Understanding Chronic Shoulder and Neck Pain: Diagnosis and Treatment Options
Shoulder and neck pain? I have been experiencing shoulder and neck pain for at least 10 years. During a visit to a pain management clinic, the doctor performed an ultrasound on my right shoulder and found a small bone that is not aligned with the left side. He prescribed a topica...
Dr. Chen Bochen Reply:
It has been painful for ten years, so it is indeed advisable to get checked. I recommend that you consider paying out of pocket for a cervical spine MRI and a shoulder and neck ultrasound. If these self-funded examinations show no issues, then you should modify your lifestyle: av...[Read More] Understanding Chronic Shoulder and Neck Pain: Diagnosis and Treatment Options
Understanding the Stability of Cervical Spine Plates and Screw Fixation
Regarding the issue of cervical vertebral plate screw loosening? Hello, Dr. Chen. I recently underwent a cervical laminoplasty, where titanium alloy plates were implanted at the C4-C6 levels, with one screw locked on each side. However, I have seen many laminoplasty procedures wh...
Dr. Chen Bochen Reply:
There is one or two screws on each side, and the procedure is performed by a physician. The physician will assess the situation and follow the instructions of the attending physician. Wearing a cervical collar will help prevent dislodgement.[Read More] Understanding the Stability of Cervical Spine Plates and Screw Fixation
Understanding Neck and Shoulder Pain: Spine Issues vs. Muscle Strain
Spinal and muscle soreness? I have been experiencing shoulder and neck pain for two months, usually occurring upon waking up, and sometimes it can last for a morning or even a whole day! I would like to ask: 1. Could this be related to a spinal issue, such as misalignment, or is ...
Dr. Chen Bochen Reply:
Hello: Cervical spine injuries can cause symptoms such as numbness, pain, weakness, muscle atrophy, and unsteady gait. Even mild cases can lead to myofascial pain. It is recommended to use medication, undergo rehabilitation, and wear a soft cervical collar to accelerate recovery.[Read More] Understanding Neck and Shoulder Pain: Spine Issues vs. Muscle Strain
Managing Severe Cervical Spine Degeneration: Treatment Options and Insights
Cervical spine (upper cervical vertebrae) Hello doctor, I have been suffering for 11 years with symptoms including eye strain, pressure, pain, tearing, blurred vision, and headaches. The doctor mentioned that I have severe degeneration at the C2-C3 levels on the left side, which ...
Dr. Cai Shanglin Reply:
Hello, based on your description of severe cervical spine degeneration causing discomfort, and considering that you have already tried various conservative treatments (non-surgical methods) with unsatisfactory results, I recommend consulting a spine specialist to discuss the pote...[Read More] Managing Severe Cervical Spine Degeneration: Treatment Options and Insights
Understanding Mild Cervical Spine Issues: Treatment and Risks Explained
Cervical spine issues Hello Doctor, recently my family member (male, 46 years old) underwent a cervical spine X-ray as part of a health check-up. The report indicates Mild Marginal Spur at C5-6, Grade I Retrolisthesis at C5-6, C6-7 Interspace Narrowing, and Mild Reduced Body Heig...
Dr. Chen Bochen Reply:
Hello, the issues you described are quite common. Whether they need to be addressed primarily depends on the presence of symptoms. Mild symptoms include neck pain, limited neck mobility, and frequent neck stiffness. Moderate symptoms involve numbness in the arms and neck movement...[Read More] Understanding Mild Cervical Spine Issues: Treatment and Risks Explained
Can You Squat with Herniated Discs or Scoliosis? Expert Insights
Herniated disc? Questions about exercise? Seventeen years ago, after a car accident, I felt weakness in my left leg. I later sought medical attention, but the doctor did not perform an X-ray and only assessed my ability to walk, concluding that everything was normal. Most of the ...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
Scoliosis can perform deep squat movements, while herniated discs are not recommended for such activities. Herniated discs may cause neurological pain. If a definitive diagnosis is needed, it is advisable to consult a physician for an examination.[Read More] Can You Squat with Herniated Discs or Scoliosis? Expert Insights
Should You Worry About Neck Cracking After a Fall?
