Understanding Sciatica: Causes, Treatments, and Exercise Recommendations
Sciatica Hello, Doctor: I have a question to ask you. Three years ago, one morning, while I was running up the stairs, I suddenly felt a sharp pain in my lower back. Initially, I thought I had just strained my back, so I went to the hospital and received several injections, but t...
Dr. Shi Qiming Reply:
Dear Sir/Madam, In younger patients, spinal disorders often present as herniated discs, which constitute a significant proportion of cases. Generally, conservative treatment is the primary approach, with surgery being considered in no more than 15% of patients. Before considerin...[Read More] Understanding Sciatica: Causes, Treatments, and Exercise Recommendations
Which Specialist Should Your Friend See for Persistent Leg Pain?
Which specialty should I consult for this symptom? Hello: First, let me tell you about my friend's symptoms: 1. He has persistent thigh pain (the pain extends from the thigh down to the knee). 2. He cannot sit because the thigh becomes sore, tingling, and painful. 3. He can ...
Dr. Zhou Lizhi Reply:
Dear user, thank you for your detailed description of the symptoms. I will reorganize the issues as follows: Firstly, the full name of orthopedics is "Orthopedic Surgery," which encompasses issues related to bones, muscles, and joints. Therefore, the patient's co...[Read More] Which Specialist Should Your Friend See for Persistent Leg Pain?
Post-Surgery Concerns: Understanding Complications After Disc Surgery
What are the follow-up procedures after a herniated disc surgery? Hello Doctor, I underwent endoscopic discectomy for a herniated disc at the end of June this year. The initial MRI diagnosis indicated herniation at L4-L5 and L5-S1, compressing the right nerve root. My attending p...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
First, double-check to confirm the accuracy of the surgical site. If the compressed intervertebral disc is still present and related to the symptoms, then reconsider a second surgery. However, if it is soon after the initial surgery, strong evidence must be present to justify ano...[Read More] Post-Surgery Concerns: Understanding Complications After Disc Surgery
Understanding Moderate Herniated Discs: Treatment Options and Recovery
Herniated disc Dear Doctor: I have a moderate herniated disc between the 2nd and 3rd, as well as the 3rd and 4th vertebrae, which is compressing the nerves and causing me significant pain. I can't stand or sit comfortably. The rehabilitation physician has suggested that I st...
Dr. Shi Qiming Reply:
Dear Ruby, Thank you for your letter. Your concerns may have caused some inconvenience in your daily life. May I ask if this issue is due to an injury? If it is injury-related, there may be instability, and we would need to further assess whether a spinal fusion surgery is neces...[Read More] Understanding Moderate Herniated Discs: Treatment Options and Recovery
Understanding Laser Treatment for Herniated Discs: Costs and Effectiveness
What are the costs and effects of laser treatment for herniated discs? A doctor suggested that the best treatment for me is laser therapy. I'm not sure about its effectiveness. The doctor mentioned that it is already quite common abroad and has a high success rate. Could you...
Dr. Yang Zhengfan Reply:
Dear Jiajia, the best current treatment for intervertebral disc issues is still surgery, which has a cure rate of about 90%. Laser surgery is a new technique that has been introduced in Taiwan in the past three years, and its effectiveness largely depends on the physician's ...[Read More] Understanding Laser Treatment for Herniated Discs: Costs and Effectiveness
Can Laser Treatment Effectively Address Bone Spurs?
Can bone spurs be treated with laser therapy? Hello Doctor, my mother has been suffering from spinal bone spurs for a long time, experiencing frequent numbness and weakness in both legs. Despite regular rehabilitation and swimming, her symptoms have not improved. Recently, throug...
Dr. Luo Zhaozhong Reply:
Hello: Essentially, lasers cannot remove bone spurs, as bone spurs are actually excess bone growth and are as hard as regular bone. Lasers are used to remove soft tissue that compresses nerves, such as intervertebral discs. Although laser treatment has been proven effective for s...[Read More] Can Laser Treatment Effectively Address Bone Spurs?
