Follow-Up on L3-L5 Disc Issues: Seeking MRI Advice After Rehab
I am a previous patient you have seen? Dr. Wang: Hello, I saw you in September when I came to borrow the CT scans from the Zhudong Veterans Hospital. At that time, you mentioned that I have mild protrusions at L3, L4, and L5, but there is no nerve compression, and you advised me ...
Dr. Wang Zikang Reply:
Dear Aseng, It has been mentioned that over 85% of young patients with herniated discs may not require surgery and can be treated with rehabilitation. However, if symptoms persist without improvement over a long period, if rehabilitation is ineffective, or if medication does no...[Read More] Follow-Up on L3-L5 Disc Issues: Seeking MRI Advice After Rehab
Understanding Sciatica: Causes, Prevention, and Management Tips
Sciatica Hello Doctor: I apologize for bothering you, but I would like to ask about sciatica. A relative of mine recently went to the hospital, and it seems they were diagnosed with sciatica. Could you please tell me what causes sciatica? Additionally, how can patients prevent th...
Dr. Ye Qingnian Reply:
Sciatica is caused by the compression of nerves in the lumbar region of the spinal cord, leading to back pain and numbness or tingling that radiates down the back of the thigh and calf. The most common causes include 1. herniated discs, 2. bone spurs, and 3. tumors compressing th...[Read More] Understanding Sciatica: Causes, Prevention, and Management Tips
Understanding Spine Issues: Seeking Help for Persistent Back Pain
I would like to ask about issues related to the spine? Hello Doctor: Two months ago, while I was working, I repeatedly bent down and stood up. The next day, I woke up and found it difficult to stand up without assistance. After a week, I was able to get up, but I still felt a dul...
Dr. Wang Zikang Reply:
Hello: Based on your description, it appears that you are experiencing sciatica caused by compression of the sciatic nerve due to a herniated disc. Given your age, the first-line treatment options are physical therapy, along with medication and swimming exercises, which should he...[Read More] Understanding Spine Issues: Seeking Help for Persistent Back Pain
Understanding Spine Issues: Recovery After Injury and Treatment Options
Spinal issues Hello: I was in a car accident where I suffered a herniated disc. I was taken to the hospital, but there were no available beds, so I went to see a folk healer who pushed my spine back into place and applied some ointment. I continued to apply the ointment for about...
Dr. Wang Shouji Reply:
Grace: You did not mention where the spinal disc herniation occurred. Generally, significant trauma is required to cause spinal misalignment, and it often accompanies neurological symptoms, even paralysis. With appropriate treatment and rehabilitation, most patients recover withi...[Read More] Understanding Spine Issues: Recovery After Injury and Treatment Options
Seeking Help for Persistent Back Pain: Orthopedic Concerns Explained
I would like to ask? Hello Dr. Wang, I have been experiencing pain due to bending over at work. The day after, I found it difficult to stand up without assistance. I visited a doctor, and the X-ray did not show any issues, so I underwent a CT scan. The doctor mentioned that I ha...
Dr. Wang Zikang Reply:
Hello: Based on your description, it is possible that a herniated disc is causing compression of the sciatic nerve, leading to pain in both lower limbs. If the CT results do not indicate severe compression, rehabilitation and medication treatment should be effective. If the sympt...[Read More] Seeking Help for Persistent Back Pain: Orthopedic Concerns Explained
Is This Sciatica? Understanding Symptoms and Treatment Options
Is this sciatica? Hello, doctor! I have an orthopedic question to ask you. Recently, I woke up feeling a tightness in the muscles on the left side of my buttocks. After I massaged it, I started to feel a sharp pain in my left shin while walking. After seeking medical attention, i...
Dr. Hong Ximing Reply:
Hello, Chang Mao: Based on what you described, it does not seem like sciatica. The tightness and soreness in your left lower back and buttock suggest possible nerve compression symptoms, which may be exacerbated by heavy lifting. I recommend that you visit an orthopedic clinic fo...[Read More] Is This Sciatica? Understanding Symptoms and Treatment Options
Understanding Lumbar Disc Herniation: Symptoms, Surgery, and Recovery Insights
Pseudoherniated disc Dear Dr. Chou, My mother had a bone protrusion near her tailbone three to four years ago, which compressed her nerves and caused her to be unable to exert force in her lower back and right leg, making it nearly impossible for her to walk. After a diagnosis, ...
