Understanding Scoliosis: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
The spine is curved? I have been experiencing lower back pain and neck pain since around the third year of junior high school, and now I am in my first year of graduate school. During high school, I had an X-ray taken, and the doctor mentioned that my bones looked a bit unusual. ...
Dr. Huang Longde Reply:
The spine, commonly referred to as the backbone, is the main structure of the human body, consisting of seven cervical vertebrae, twelve thoracic vertebrae, five lumbar vertebrae, and four sacral vertebrae arranged in a straight line from top to bottom. If there is any lateral ti...[Read More] Understanding Scoliosis: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Preventing Back Pain: Tips for Healthy Spine and Posture
Vertebrae I have recently been experiencing soreness in my lumbar spine, and my back becomes painful if I don't lean against something for a while. I think this might be due to sitting at my computer desk frequently over the past couple of years, and my posture is incorrect ...
Dr. Zhang Shilie Reply:
Hello, Miss Zhen: There are many causes of lower back pain, but about ninety percent are due to soft tissue disorders (i.e., issues outside the vertebrae), such as prolonged sitting or poor posture in heavy labor. These symptoms can often be improved by changing positions, rehabi...[Read More] Preventing Back Pain: Tips for Healthy Spine and Posture
Understanding Scoliosis: Symptoms, Signs, and When to Seek Help
Scoliosis Hello, I would like to ask about the symptoms or warning signs of scoliosis. I have heard that if one shoulder is higher than the other, it may indicate scoliosis. Is this true? How can I determine if I might have scoliosis and should seek medical attention? Due to my s...
Dr. Li Wenlin Reply:
Hello: In response to your question, scoliosis can be classified into three main types: congenital, idiopathic, and neuromuscular. The most common type is idiopathic scoliosis, which typically presents without symptoms and is most prevalent in adolescents, with a higher incidence...[Read More] Understanding Scoliosis: Symptoms, Signs, and When to Seek Help
Understanding Hip and Lower Back Pain: Connections to Knee Issues and More
Could you please clarify if you are referring to pain in the hip joint and the area near the lower back? Doctor, I experienced pain in my hip joint and near my lower back over a year ago, often to the point where I couldn't stand up straight. Even while riding a bike, I had ...
Dr. Huang Longde Reply:
Patellofemoral chondromalacia, also known as patellofemoral pain syndrome, is a condition where patients often report similar complaints: "When I sit in a chair for too long, the moment I stand up, my knee feels stiff and even extremely painful, as if the knee isn't min...[Read More] Understanding Hip and Lower Back Pain: Connections to Knee Issues and More
Chronic Lower Back Pain: Seeking Effective Treatment Options
Lower back pain? Hello Doctor: Two years ago, I fell in a car accident, resulting in bruising on the lower right side of my back, close to my hip. The bruise healed after applying ointment from the hospital, but since last year, I have frequently experienced pain in the injured a...
Dr. Zhou Lizhi Reply:
Hello: Based on your description, we can discuss several aspects. 1. Myofascial issues 2. Hip joint and bone problems 3. Lumbar spinal or tendon issues. Firstly, initial X-ray examinations after the car accident can rule out bone-related issues, while the most common sequelae are...[Read More] Chronic Lower Back Pain: Seeking Effective Treatment Options
Understanding Sciatica: Causes, Symptoms, and Management Tips
Bone spur My father works as a lathe operator and has visited an orthopedic doctor, where he underwent X-rays. The doctor diagnosed him with sciatica and noted that his bones are aging prematurely. The X-ray showed that the distance between the last segment of his spine and the p...
Dr. Zhang Shilie Reply:
In elderly individuals, X-rays may show that the distance between the tip of the spinal cone and the adjacent vertebra is closer than that of normal individuals, indicating degenerative changes in the intervertebral discs. This can lead to spinal canal stenosis, resulting in poor...[Read More] Understanding Sciatica: Causes, Symptoms, and Management Tips
Understanding Sacroiliac Joint Issues: Symptoms and Management Tips
Sacroiliac joint Hello, 1. An X-ray shows that the sacroiliac joint margins are not smooth, slightly serrated, and have a bit of whitening. There is a common complaint of lower back pain. Blood tests do not indicate ankylosing spondylitis. 2. When riding a bicycle upside down...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
The sacroiliac joint showing diffuse whiteness and a serrated appearance does not necessarily indicate inflammation or ankylosing spondylitis. The abnormal sounds in the left hip joint may be related to inflammation of the ligaments between the trochanters. It is advisable to con...[Read More] Understanding Sacroiliac Joint Issues: Symptoms and Management Tips
Understanding Sunday Night Back Pain: Causes and Solutions
Spinal pain Every Sunday night, I wake up around 4 AM with soreness in my spine, to the point that it disrupts my sleep. What could be the cause of this? Thank you, doctor.
