, even affecting my sleep? Is there something wrong with my spine? Should I see a doctor, and which specialty should I consult?
Dr. Shi Qiming Reply:
Hello: Lower back pain during menstruation is usually not due to issues with the spine itself, as it is intermittent and monthly rather than persistent. It is advisable to visit a gynecology clinic for diagnosis and treatment of the underlying cause.[Read More] Why Does Menstruation Cause Back Pain? Understanding the Connection
Understanding Scoliosis: Back Pain and Knee Issues Explained
Scoliosis Hello Doctor, I would like to ask a few questions: 1. Does scoliosis affect back pain? Recently, I have been experiencing sharp pain in my left upper back, sometimes even affecting my breathing. I have had scoliosis for many years without any back pain, but recently...
Dr. Wang Shouji Reply:
Hui-Ling: 1. Yes, but the situation varies for each individual, so a detailed evaluation by a spine surgeon is recommended. 2. It is important to check for any patellar injuries; I suggest going to the orthopedic department for further examination. Wishing you a speedy recovery.[Read More] Understanding Scoliosis: Back Pain and Knee Issues Explained
Understanding Sacroiliitis vs. Herniated Disc: A Patient's Journey
Sacroiliitis or herniated disc? About six years ago, I fell while playing badminton and sat on the ground. At that time, I did not seek medical attention, thinking that resting would resolve the issue. In the following years, I experienced lower back pain whenever I was overly fa...
Dr. Lin Yijun Reply:
Hello Ms. Su, Without having seen you in person or reviewed your imaging studies, the following explanation can only serve as a reference. Given your history of injury and the symptoms you have described, it is reasonable for the rehabilitation physician to consider the possibil...[Read More] Understanding Sacroiliitis vs. Herniated Disc: A Patient's Journey
Helping Your Mother Overcome Severe Back Pain and Hunching
Inability to stand upright due to back pain? My mother is only 67 years old, and for some unknown reason, she has developed a severe hunchback over the past two months and is almost unable to stand upright. We previously took her to the hospital for an X-ray, which showed that he...
Dr. Chen Xingyuan Reply:
Dear User: Your mother may be experiencing vertebral compression fractures due to osteoporosis, which can sometimes present as subtle fractures that are not visible on standard X-rays. The principle of treating vertebral compression fractures is to start with conservative managem...[Read More] Helping Your Mother Overcome Severe Back Pain and Hunching
Chronic Back Pain: Seeking Solutions After 3.4 Years of Suffering
Lower back pain for 3.4 years? Hello Doctor: I have been experiencing lower back pain since high school, and it has persisted for about 3 to 4 years now. Recently, the pain has worsened over the past six months, and it even hurts when I walk. The pain radiates from my lower back ...
Dr. Lin Xiaoyi Reply:
Hello, Xiao Hong: If a diagnosis of seronegative spondyloarthritis is confirmed, the most commonly used immunomodulator is Salazopyrin (sulfasalazine). However, patients with G6PD deficiency may not be suitable for this type of medication (depending on the severity of the enzyme ...[Read More] Chronic Back Pain: Seeking Solutions After 3.4 Years of Suffering
Is It Sciatica or Lower Back Pain? Understanding Your Symptoms
Sciatica or lower back pain? Introduction: About 2-3 months ago, I started experiencing lower back pain (in the middle of the lower back). One day, I suddenly sneezed, and the pain became so severe that I couldn't stand up. I went to see a doctor who diagnosed me with sciati...
Dr. Wang Shouji Reply:
Shau-Yu: Your immediate priority should be to establish a diagnosis in order to provide appropriate treatment. Pain and weakness in the buttocks and the posterior aspect of the thighs are common symptoms of sciatica. Bilateral pain in the lower back (around the level of the belt ...[Read More] Is It Sciatica or Lower Back Pain? Understanding Your Symptoms
Is It Really Ankylosing Spondylitis? Understanding Your Back Pain
Is it really ankylosing spondylitis? Hello Doctor, I am 25 years old and have been experiencing lower back pain for nearly a year. However, my pain is only significant when I engage the affected area, such as bending down or sitting upright. I believe this did not occur suddenly;...
Dr. Lin Xiaoyi Reply:
Hello: The diagnosis of ankylosing spondylitis should be based on symptoms, physical examination, and X-ray findings. A positive HLA-B27 test is a reference point, but for clinically suspicious patients, a positive HLA-B27 significantly increases the likelihood of ankylosing spon...[Read More] Is It Really Ankylosing Spondylitis? Understanding Your Back Pain