Dr. Zhou Hongzhi Reply:
1. Regarding 2. It should not be 3. It is possible 4. Due to tissue damage caused by surgery 5. Either an orthopedic or surgical department at a medical center can help.[Read More] Understanding Lumbar Disc Herniation: Symptoms, Surgery, and Recovery Insights
Understanding Lumbar Spine Separation: Implications and Next Steps
Spinal separation? Hello, I would like to ask some questions regarding spinal issues. I previously visited a neurosurgeon for an examination related to a herniated disc. After reviewing the lateral X-ray of my spine, the doctor mentioned that the fourth and fifth lumbar vertebrae...
Dr. Wang Shouji Reply:
Tiffany: From what you described, it's unclear what your symptoms are. Generally, the term "displacement" could refer to "spina bifida" or "spondylolisthesis." Your symptoms will affect the treatment approach. I recommend visiting an orthopedic ...[Read More] Understanding Lumbar Spine Separation: Implications and Next Steps
Understanding Persistent Lower Back Pain After Cold Medication
Lower back pain (present for two weeks)? Hello Doctor: Two weeks ago, I had a cold and took cold medicine, but after taking four packets, I experienced symptoms of rapid heartbeat and hand tremors. I reported this to my doctor, who advised me to stop taking one of the medications...
Dr. Lin Xiaoyi Reply:
Hello: The pain you are experiencing seems to be more related to a musculoskeletal issue, with soreness and weakness extending from the lower back down to the legs, resembling symptoms of spinal nerve root compression. There is a suspicion of a herniated disc, possibly caused by ...[Read More] Understanding Persistent Lower Back Pain After Cold Medication
Understanding Left Lower Back and Leg Pain: Causes and Solutions
Pain in the lower left back (near the hip) and left leg? Hello Doctor: For the past two weeks, I have been experiencing soreness in my lower left back and a tingling sensation in my left leg, particularly around the ankle and tibia area. I can walk normally, but there is a persis...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
It could be sciatica, so it is best to visit a hospital for a physician's examination. Sciatica is caused by compression of the spinal nerves as they pass through the intervertebral foramen due to a herniated disc or bone spurs. The pain typically radiates from the buttocks ...[Read More] Understanding Left Lower Back and Leg Pain: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Sciatica vs. Pseudo-Sciatica: Key Differences and Symptoms
Pseudoscatic pain Hello Dr. Wang, I have been experiencing musculoskeletal pain for the past month. I consulted a doctor who suspected a herniated disc in the lumbar region that is compressing a nerve. However, I recently came across an article online about pseudoscatic pain, wh...
Dr. Wang Shouji Reply:
Xiao Zhou: Generally speaking, sciatica may not always present with symptoms in the lower back, but rather with radiating pain and numbness from the buttocks down to the feet. The symptoms vary depending on the affected nerve root distribution. Based on your symptoms, a clinical ...[Read More] Understanding Sciatica vs. Pseudo-Sciatica: Key Differences and Symptoms
Understanding Your Back Pain: Is It Sciatica or Something Else?
After seeing an orthopedic specialist for a long time, the old problem still persists? I would like to ask! When I bend over to look in the mirror, my lower back starts to ache immediately, and it becomes quite painful. However, once I stand up, I feel more comfortable. Sometimes...
Dr. Hong Ximing Reply:
A-Le: Experiencing soreness when bending over indicates that the lower back is under significant pressure. If this persists over time and extends to both legs, it may suggest nerve compression, which requires a CT scan or MRI to check for a herniated disc. I recommend that you ge...[Read More] Understanding Your Back Pain: Is It Sciatica or Something Else?
Understanding Quadriceps Contracture: Insights on Treatment Options
Frog legs Hello Dr. Su, I would like to ask you some questions. Due to receiving injections since childhood, I have developed significant muscle contractions in both thighs (with noticeable indentations), which prevents me from squatting down properly. The angle at which I can sq...
Dr. Su Yiren Reply:
Dear TJD, According to the information you provided, it appears to be Quadriceps contracture. This condition is relatively rare in Taiwan, but more common in mountainous areas of Japan. In the 1960s, a significant number of cases were reported, leading to schoolchildren being un...[Read More] Understanding Quadriceps Contracture: Insights on Treatment Options
Post-Surgery Recovery Tips for Herniated Disc Patients: Can Memory Foam Help?
Postoperative recovery after a herniated disc surgery..? I underwent a laminectomy on the 27th of last month and have been resting at home. I have to wear a back brace whenever I get up. The nurse advised me to sleep on a firm mattress upon discharge. Would it be feasible to add ...
