Understanding Spinal Atrophy: Causes, Treatments, and Prevention Tips
Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) Hello, Director. I would like to ask you... I have been experiencing back pain for over a month and thought it was due to scoliosis. It wasn't until recently that I went to Chang Gung Memorial Hospital for an X-ray, and the doctor said it was &q...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
I have not heard of the term "spinal atrophy." A decrease or narrowing of the spinal disc spaces is considered a degenerative phenomenon. However, at the age of 26, the likelihood of experiencing disc narrowing in the spine is very low; this condition typically occurs i...[Read More] Understanding Spinal Atrophy: Causes, Treatments, and Prevention Tips
Understanding Vertebroplasty: Risks, Benefits, and Alternatives for Osteoporosis
Vertebroplasty with bone cement My father is 62 years old and often experiences numbness in his shoulders and arms, along with back pain when getting in and out of bed. He went to see a doctor. The traditional Chinese medicine doctor diagnosed him with severe scoliosis, which is ...
Dr. Yang Zhengfan Reply:
Dear Andrea, you have truly put in a lot of effort, and you have thoroughly researched the pros and cons of bone cement treatment. However, the real issue is not whether bone cement treatment is good or bad, but rather: should bone cement be used for treatment? According to your ...[Read More] Understanding Vertebroplasty: Risks, Benefits, and Alternatives for Osteoporosis
Understanding Hand Numbness: Is It Related to Your Spine Issues?
Numbness in the hands? Hello: A recent X-ray showed mild scoliosis and small bone spurs in my spine, but the doctor said this is not a concern. However, I experience pain when bending straight down and every morning upon waking up. The pain in my lower back varies from severe to ...
Dr. Wang Zikang Reply:
Dear Sister Wang: A small-angle scoliosis does not significantly affect function; however, due to muscle imbalance on both sides of the spine and factors such as poor posture, it can often lead to lower back pain. It may even cause neurological symptoms due to nerve compression o...[Read More] Understanding Hand Numbness: Is It Related to Your Spine Issues?
Understanding Back Pain: Bone Spurs, Scoliosis, and Pregnancy Concerns
Lower back pain, bone spurs, scoliosis? Hello, I am 30 years old. I have experienced pain when bending over for over ten years. Recently, I have been feeling soreness in my right hip, knee, and ankle joints, and I am concerned that my back issues may be worsening. I recently had ...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
Bone spurs, also known as osteophytes, occur due to the formation of excess bone at the edges of bones as a result of aging. If these bone spurs do not compress nerves or irritate surrounding tissues, they typically do not cause any symptoms. Therefore, some elderly individuals m...[Read More] Understanding Back Pain: Bone Spurs, Scoliosis, and Pregnancy Concerns
Impact of Scoliosis Surgery on Women's Future Health and Pregnancy
The impact of scoliosis surgery on a girl's future life? Before the surgery, the cervical spine was at 35 degrees, the thoracic spine at 48 degrees, and the lumbar spine at 26 degrees. After the surgery, the cervical spine measured 30 degrees, the thoracic spine 35 degrees, ...
Dr. Yang Zhengfan Reply:
Dear Xiao Dai, many of the questions you asked still remain unanswered. Surgery is typically recommended for scoliosis when the curvature exceeds 40 degrees because, statistically, a curvature greater than 40 degrees is associated with significant back pain and premature aging. A...[Read More] Impact of Scoliosis Surgery on Women's Future Health and Pregnancy
Understanding Shoulder Blade Pain: Causes and Treatment Options
Please inquire about scapula issues? Dear Dr. Su, I have been experiencing pain in the lower left side of my neck and upper back since mid-August of this year. After consulting a doctor, I was advised to apply heat and was prescribed oral medication, but the doctor did not speci...
