Can You Run with a Mild Disc Bulge? Insights for Runners
Intervertebral disc protrusion and jogging? Hello Doctor, about a month ago I sought medical attention due to severe lower back pain. After X-ray and MRI examinations, both the neurosurgeon and the rehabilitation specialist indicated that there were no issues with my spine or ner...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
If it is a mild herniation, rest and medication can lead to recovery in about six weeks to three months, and rehabilitation will also help in the recovery process.[Read More] Can You Run with a Mild Disc Bulge? Insights for Runners
Chronic Neck and Shoulder Pain: Seeking the Right Specialist for Relief
Shoulder, back, neck, and facial issues? Hello, doctor: In my younger days, I often stayed up late using the computer with poor posture, which caused a stabbing pain in the right side of my neck and shoulder. I didn't pay much attention to it at the time. Over time, the area...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
Shoulder and neck pain is often caused by maintaining the same posture for too long. In addition to reducing work, it is important to take appropriate breaks and not to sustain the same movement for extended periods. Medications and rehabilitation may be necessary, and it is advi...[Read More] Chronic Neck and Shoulder Pain: Seeking the Right Specialist for Relief
Could It Be Ankylosing Spondylitis? Understanding Your Back Pain
Is this ankylosing spondylitis? Hello Doctor, I have been experiencing stiffness in my lower back for almost a week. It’s not sore or painful, and I don’t feel particularly stiff in the morning. The stiffness varies in timing, but it tends to improve after taking a hot shower. Ho...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
Typically, an X-ray can reveal changes in the spine and sacroiliac joints. Additionally, a blood test for the presence of the HLA-B27 antigen can also be useful for reference. It is necessary to visit a hospital for these examinations.[Read More] Could It Be Ankylosing Spondylitis? Understanding Your Back Pain
Understanding Fatigue Fractures: Insights on the Fifth Metatarsal Pain
Fatigue fracture of the fifth metatarsal? I am a basketball player. Around July 2015, I started experiencing pain in the fifth toe of my right foot. I went to a general rehabilitation clinic for an examination, and the diagnosis was a stress fracture, although the X-ray did not s...
Dr. Hong Ximing Reply:
Fatigue fractures can heal completely with proper rest and recovery after the fracture has occurred. Pain in the fifth metatarsal may also be caused by tendonitis, and a thorough evaluation by a specialist is recommended.[Read More] Understanding Fatigue Fractures: Insights on the Fifth Metatarsal Pain
Understanding Wrist Injuries: Diagnosis and Recovery After a Fall
Wrist fall injury Hello, Doctor Shi: I fell while playing basketball and I'm not sure if I landed on my right wrist or if my body weight compressed it during the fall. When I got up, my wrist was very painful. After two days, I had an X-ray taken, which showed no fractures. ...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
Fractures may not be apparent on the first examination; if there is suspicion, a second X-ray can be taken. If there is not significant pain upon palpation, the likelihood of a fracture is lower. Ligament injuries typically take about two to three months to gradually heal. It is ...[Read More] Understanding Wrist Injuries: Diagnosis and Recovery After a Fall
Understanding Clavicle Fractures: Recovery, Surgery, and Rehabilitation Insights
Clavicle fracture Hello Doctor, my friend had a car accident three days ago and suffered a displaced fracture of her left clavicle. She is an international student and has returned to her home country for treatment, making it difficult to contact her. I would like to understand w...
Dr. Hong Ximing Reply:
In the case of a displaced clavicle fracture, if there is no injury to the neurovascular structures or if the displacement is not severe, an eight-figure clavicle brace can be used for stabilization. However, if the displacement is significant and soft tissue is interposed at the...[Read More] Understanding Clavicle Fractures: Recovery, Surgery, and Rehabilitation Insights
Understanding Swelling and Pain in the Pinky Finger Joint
The joint connecting the little finger to the back of the hand? I have been practicing boxing, and last month I exerted force improperly, causing swelling in the joint where my right hand's little finger connects to the palm. The swelling is visibly noticeable on the back of...