Dr. Shi Qiming Reply:
Hello: After spinal disc removal surgery, a back brace is needed for protection for about three months. There is no strict requirement for a firm mattress; you do not need to worry as long as the mattress is not too soft or too hard. Thank you![Read More] Post-Surgery Recovery Tips for Herniated Disc Patients: Can Memory Foam Help?
Understanding Chronic Pain: Neck, Back, and Joint Issues Explained
Soreness issues? Hello Doctor: When I was a child, I slipped and fell, and since then I have been experiencing frequent neck, back, and lower back pain. Sometimes, after walking too much or standing for too long, I experience severe pain from my buttocks down to my knees. Even si...
Dr. Lin Yijun Reply:
Hello Kay, You have sustained an injury, and given your symptoms of soreness, it is suspected that you may have a lumbar disc herniation causing nerve root compression. You mentioned that the X-ray showed "too dense spinal intervals," which could be indicative of a her...[Read More] Understanding Chronic Pain: Neck, Back, and Joint Issues Explained
Understanding Calf Pain and Weakness: Causes and Solutions
What are the causes of calf pain and weakness? Dear Dr. Shi, My husband is 166 cm tall and weighs only 50 kg. He has often experienced lower back pain in previous years, which has affected his entire thigh and calf, causing soreness and weakness. Last year (June 3, 2004), he und...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
This may be sciatica, and you could consider visiting an orthopedic specialist. An MRI can help determine whether it is a disc issue or if there are other causes of spinal stenosis. Such examinations are available at regional hospitals or medical centers, so you may want to call ...[Read More] Understanding Calf Pain and Weakness: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Vascularized Bone Grafting for Scaphoid Fractures
Vascularized bone grafting Hello doctor, I have been experiencing pain in my right wrist for over two years. I have seen many doctors who said there was no bone injury and that it was a ligament strain. Recently, one doctor finally diagnosed it as a scaphoid fracture, but due to ...
Dr. Chen Xingyuan Reply:
Dear Readers, The diagnosis of a scaphoid fracture relies on the patient's history, symptoms, and X-ray examinations. Scaphoid fractures can be difficult to detect on standard anteroposterior and lateral X-rays due to overlapping images, often requiring special angled X-ray...[Read More] Understanding Vascularized Bone Grafting for Scaphoid Fractures
Understanding Spinal Disorders: Is Surgery Necessary for Spinal Fractures and Nerve Compression?
Spina bifida and herniated disc at the L4-L5 level compressing the nerves? Doctor, is spina bifida and herniated discs at the fourth and fifth lumbar vertebrae two different conditions? My husband started experiencing lower back pain about a month ago, which led to partial numbne...
Dr. Wang Zikang Reply:
Hello: Spina bifida and rupture of the fourth and fifth intervertebral discs (lumbar discs) are two different conditions. The former can be managed with conservative treatment and rehabilitation with ongoing observation, while the rupture of the intervertebral discs leading to ne...[Read More] Understanding Spinal Disorders: Is Surgery Necessary for Spinal Fractures and Nerve Compression?
Understanding Bone Tumors: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Bone tumor Hello Dr. Chen, I have been experiencing persistent lower back pain for a long time (the pain comes on suddenly and prevents me from bending, lifting, or even sneezing. It occurs every 1-3 months and lasts for 2-3 days, and this has been ongoing for many years). Recen...
Dr. Chen Xingyuan Reply:
Dear Mr. Cheng, There are many causes of lower back pain. Based on your description, it is likely due to a herniated disc or inflammation of the back muscles, which are closely related to the use and posture of the back. Therefore, during each episode, it may be necessary to ref...[Read More] Understanding Bone Tumors: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Are Back Support Belts Harmful? Exploring Their Impact on Spine Health
Does wearing a lumbar support belt have any side effects? I have mild bone spurs and scoliosis in my spine. Western medicine believes there is no major issue, but the pain has been bothering me for years. Recently, I consulted a traditional Chinese medicine practitioner for spina...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
Wearing a lumbar support belt does not cause spinal adhesions. Scoliosis rarely causes pain, while bone spurs can compress nerves and lead to neuropathic pain. Generally, young individuals are less likely to experience nerve compression from bone spurs; rather, herniated discs (i...[Read More] Are Back Support Belts Harmful? Exploring Their Impact on Spine Health