Dr. Su Yiren Reply:
Hello Cathy, 1. If there is persistent pain in specific areas of the body, it should be thoroughly examined. The most basic step is to perform an X-ray to check for any acromioclavicular joint pathology or cervical spine nerve compression. There have been cases where individual...[Read More] Understanding Shoulder Blade Pain: Causes and Treatment Options
Understanding Chronic Back Pain: Causes and Solutions
Cervicogenic headache I have been experiencing back pain for over a year! I have had X-rays and blood tests done, but everything came back normal. Recently, the area of pain has been increasing, and it even hurts up to my neck! What could be the issue?
Dr. Zhou Hongzhi Reply:
There are many causes of back pain, both traumatic and non-traumatic. It is advisable to see an orthopedic specialist for an examination.[Read More] Understanding Chronic Back Pain: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Bone Tumors: Diagnosis and Treatment Options Explained
Orthopedic tumors I apologize for the inconvenience, but I have a question to ask the physician. My mother recently went to the hospital for an examination and discovered an abnormal mass on the inner side of her right thigh. An ultrasound revealed a mass approximately ten centim...
Dr. Luo Zhaozhong Reply:
Hello: Currently, medical technology cannot definitively determine whether a tumor is benign or malignant. Based on imaging studies and clinical symptoms, physicians can only provide probabilities of benignity or malignancy. A definitive diagnosis requires a pathological biopsy. ...[Read More] Understanding Bone Tumors: Diagnosis and Treatment Options Explained
Understanding Sciatica: Causes, Treatments, and Exercise Recommendations
Sciatica Hello, Doctor: I have a question to ask you. Three years ago, one morning, while I was running up the stairs, I suddenly felt a sharp pain in my lower back. Initially, I thought I had just strained my back, so I went to the hospital and received several injections, but t...
Dr. Shi Qiming Reply:
Dear Sir/Madam, In younger patients, spinal disorders often present as herniated discs, which constitute a significant proportion of cases. Generally, conservative treatment is the primary approach, with surgery being considered in no more than 15% of patients. Before considerin...[Read More] Understanding Sciatica: Causes, Treatments, and Exercise Recommendations
Understanding Spinal Ligament Tears: Care, Recovery, and Risks
Spinal ligament tear Hello Dr. Yang, Four days ago, I experienced lower back pain due to an external impact and sought medical attention. After an X-ray, the doctor diagnosed me with a ligament tear in my spine and prescribed anti-inflammatory medication. I would like to ask how...
Dr. Yang Zhengfan Reply:
Hello, spinal ligament tears are commonly referred to as sprains. They are generally treated with anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving medications, along with appropriate rest and heat therapy. Recovery typically takes about two to three weeks.[Read More] Understanding Spinal Ligament Tears: Care, Recovery, and Risks
Understanding Congenital Lumbar Spine Anomalies: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
Congenital spinal anomalies Hello, doctor. I am 23 years old. My lumbar vertebra L5 is underdeveloped and fused with the adjacent joint, which appears to have a crack. Is this lumbar sacralization? Is it a type of spondylolysis? Some doctors say it is spondylolysis, but I have se...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
Lumbar sacralization or spinal stenosis is unlikely to cause severe lower back pain or lumbar pain. Since your CT scan results are normal, it should not affect your body. You should consult an orthopedic specialist or a rehabilitation physician.[Read More] Understanding Congenital Lumbar Spine Anomalies: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
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
Which Specialist Should Your Friend See for Persistent Leg Pain?
Which specialty should I consult for this symptom? Hello: First, let me tell you about my friend's symptoms: 1. He has persistent thigh pain (the pain extends from the thigh down to the knee). 2. He cannot sit because the thigh becomes sore, tingling, and painful. 3. He can ...
Dr. Zhou Lizhi Reply:
Dear user, thank you for your detailed description of the symptoms. I will reorganize the issues as follows: Firstly, the full name of orthopedics is "Orthopedic Surgery," which encompasses issues related to bones, muscles, and joints. Therefore, the patient's co...[Read More] Which Specialist Should Your Friend See for Persistent Leg Pain?