Dr. Chen Yongxue Reply:
Hello, this may be a fracture of the fifth metacarpal, which typically occurs when striking a hard object with a fist. Please undergo an X-ray examination. Thank you.[Read More] Understanding Swelling and Pain in the Pinky Finger Joint
Managing Childhood Injuries: Back Pain and Scoliosis Solutions
Childhood injury If you fell down the stairs as a child and did not receive immediate treatment, and now experience lower back pain during your menstrual cycle, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional for a thorough evaluation. They may recommend imaging studies, suc...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
Old injuries from childhood are usually unrelated to current symptoms. If there is scoliosis, the degree of curvature needs to be assessed. A small angle, for example, less than 20 degrees, does not require correction. Treatment is necessary only if the angle is significant and s...[Read More] Managing Childhood Injuries: Back Pain and Scoliosis Solutions
To Operate or Not: Navigating Surgery Decisions for Foot Pain
To operate or not to operate? I have been experiencing sharp pain in the tips of my left foot's ring and middle toes for 4-5 years. The frequency and duration of the pain have been increasing, often waking me up multiple times at night, especially before my menstrual period....
Dr. Chen Yongxue Reply:
Hello, your situation is described in great detail in your letter, and I sincerely empathize with you. However, every surgery carries its risks, and even physicians themselves are not exempt from this. Ultimately, the decision of whether to undergo surgery is one that only you ca...[Read More] To Operate or Not: Navigating Surgery Decisions for Foot Pain
Understanding Sudden Lumbar Pain: Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Acute lumbar pain? Hello Doctor, a few days ago, due to my menstrual period, I experienced slight lower back pain. Additionally, I had to kneel all day for a family funeral, and that evening, I felt severe pain. The discomfort extended from my lumbar spine to my knees, and I also...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
Muscle strains typically do not present with lower limb numbness or extend to the calf or sole of the foot, nor do they cause weakness in the calf or toes. Back injuries are often related to poor posture or repetitive movements. Initial treatment should focus on medication and re...[Read More] Understanding Sudden Lumbar Pain: Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Understanding Recovery from T12 Spine Injury After a Car Accident
Injury to the 12th vertebra of the spine after a car accident? Hello, doctor. I was in a car accident on October 2nd, resulting in a fracture of my T12 vertebra. I have been lying down for an extended period and required surgery, during which 8 steel screws were inserted. I need ...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
If there is no injury to the spinal nerves and the vertebrae are fractured, healing will occur. After surgery, there may be some soreness, which could lead to a slight hunching of the back. To promote normal bone growth after a fracture, it is important to supplement with calcium...[Read More] Understanding Recovery from T12 Spine Injury After a Car Accident
Understanding Recovery from Distal Clavicle Fractures: Tips for Rehabilitation
Distal clavicle closed fracture - surgical intervention - no longer requires immobilization - but unable to lift arm? Hello, Doctor! I have a distal clavicle closed fracture and underwent surgery in early November. On December 17, the doctor said I could stop using the sling. I h...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
Once the fracture has healed, joint mobility exercises can be initiated gradually during rehabilitation. Typically, recovery can occur as long as the movements do not cause pain in the joint. Both forward elevation and backward extension movements can be performed.[Read More] Understanding Recovery from Distal Clavicle Fractures: Tips for Rehabilitation
Understanding Displaced Bones and Ligament Tears in Sports Injuries
Bone displacement, ligament tear, avulsion fracture? I'm sorry, doctor, I'm back again... You already know about the previous incident, which was a traumatic fracture caused by a collision while playing basketball. Since the bone was too small, conservative treatment wa...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
The little finger is located in the hand, while the avulsion fracture you mentioned is in the foot. The question is a bit confusing; please clarify which specific joint or bone fracture you are referring to for a better response.[Read More] Understanding Displaced Bones and Ligament Tears in Sports Injuries
Managing Bruising and Pain After an Ankle Injury: When to Seek Help
Bruising and soreness? I apologize for the inconvenience, but I would like to ask about my condition. Last week, I was involved in a car accident where I sprained my right ankle, resulting in bruising and some abrasions. I went to a hospital for an X-ray, and they confirmed that ...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
Bruising typically takes about two weeks to resolve on its own. Lower back pain is not necessarily due to a herniated disc; it could also be caused by a strain or contusion. If the pain does not improve after rest, it is advisable to see a physician.[Read More] Managing Bruising and Pain After an Ankle Injury: When to Seek Help
Understanding Ankylosing Spondylitis: Treatment Options and When to Consider Surgery
Ankylosing spondylitis Hello, I was diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis while serving in the military. My right foot swelled up, making it difficult to stand for long periods, and every step I took was painful. At that time, the doctor said I could only take steroids to relieve...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
If the hip joint is affected and medication treatment is ineffective, surgery may be considered. First, it is essential to check for the presence of arthritis, assess whether there is joint space narrowing, and determine if there is significant functional impairment before making...[Read More] Understanding Ankylosing Spondylitis: Treatment Options and When to Consider Surgery
Persistent Pain After Spinal Surgery: Seeking Answers and Solutions
Spondylolisthesis: Persistent Pain After Surgery My mother has experienced spondylolisthesis at the L3, L4, and L5 vertebrae, which has caused pain in her right lower limb. She underwent surgery (orthopedic) and had screws inserted. It has been five months since the surgery, but ...