Understanding L5-S1 Herniated Disc Surgery: Size, Stability, and Risks
Herniated disc Doctor, I have a small posterior herniation of the L5-S1 intervertebral disc. The doctor is planning to remove the herniated portion. Could you please tell me how large the incision will be for surgery on just this segment? Will the stability of my spine be affecte...
Dr. Shi Qiming Reply:
Subject: Treatment for L5S1 Disc Herniation The treatment for L5S1 disc herniation depends on the patient's age and symptoms. If the condition is not severe, rehabilitation therapy may be considered. Otherwise, surgical intervention is also a treatment option. The surgery t...[Read More] Understanding L5-S1 Herniated Disc Surgery: Size, Stability, and Risks
Understanding Traditional vs. Microsurgery for L5-S1 Disc Herniation
May I ask the doctor? Hello Doctor, I have a herniated disc at L5-S1. The doctor recommended traditional surgery, but the incision is only about 3 cm, and it will only involve removing the herniated portion of the disc. I will be hospitalized for about 3 days. I would like to ask...
Dr. Shi Qiming Reply:
Subject: Management of Intervertebral Disc Disorders There are various methods for managing intervertebral disc disorders. Currently, for individuals under the age of 45, the general approach is to prioritize rehabilitation therapy. Surgical intervention is considered only when ...[Read More] Understanding Traditional vs. Microsurgery for L5-S1 Disc Herniation
Understanding the Differences Between Discectomy and Spinal Decompression Surgery
Questions about surgical methods? What is the difference between a discectomy and spinal nerve decompression surgery? Isn't endoscopic discectomy just scraping away the herniated disc? Doesn't that effectively decompress the nerve root? Thank you for your response, doct...
Dr. Shi Qiming Reply:
Dear netizen: When a herniated disc causes neurological symptoms and rehabilitation is ineffective, it is necessary to perform a discectomy to achieve decompression. Therefore, it is also one of the decompression surgeries. Spinal nerve decompression is also a type of neurosurger...[Read More] Understanding the Differences Between Discectomy and Spinal Decompression Surgery
Understanding Lumbar Disc Herniation and Endoscopic Surgery Options
Herniated disc Doctor, I have a herniated disc between the fifth lumbar vertebra and the first sacral vertebra, which is protruding posteriorly into the spinal canal rather than laterally. As a result, I only have mild neurological symptoms. I would like to ask if, during endosco...
Dr. Shi Qiming Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. A herniated disc does not always require surgery. Generally, if neurological symptoms are mild, it is sufficient to pay attention to posture, strengthen the abdominal and back muscles, take medication, or even undergo rehabilitation traction. I...[Read More] Understanding Lumbar Disc Herniation and Endoscopic Surgery Options
Is IDET a New Treatment for Disc Herniation? Indications and Acceptance in Medicine
Could you please provide more details about the specific aspects of spinal disc surgery you would like to know? Is Intradiscal Electrothermal Therapy (IDET) a relatively new surgical method? In what situations do patients need to undergo this treatment? Is this surgical method re...
Dr. Shi Qiming Reply:
Yes, IDET (Intradiscal Electrothermal Therapy) is a relatively new procedure designed for herniated discs that compress nerves, resulting in symptoms affecting a single nerve. Therefore, its indications primarily include unilateral disc herniation that has not yet ruptured. It is...[Read More] Is IDET a New Treatment for Disc Herniation? Indications and Acceptance in Medicine
Persistent Foot Pain: When to Consult an Orthopedic Specialist
Soreness, numbness, and pain in the soles of the feet? I have been experiencing soreness, numbness, and pain in the soles of my feet. I have seen a neurosurgeon several times, but the medication has been ineffective, and the discomfort is getting worse. Should I consider seeing a...
Dr. Yang Zhengfan Reply:
Dear May, I believe you may be experiencing sciatica. Typical sciatica is caused by a herniated disc between the vertebrae, which leads to nerve compression, resulting in symptoms such as pain, numbness, and tingling in the feet. I recommend that you consult an orthopedic special...[Read More] Persistent Foot Pain: When to Consult an Orthopedic Specialist
Understanding Post-Surgery Effects of Lumbar Disc Removal and Recovery
Lumbar disc herniation excision surgery Hello: I underwent a discectomy for a herniated disc (lumbar vertebrae L4 and L5) in mid-May 2002, which had compressed the nerves, followed by the implantation of a fusion device. I wore a back brace for over four months afterward. I would...