Post-Surgery Concerns: Understanding Complications After Disc Surgery
What are the follow-up procedures after a herniated disc surgery? Hello Doctor, I underwent endoscopic discectomy for a herniated disc at the end of June this year. The initial MRI diagnosis indicated herniation at L4-L5 and L5-S1, compressing the right nerve root. My attending p...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
First, double-check to confirm the accuracy of the surgical site. If the compressed intervertebral disc is still present and related to the symptoms, then reconsider a second surgery. However, if it is soon after the initial surgery, strong evidence must be present to justify ano...[Read More] Post-Surgery Concerns: Understanding Complications After Disc Surgery
Understanding Chronic Back Pain: Causes and Solutions for Relief
Lower back pain? Hello, I often experience lower back pain and discomfort, and I can't tolerate standing or sitting for more than about five minutes before feeling sore. When I stand, I have difficulty maintaining proper posture and tend to sway. After exercising, I feel sig...
Dr. Zhou Lizhi Reply:
Based on the symptoms you described, there may be two areas that require detailed examination. The first is an issue with the lumbar spine; abnormal lumbar scoliosis can often lead to poor posture, and patients who are still growing need to be particularly vigilant about the pote...[Read More] Understanding Chronic Back Pain: Causes and Solutions for Relief
Understanding Chronic Back Pain: Causes, Treatments, and Next Steps
Unresolved back pain? Dr. Hsu: Hello, in February I experienced back pain. Once, while helping a nurse lift a patient from the ground, I heard a slight cracking sound, but since I didn't feel much discomfort, I didn't think much of it. However, I later developed back pa...
Dr. Xu Xijing Reply:
Please visit the outpatient clinic for a consultation.[Read More] Understanding Chronic Back Pain: Causes, Treatments, and Next Steps
Managing Chronic Back Pain from Long Hours at the Office
Bone pain? Dear Dr. Sun, I often experience back pain due to prolonged hours of sitting in the office, and now I also wake up from sleep because of this back pain, which makes me hesitant to sleep for too long. If this situation continues, will it worsen? Additionally, I should ...
Dr. Sun Ruisheng Reply:
Hello: Due to prolonged hours of sitting in offices, modern individuals often experience lower back pain, which is a common issue today. Usually, appropriate rest can help alleviate this condition. However, if the back pain wakes you from sleep, it is advisable to consult an orth...[Read More] Managing Chronic Back Pain from Long Hours at the Office
Understanding Your Child's Back Pain: Is It Physiological or Structural?
Lower back pain? My child often experiences lower back pain. Drinking bone broth alleviates the symptoms, but I frequently hear him complaining. Is this menstrual pain or a physical issue?
Dr. Zhou Hongzhi Reply:
First, it's important to know your child's age. I recommend taking your child for an X-ray and a urinalysis to determine whether the issue is related to the bones or the kidneys.[Read More] Understanding Your Child's Back Pain: Is It Physiological or Structural?
Understanding Sciatica: Symptoms, Treatment, and Medication Concerns
Sciatica Hello, Doctor. I have a slight spinal curvature, and due to my job, I often carry heavy sheet music while on the go. I wonder if this is related to my menstrual pain. On the first day after my menstrual period ended, I accidentally carried a rather heavy book home, and t...
Dr. Zhou Hongzhi Reply:
1. Your symptoms are likely indicative of sciatica. 2. The medication does not contain any corticosteroids. 3. You should return to the hospital for further examination.[Read More] Understanding Sciatica: Symptoms, Treatment, and Medication Concerns
Effective Rehabilitation Strategies After Hip Joint Surgery
Postoperative Rehabilitation for Hip Joint Surgery Hello, doctor. I was in a car accident in mid-February and my hip joint was crushed. The doctor did not perform a hip replacement but instead used plates and screws. It has been over three months since the surgery, and I would li...
Dr. Li Wenlin Reply:
Hello: In response to your question, what you refer to as a "crushed hip joint" likely refers to an acetabular fracture. If it is indeed an acetabular fracture, it does not necessarily require treatment with a hip replacement. If the joint surface remains intact, some c...[Read More] Effective Rehabilitation Strategies After Hip Joint Surgery