Dr. Wang Shouji Reply:
Hello: This issue depends on whether there is new nerve compression or if it is caused by an existing problem leading to long-term nerve damage. X-rays primarily assess the position of the screws and whether there is successful bone healing. If nerve symptoms are present, a repea...[Read More] Persistent Pain After Spinal Surgery: Seeking Answers and Solutions
Understanding Rib Pain: Causes and Concerns After a Recent Injury
Rib cage I would like to ask about some symptoms I've been experiencing over the past week. There is pain when I press on the left side of my ribcage near the waist, but it doesn't hurt when I'm not touching it. Only one specific point is painful; the rest is fine....
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
Pain near the ribs close to the waist can sometimes be related to prolonged bending or sitting for extended periods with the body leaning forward, as this can compress the muscles or tendons in the side of the waist and intercostal area. If the pain disappears quickly, it is usua...[Read More] Understanding Rib Pain: Causes and Concerns After a Recent Injury
Whiplash Syndrome: Understanding Symptoms and Recovery After a Car Accident
Whiplash syndrome from a car accident? Doctor, I would like to ask you about an incident that occurred three months ago. I was in a car accident and did not sustain any external injuries, but my neck was whipped around. I had an X-ray of my neck, which showed no dislocations. Ove...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
If there was an impact during the car accident, there may be some soreness in the bones and joints, which typically recovers within one and a half to three months. Muscle or joint tightness can be alleviated with heat therapy or gentle stretching exercises, and there is usually n...[Read More] Whiplash Syndrome: Understanding Symptoms and Recovery After a Car Accident
Neck Pain Leading to Facial Asymmetry: What You Need to Know
Chronic cervical pain is causing my face to become increasingly asymmetrical? Hello, doctor. I am a freshman this year. Since last year, I have been experiencing discomfort on the right side of my cervical spine. I often feel pain, which worsens when pressure is applied. There is...
Dr. Wang Shouji Reply:
Hello: The facial asymmetry is not caused by cervical spine issues; it is important to check for facial nerve paralysis. Please see a neurologist for an examination as soon as possible. Thank you![Read More] Neck Pain Leading to Facial Asymmetry: What You Need to Know
Understanding Clavicle Fracture Recovery: Can I Start Rehab and Light Training?
Hello doctor, I had a clavicle fracture a month ago. The doctor said I don't need to return for a follow-up or undergo rehabilitation. Is that correct? Hello Doctor, I am a young athlete. A month ago, I sustained a clavicle fracture during a basketball game. After a month of...
Dr. Hong Ximing Reply:
Hello: A clavicle fracture is equivalent to a bone fracture, and it typically takes at least 8 weeks for the fracture to heal. X-rays are needed to assess the extent of the fracture in detail. It is recommended that you rest for 8 weeks and confirm the healing of the fracture bef...[Read More] Understanding Clavicle Fracture Recovery: Can I Start Rehab and Light Training?