Dr. Shi Qiming Reply:
Hello: There are many causes of lower back pain, and it is necessary to consider the pain history and clinical examination to infer the cause. Based on your age and symptoms, the likelihood of a muscular strain is the highest. Other considerations include intervertebral disc diso...[Read More] Understanding Sunday Night Back Pain: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Spinal Surgery Risks and Benefits for Nerve Compression Issues
Spine Hello Doctor: My mother has been suffering from chronic back pain and numbness in her hands and legs. An X-ray revealed that her spine is compressing a nerve, and the hospital has recommended surgery; otherwise, she would need to wear a brace to manage the condition. If lef...
Dr. Ye Qingnian Reply:
Conditions that generally require surgery for sciatic nerve compression include: 1. Muscle weakness 2. Bowel or bladder incontinence 3. Severe pain that is unresponsive to pain medication. If surgery is not performed at this stage, symptoms may worsen, potentially leading to disa...[Read More] Understanding Spinal Surgery Risks and Benefits for Nerve Compression Issues
Understanding Left Shoulder Pain: Causes and Remedies
Left shoulder joint pain? Hello, I would like to ask about a recent issue I've been experiencing. I've been having pain in the muscles around my left joint and in the back for the past two months. The pain also occurs in the tendons between the two bones of the joint. I...
Dr. Xie Tianjie Reply:
Shoulder and upper back pain can have many causes, including cervical osteophytes, peripheral ligament disorders of the shoulder joint, and local strains. If the pain has persisted for two months without improvement, it is important to consider whether it is related to improper l...[Read More] Understanding Left Shoulder Pain: Causes and Remedies
Understanding Discomfort: When Eye Issues Signal Orthopedic Problems
Discomfort caused by eye problems? Hello, Doctor: At the beginning of July, I was moving both at work and home for over half a month, which involved lifting heavy objects. This has resulted in persistent lower back pain and leg soreness. Initially, I didn't think much of it,...
Dr. Shi Qiming Reply:
Orthopedic physician's response: After lifting heavy objects and being busy for half a month, you have developed muscle fatigue in your lower back and legs, leading to myofascial inflammation. Due to individual differences, some people may need to rest for two to three weeks...[Read More] Understanding Discomfort: When Eye Issues Signal Orthopedic Problems
Understanding Recurring Lower Back Pain: Causes and Solutions
Lower back spinal pain? Hello, a year ago I accidentally slept on a small round object located just above my lower back and later experienced spinal pain, which sometimes made it difficult to bend. I visited a traditional Chinese medicine practitioner for treatment, including mas...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
Based on your description, it is likely that you are experiencing inflammation of the spinal ligaments, and the current symptoms may be similar. Most cases of spinal ligament inflammation are caused by overuse or improper use, so it is crucial to identify the underlying cause to ...[Read More] Understanding Recurring Lower Back Pain: Causes and Solutions
Morning Back Pain: Causes and Solutions for Better Sleep
Waking up in the morning always results in lower back pain and discomfort? Hello Doctor: For the past year, I have been experiencing soreness in my lower back and back when I wake up in the morning. Often, I wake up early due to the pain and cannot fall back asleep. This lack of ...
Dr. Lin Junliang Reply:
There are many causes of back pain, and waking up in pain is a significant issue. It is recommended to visit a clinic for a thorough examination.[Read More] Morning Back Pain: Causes and Solutions for Better Sleep
Can Spinal Cartilage Degeneration Regenerate or Worsen?
Will the intervertebral cartilage atrophy regenerate? My husband experienced lower back pain and a tingling sensation in his legs two days ago. After a hospital examination, he was diagnosed with spinal disc degeneration. Can cartilage regenerate, and will his condition continue ...