After a fall, there is often a cracking sound in the cervical spine? Hello Doctor: A few days ago, I fell while rock climbing, landing on my buttocks (the fall was about 2-3 meters high, and there was a thick soft mat below). My neck absorbed a significant amount of the impact, a...
Dr. Wang Shouji Reply:
Hello, cervical strain often results in stiffness and pain in the neck, and there may occasionally be unusual sounds. However, if the sounds occur without accompanying pain, they are usually not a concern. If there is abnormal pain in the neck or numbness and tingling in the hand...[Read More] Should You Worry About Neck Cracking After a Fall?
Post-Traction Care for Neck Injuries: What You Need to Know
Cervical traction rehabilitation? Hello, doctor. When I was 6 years old, I suffered a displacement of the first and second cervical vertebrae due to a fall. I was hospitalized several times for traction and eventually recovered. I would like to know if I am more prone to neck wea...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
You can consult a physician for an examination and get an X-ray to check for any instability in the cervical spine. If there is no instability, you can proceed with the activities you mentioned.[Read More] Post-Traction Care for Neck Injuries: What You Need to Know
Neck Pain After Cervical Impact: Seeking Solutions for Recovery
Cervical spine impact pain issues? Hello, Doctor. In mid-December 2019, I performed a backflip catch during a cheerleading competition, and my cervical spine directly hit the ground. At that moment, I experienced symptoms such as chest tightness and nausea. Due to the neck pain, ...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
Injuries to the cervical spine may not involve fractures of the bones, but there is a possibility of damage to the surrounding soft tissues, which typically requires more than three months to heal. Continued rehabilitation is necessary and may lead to improvement.[Read More] Neck Pain After Cervical Impact: Seeking Solutions for Recovery
Understanding Hunchback Issues: Causes, Symptoms, and When to Seek Help
Hunchback issue Hello Doctor: I would like to ask, when I sit, my slouching is very noticeable. Whenever I relax, I tend to hunch forward, and if I try to sit up straight, I feel a sense of breathlessness. Both sides of my neck and shoulders become very stiff, extending to the ce...
Dr. Chen Yongxue Reply:
Do you have a habit of exercising? If possible, please strengthen your back muscles through exercise, as this can lead to a significant improvement. Thank you.[Read More] Understanding Hunchback Issues: Causes, Symptoms, and When to Seek Help
Long-Term Neck Extension: Impact on Bones and Nerves in the Workplace
Prolonged neck extension? Due to work requirements, I need to maintain a prolonged neck extension (approximately 2.5 hours at a time, with a 30-minute break, totaling 8 hours a day). While it can be quite uncomfortable, I can still lower my neck to rest (averaging about 45 minute...
Dr. Wang Shouji Reply:
Hello, the neck connects the skull above and the thoracic cavity below. Prolonged forward bending and backward tilting can exert pressure on the cervical spine, leading to muscle fatigue and pain in the neck. Over time, this may result in degenerative cervical spondylosis, increa...[Read More] Long-Term Neck Extension: Impact on Bones and Nerves in the Workplace
Should You Choose a Hard or Soft Neck Brace for Injury Recovery?
Should a cervical collar be hard or soft? I experienced pain in my cervical spine after being hit by an elbow, but I'm also feeling pain in areas that weren't directly impacted, such as my thoracic spine and upper back. The outpatient physician said there are no issues ...
Dr. Li Yongheng Reply:
Hello, I sustained an injury to my cervical spine from an elbow impact, but the outpatient physician stated that there are no fractures. The impact has caused cervical tendinitis, which not only results in neck pain but also radiates to the upper back, causing discomfort in the t...[Read More] Should You Choose a Hard or Soft Neck Brace for Injury Recovery?
Understanding Neck Bone Tumors and Their Potential Symptoms
Occipital bone tumor and cervical spine issues? I have a genetic predisposition to multiple osteomas, with various sizes of bone tumors throughout my body. I previously had a large osteoma on my foot examined, but since it does not compress any nerves, the doctor advised against ...
