Understanding Herniated Discs: When to Consider Minimally Invasive Surgery
Herniated disc Hello, doctor. I would like to ask for your opinion. I started experiencing lower back pain in early February, which felt sore whether I was standing or sitting. By mid-February, the pain suddenly intensified, radiating from my right leg down to my ankle, causing s...
Dr. Chen Bochen Reply:
Hello: Currently, medical recommendations suggest that if an MRI shows a herniated disc compressing a nerve, and treatments such as medication, rehabilitation, and thermal coagulation therapy have been ineffective, then surgery should be considered as an option. For young patient...[Read More] Understanding Herniated Discs: When to Consider Minimally Invasive Surgery
Chronic Knee Pain: Understanding Deep Popliteal Discomfort and Treatment Options
Deep pain in the popliteal fossa of the knee? Hello Doctor, I have been experiencing knee pain for almost three years now. During this time, I have undergone three MRI scans and had an arthroscopic surgery in early 2021 to remove a bucket handle tear of the meniscus. However, the...
Dr. You Dianqi Reply:
Hello: The MRI report you provided does not mention the meniscus tear you referred to in your text. I may need to review the images or see a third report to provide you with more insights. On the other hand, regarding the popliteal area, the MRI indicates that there is no Baker&#...[Read More] Chronic Knee Pain: Understanding Deep Popliteal Discomfort and Treatment Options
Understanding Rib Injuries: When to Seek Medical Attention After a Fall
Slipped in the bathtub and injured the left rib? Situation description: Slipped and fell in the bathtub. Sought medical attention and had an X-ray. Injury: Left side, the bottom two ribs and the area below. The doctor said: 1. Go home and monitor the pain (of course it hurts...)....
Dr. Chen Bochen Reply:
1. The injured area should be treated with ice packs and accompanied by the use of pain relievers. 2. There is a possibility of splenic injury, but a CT scan is necessary for diagnosis. If symptoms such as low blood pressure or anemia occur, medical attention should be sought p...[Read More] Understanding Rib Injuries: When to Seek Medical Attention After a Fall
Understanding Ear-Related Bone Protrusions: Causes and Concerns
Prominent mastoid process? I have been experiencing tightness in the muscles at the back of my neck due to prolonged periods of looking down. One time, when I suddenly touched my ear, I noticed that the bone behind my right ear protrudes more prominently than the left side. When ...
Dr. Chen Yongxue Reply:
Hello, the bony prominence behind both ears, known as the mastoid process, is the origin point of the sternocleidomastoid muscle. These prominences are not always perfectly symmetrical. If you have any concerns, it is advisable to visit a clinic for further examination. Thank you...[Read More] Understanding Ear-Related Bone Protrusions: Causes and Concerns
Shoulder and Elbow Pain After Vaccination: When to Seek Orthopedic Care
Shoulder and neck issues, joints? Hello Dr. Wang, I am 56 years old. After receiving my first dose of the BNT vaccine on October 19, 2021, I experienced discomfort in my left shoulder. Later, I also began to have pain in my right elbow joint. I initially thought this was a normal...
Dr. Wang Shouji Reply:
Hello, generally speaking, vaccine reactions do not last that long. Please visit the orthopedic clinic to check for any issues with your shoulder or elbow joints. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Wang Shou-ji.[Read More] Shoulder and Elbow Pain After Vaccination: When to Seek Orthopedic Care
Understanding Femur Fractures and Chronic Osteomyelitis Treatment
Left femur fracture? Four years ago, I was in a car accident that caused multiple fractures in both legs, leading to chronic osteomyelitis (Staphylococcus aureus infection). I had been receiving treatment at Linkou Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, but the femur had not healed, and m...
Dr. Chen Yongxue Reply:
Hello, according to your letter, you have been suffering. The fibula in the human body, except for the distal five centimeters, is not essential and can be removed without significant impact. This is also a reserve of bones provided by nature for humans, which can be utilized whe...[Read More] Understanding Femur Fractures and Chronic Osteomyelitis Treatment
Can Quadriceps Muscle Recover After Severe Femoral Fracture?