Dr. Lai Wenzhi Reply:
(1) A stabilizer is used to maintain a space that prevents compression of the nerves, which is intended to be long-term or even lifelong, without the need to consider a subsequent surgery for removal. (2)(3) Regular physical activity should not have any adverse effects. (4) If th...[Read More] Understanding Post-Surgery Effects of Lumbar Disc Removal and Recovery
Understanding Post-Fracture Recovery: Back Pain and Wrist Mobility Issues
Hello, I would like to ask about issues related to fractures after recovery? Hello Dr. Hsieh, I have a problem with lower back pain. After an examination at Taichung Lin Shin Hospital, it was found that I have cartilage degeneration. Does this count as a type of herniated disc? A...
Dr. Xie Tianjie Reply:
Lower back pain is a common condition among modern individuals, often stemming from poor posture, improper lifting, and trauma. Symptoms of a herniated disc include lower back pain and numbness or weakness in the lower extremities, which require thorough examination. After a left...[Read More] Understanding Post-Fracture Recovery: Back Pain and Wrist Mobility Issues
Understanding Herniated Discs: Surgery Risks and Rehabilitation Options
Herniated disc Does this condition require surgery, or are there other rehabilitation methods to alleviate the pain caused by nerve compression? What is the risk level associated with surgery? Thank you!
Dr. Zhou Hongzhi Reply:
1. Surgery is not always necessary and depends on the symptoms. 2. Rehabilitation can improve symptoms. 3. The risks of surgery depend on the severity of the symptoms; generally, the risks are not high.[Read More] Understanding Herniated Discs: Surgery Risks and Rehabilitation Options
Understanding Knee Pain and Weakness: A Guide to Recovery and Exercise
What is wrong with my foot? Hello Dr. Zhou, about six months after I turned 20, I experienced two inexplicable incidents that resulted in severe impacts to my left knee. One incident was a fall from my bike, and the other was a fall from a chair. At that time, I had X-rays taken,...
Dr. Zhou Hongzhi Reply:
In general, injured joints may have some damage that is not immediately apparent, but changes may occur later. Therefore, it is recommended that you come back to the hospital for further examination.[Read More] Understanding Knee Pain and Weakness: A Guide to Recovery and Exercise
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
Exploring Titanium Laser Treatment for Spinal Issues: Risks and Options
How many hospitals in the country currently have introduced titanium laser technology? Hello: My mother has been suffering from long-term lumbar disc herniation, which is compressing the nerves and causing severe pain below the waist. Currently, due to concerns about her diabetes...
Dr. Zhang Shengben Reply:
Hello. The indications for lumbar laser surgery are as follows: 1. It must be a simple herniated disc and not a ruptured disc, otherwise the surgery will be ineffective and potentially dangerous. 2. It must be a simple herniated disc without accompanying spinal stenosis, as this ...[Read More] Exploring Titanium Laser Treatment for Spinal Issues: Risks and Options
Can Laser Treatment Effectively Address Bone Spurs?
Can bone spurs be treated with laser therapy? Hello doctor, my father has been suffering from bone spurs for a long time, and it has become increasingly severe to the point where he experiences numbness while walking. Recently, a friend recommended that he undergo laser treatment...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
Dear Miss Hsiao-Ting, Regarding your question about whether bone spurs can be treated with laser therapy, it likely refers to the treatment of sciatica caused by a herniated disc in the spine. Medically, this can be done, but it is considered a surgical procedure and must meet s...[Read More] Can Laser Treatment Effectively Address Bone Spurs?
Alternative Treatments for Herniated Discs Beyond Surgery
Lumbar intervertebral disc herniation After being diagnosed with a herniated disc through X-rays and electromyography at the hospital, are there any alternatives to surgery?
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
The first occurrence of a herniated disc can typically be managed with conservative treatment, which includes medication or rehabilitation traction, along with bed rest, most cases can improve. If there is no improvement after six weeks of treatment, then invasive methods, such a...[Read More] Alternative Treatments for Herniated Discs Beyond Surgery