Dr. Lin Junliang Reply:
Lower back pain accompanied by a tingling sensation in the legs is likely caused by a herniated disc compressing the nerves (also known as disc protrusion). Initial treatment may involve physical therapy, and if physical therapy is ineffective or symptoms worsen, surgical interve...[Read More] Can Spinal Cartilage Degeneration Regenerate or Worsen?
Understanding X-Ray Types for Back Pain: Standing vs. Lying Down
X-ray film Hello, Doctor Shi: Recently, I've been experiencing frequent lower back pain, so I would like to get an X-ray to check it out. I understand there are two types of X-ray positions: standing and lying down. Is there a difference in the results? Which one is more acc...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
Lower back pain can be evaluated by an orthopedic specialist. Whether or not an X-ray is needed will be determined after a physician's assessment. There are various methods for obtaining X-rays, and the best one depends on the specific purpose. Generally, the images are quit...[Read More] Understanding X-Ray Types for Back Pain: Standing vs. Lying Down
Managing Osteoporosis: Effective Calcium Solutions for Your Mother
Please ask your question? Dear Dr. Lin, My mother has a history of breast cancer and underwent surgery, which resulted in some damage to her spine. She wore a brace for a while, but no longer does. Initially, she experienced back pain, which has since decreased; however, she now...
Dr. Lin Junliang Reply:
Patients with a history of breast cancer who experience back pain should first rule out the possibility of metastatic breast cancer by undergoing examinations at a hospital. There are various treatment options for osteoporosis; however, patients with a history of breast cancer sh...[Read More] Managing Osteoporosis: Effective Calcium Solutions for Your Mother
Understanding Scoliosis: Muscle Relaxants and Rehabilitation Insights
Scoliosis Hello, Doctor Shi: I have a 17-degree scoliosis. When I visited the doctor, I was prescribed muscle relaxants. I used to experience constant lower back pain, but after taking the medication, the pain subsided. However, if I stop taking it, the pain becomes unbearable wi...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
Surgical treatment for scoliosis is typically considered only when the curvature exceeds 40 degrees. Generally, if the curvature is below 20 degrees and the patient is still in their adolescent years, only monitoring is required. Patients with scoliosis usually do not experience ...[Read More] Understanding Scoliosis: Muscle Relaxants and Rehabilitation Insights
Understanding Non-Stone Related Lower Back Pain: Causes and Solutions
Lower back pain but not due to kidney stones? Lower back pain makes it impossible to bend over or get up from bed naturally; I have to rise straight up, otherwise it feels like my back is going to break.
Dr. Su Yiren Reply:
Hello Mr. Chuang: Regarding your question, it is recommended that you visit the orthopedic outpatient department of a hospital for an X-ray to accurately diagnose the underlying cause of your condition, which will allow for detailed treatment or intervention. If you have any othe...[Read More] Understanding Non-Stone Related Lower Back Pain: Causes and Solutions
Postpartum Joint Pain: Effective Treatments and Acupuncture Options
Joint pain It has been five months since delivery, and I still experience pain in my elbows, knees, and lumbar region, especially when leaning forward while sitting or lying on the table. The area from my lumbar spine to my coccyx feels very tight. What treatment options should I...
Dr. Ye Qingnian Reply:
Multiple joint and lower back pain may suggest rheumatoid arthritis, but the stiffness and pain predominantly in the proximal interphalangeal joints of the hands could be attributed to overexertion after childbirth. Frequent carrying of the baby may lead to tendonitis; if this is...[Read More] Postpartum Joint Pain: Effective Treatments and Acupuncture Options
Understanding Bone Spurs: Causes, Treatments, and Dietary Tips
What is a bone spur? Hello, Dr. Hsieh! Recently, my father (50 years old) has been experiencing lower back pain and went to the hospital for an examination. The doctor informed him that he has bone spurs. Could you please explain what bone spurs are, what causes them, and what th...
Dr. Xie Tianjie Reply:
Generally, bone spurs in the lower back are primarily caused by the spine enduring prolonged pressure or previous injuries, leading to the formation of protruding bony growths next to the bones. Bone spurs can be identified through X-rays; however, there are countless causes of c...[Read More] Understanding Bone Spurs: Causes, Treatments, and Dietary Tips