Severe comminuted fracture of the femur above the knee with quadriceps atrophy? I'm sorry, doctor. Three years ago, I suffered a severe comminuted fracture of the femur in my knee, which has led to significant atrophy of my quadriceps. I am now starting to take rehabilitatio...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
Consistent rehabilitation exercises may lead to improvements.[Read More] Can Quadriceps Muscle Recover After Severe Femoral Fracture?
Understanding Chronic Upper Back and Lower Back Pain: Causes and Solutions
Frequent soreness or pain above the waist? Hello, doctor. I have two questions I'd like to ask. Question 1: I have a persistent ache on the right side of my lower back, specifically along two lines of discomfort. One is located at the far right side, where I typically plac...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
1. If it is a herniated disc, there will be pain radiating from the back down to the thigh, calf, and foot, often accompanied by a tingling sensation. The knee may also be unable to fully extend, and lifting the thigh can be difficult, which is characteristic of sciatica caused b...[Read More] Understanding Chronic Upper Back and Lower Back Pain: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Degenerative Disc Disease: Treatment Options and Insights
Degenerative arthritis of the spine Hello Doctor, I would like to seek your advice regarding my situation: I fell on my buttocks while sitting down in the first year of junior high school. By the second year, I started experiencing back pain. Since I was still young at the time, ...
Dr. Wang Shouji Reply:
Hello, if there is an injury to a single vertebral segment and associated neuropathic pain, it is important to address the issue of nerve compression causing the pain. If the intervertebral disc is completely damaged, consideration should be given to spinal fusion with instrument...[Read More] Understanding Degenerative Disc Disease: Treatment Options and Insights
Morning Upper Back Pain: Causes and Solutions for Better Sleep
Upper back pain upon waking? For the past six months, I have frequently woken up with pain in my upper back, specifically on both sides of the spine rather than the spine itself. However, the pain tends to ease after I move around. I have consulted an orthopedic doctor and had X-...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) can cause joint pain, which can be managed with medication. To check for lung cancer, you can undergo an X-ray or a low-dose computed tomography (CT) scan.[Read More] Morning Upper Back Pain: Causes and Solutions for Better Sleep
Severe Coccyx Pain: Unable to Stand After Long Sitting
Coccydynia causing inability to stand? Yesterday, I spent several hours sleeping on the floor while leaning back against a lazy chair to accompany my kitten. During that time, I experienced issues such as numbness in my legs and soreness in my lower back. By evening, I found it d...
Dr. Chen Bochen Reply:
Hello, this is inflammation of the ligaments connecting the hip muscles to the coccyx. It usually improves on its own within 3 to 4 weeks. Using anti-inflammatory pain relievers for about a week can help alleviate the discomfort. During the recovery period, avoid sitting on hard ...[Read More] Severe Coccyx Pain: Unable to Stand After Long Sitting
Severe Coccyx Pain: Unable to Stand After Long Sitting
Coccydynia causing inability to stand? Yesterday, I spent several hours sleeping on the floor while leaning back against a lazy chair to accompany my kitten. During that time, I experienced issues such as numbness in my legs and back pain. By evening, I found it difficult to stan...
Dr. Chen Bochen Reply:
Hello, this is inflammation of the ligaments connecting the pelvic muscles to the coccyx. It usually improves on its own within 3 to 4 weeks. Using anti-inflammatory and pain relief medication for about a week can help alleviate the symptoms. During the recovery period, avoid sit...[Read More] Severe Coccyx Pain: Unable to Stand After Long Sitting
Morning Back Pain: Causes and When to See a Doctor
Morning back pain upon waking up? Hello Doctor: I would like to ask about a symptom I've been experiencing for the past month. Every morning when I wake up, I have significant back pain, but I can gradually stretch it out, and the pain slowly diminishes. After about 2-3 hour...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
There are many causes of chronic lower back pain, which may include poor posture, overwork, prolonged standing, excessive sitting, or spinal deformities such as herniated discs. It is advisable to consult an orthopedic specialist for evaluation.[Read More] Morning Back Pain: Causes and When to See a Doctor
Understanding Left-Sided Mid-Back Pain: Causes and Solutions
Sharp pain in the middle of the back, slightly to the left? Hello Doctor, I am the person who asked about #159640 last year. After that, I did feel better for a while, but after finishing my part-time job in January this year (I stopped working after the Lunar New Year in Februar...