Dr. Chen Yongxue Reply:
You have multiple osteomas, which are generally more common in the limbs. If, as you mentioned, there are occurrences in the cervical spine, it would be advisable to conduct further imaging studies to determine if there is indeed any compression. Otherwise, relying on subjective ...[Read More] Understanding Neck Bone Tumors and Their Potential Symptoms
Understanding Whiplash Syndrome: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Cervical Whiplash Syndrome Hello Doctor: I was in a motorcycle accident on July 1st of last year. I had to stop suddenly and was rear-ended by another vehicle. That night, I experienced significant neck pain. After applying ice and heat and taking anti-inflammatory pain medicatio...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
Your description indicates that there is no injury to the cervical spine nerves, but rather a muscle or tendon injury. It has been over a year without deterioration. Currently, if there are no neurological deficits, further examination is not necessary.[Read More] Understanding Whiplash Syndrome: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Post-Surgery Numbness and Pain After Cervical Disc Herniation: Causes and Solutions
After cervical disc herniation surgery, is it normal to experience numbness and pain in the arms and legs? What could be the cause? Is the surgery ineffective? Hello, Doctor: My father is 70 years old and currently resides in Kaohsiung City. Since March 2018, he has experienced i...
Dr. Li Yongheng Reply:
Hello, I will respond to your questions as follows: 1. If nerve compression has been present for a while, postoperative symptoms such as numbness, pain, and weakness in the limbs may persist for a longer duration. However, if the decompression surgery is successful, the symptom...[Read More] Post-Surgery Numbness and Pain After Cervical Disc Herniation: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Neck Injuries: What to Do After a Basketball Impact
Neck issues Hello doctor, I was playing basketball today and got hit in the neck area by a falling ball. It was very painful at first, but later I didn't feel much discomfort. Is there still a possibility of a neck injury?
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
It is possible that you have sustained a bruise from the impact. If the pain has subsided, it is generally less concerning, but you should continue to monitor for any numbness or tingling in the neck or limbs. If you experience any of these symptoms, you must seek medical attenti...[Read More] Understanding Neck Injuries: What to Do After a Basketball Impact
Understanding Hand Numbness: Causes and When to Seek Help
Numbness in the fingers of both hands? Hello, Doctor. I often carry heavy objects with both hands or shoulders. Recently, I woke up one day to find that my left hand fingers were numb. After a few days, the fingers of my right hand also started to feel numb. For the left hand, th...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
Numbness in the fingers is related to the nerves in the hand. If the median nerve near the wrist is compressed, the second, third, and fourth fingers may experience numbness. Pressing on the palm side of the wrist can elicit numbness (carpal tunnel syndrome). If the compression o...[Read More] Understanding Hand Numbness: Causes and When to Seek Help
Risks of Heart Surgery in Patients with Ankylosing Spondylitis
Surgical Issues in Patients with Ankylosing Spondylitis Dear Doctor, My father is 72 years old and has suffered from ankylosing spondylitis since his teenage years, which is an autoimmune disease. He has previously taken immunomodulators. His cervical spine is completely rigid a...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
1. The risk of spinal fractures is higher, but with careful attention, surgery is still possible. 2. Bone healing is generally satisfactory, and many patients have undergone total hip arthroplasty with good outcomes. 3. Endotracheal intubation for anesthesia can be more compl...[Read More] Risks of Heart Surgery in Patients with Ankylosing Spondylitis
Understanding Neck Pain: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
Cervical spine issues Hello, Doctor! I have been experiencing pain and numbness in my cervical spine for six months. Initially, I had trouble sleeping and tried several different pillows. Later, I experienced alternating pain in various areas of my neck, usually characterized by ...
Dr. Li Yongheng Reply:
Hello, based on the X-ray alone, there are no obvious abnormalities in your cervical spine.[Read More] Understanding Neck Pain: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
Understanding Joint and Cervical Spine Issues: UC-II and Bone Growth Concerns
Joint and cervical spine issues? Hello Doctor, I would like to ask: I have been experiencing knee discomfort (a tight feeling) due to osteoarthritis and have been taking UC-II (undenatured type II collagen) for about 6 to 7 years to alleviate the discomfort. Although the knee dis...
Dr. Li Yongheng Reply:
Hello, taking UC-II (undenatured type II collagen) does not cause bone spurs as a side effect. Poor posture resulting from long-term work (as a watchmaker) is the actual cause of cervical spine bone spurs.[Read More] Understanding Joint and Cervical Spine Issues: UC-II and Bone Growth Concerns