Dr. Chen Bochen Reply:
Hello: The symptoms you described are more likely caused by poor posture (such as frequently looking down or hunching). Engaging in more physical activity, reducing the time spent looking down, and regularly stretching can help your body mostly self-repair. If you're still c...[Read More] Understanding Left-Sided Mid-Back Pain: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Post-Surgery Hip Pain: When to Seek Medical Advice
May I ask the doctor? Hello, doctor. I had hip surgery six years ago and recovered well. Recently, I've been experiencing occasional mild pain on the outer back of the same leg. The pain is not very severe, but I am concerned about the possibility of an infection.
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
You can go to the hospital for an X-ray to check for any issues. If you need to confirm an infection, a blood test for CRP (C-reactive protein) and ESR (erythrocyte sedimentation rate) may be necessary. Both of these tests are reference indicators related to bacterial infections....[Read More] Understanding Post-Surgery Hip Pain: When to Seek Medical Advice
Morning Back Pain: Causes and Solutions for Office Workers
Waking up with lower back pain? The individual works in an office and has a sedentary lifestyle with irregular exercise habits. They have been experiencing pain (aching) on both sides of the lower back and in the back for a long time, particularly upon waking (sometimes waking up...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
It could be a muscle issue, so you can see an orthopedic specialist. You may also request an X-ray of the lumbar region to check for any other problems.[Read More] Morning Back Pain: Causes and Solutions for Office Workers
Why Does My Lower Back Hurt While Sleeping? Causes and Solutions
Experiencing back pain while sleeping can make it difficult to rest? I have been sleeping on this bed for over a year, but for the past three months, I have started to experience severe lower back pain while sleeping. It has become unbearable, making it difficult to sleep. Whethe...
Dr. Wang Shouji Reply:
Hello, if you experience pain in your lower back while sleeping but not during the day, you should pay attention to whether your bed provides adequate support for your lower back. It is advisable to apply heat, maintain good posture by keeping your head up and chest out, and enga...[Read More] Why Does My Lower Back Hurt While Sleeping? Causes and Solutions
Treatment Options for Clavicle Dislocation After a Year of Pain
Sternoclavicular joint dislocation A year after a car accident, I have a subluxation of the clavicle. The orthopedic doctor mentioned that the ligaments are loose. Currently, I experience pain when reaching back to fasten my bra, and pressing on my right shoulder also causes pain...
Dr. Wang Shouji Reply:
Hello, dislocation of the shoulder joint can lead to discomfort due to the wide range of motion involved. Applying heat and engaging in range of motion exercises should gradually alleviate the discomfort. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Sincerely, Wang Shou-ji.[Read More] Treatment Options for Clavicle Dislocation After a Year of Pain
Post-Surgery Concerns After Clavicle Fracture: Recovery and Care Tips
Postoperative Issues After Clavicle Surgery Hello Doctor: I would like to ask about my condition. On October 27th of this year, I had a motorcycle accident that resulted in a right clavicle fracture. I underwent surgery to implant a titanium alloy plate. It has been about a month...
Dr. Wang Shouji Reply:
Hello, six weeks after the clavicle fracture surgery, most of the time you can avoid using the sling, but you should not bear weight. It is still important to monitor the healing status of the fracture. If there is no significant callus formation, you should avoid extending activ...[Read More] Post-Surgery Concerns After Clavicle Fracture: Recovery and Care Tips
Understanding Your Pain: Is It Sciatica, Piriformis Syndrome, or Something Else?
It's unclear whether it's classified as lower back pain or pain just above the buttocks? Hello, doctor. This issue has been bothering me for a long time, especially on days when I have to work. I know it is definitely work-related because my job often requires me to ben...
Dr. Chen Bochen Reply:
Hello: Over 90% of young people's spinal pain, lower back pain, and lumbar pain are functional issues, meaning that the structure is normal, but pain arises due to inadequate care of the spine and improper usage. It is recommended to visit an orthopedic or rehabilitation spe...[Read More] Understanding Your Pain: Is It Sciatica, Piriformis Syndrome, or Something Else?