Understanding Hard Lumps on the Spine: Possible Causes and Concerns
There is a hard lump on the lumbar spine? Hello, doctor. My father has lumbar spinal stenosis, and he walks with a hunch and experiences soreness. Recently, we noticed a hard, protruding area on his lower back, and we are unsure what it could be. He is reluctant to seek medical a...
Dr. Chen Yongxue Reply:
Older individuals often experience issues such as kyphosis and compression fractures due to degenerative changes. This can result in a noticeable protrusion in the lower back, which is more pronounced in thinner individuals. If you have any concerns, it is advisable to consult an...[Read More] Understanding Hard Lumps on the Spine: Possible Causes and Concerns
Understanding Insurance Coverage for Bone Cement in Spinal Fractures
Is bone cement covered by health insurance? Due to a family member being diagnosed with a compression fracture of the 12th vertebra, which has resulted in that vertebra being shorter and also having osteoporosis, the doctor did not inform us whether health insurance would cover t...
Dr. Wang Shouji Reply:
Hello, the vertebral body jack procedure is not covered by health insurance. Generally, bone cement mainly serves to stabilize the fracture site, and to achieve pain relief, it may be necessary to correct the shape, which might still require elevating the fracture site. Changhua ...[Read More] Understanding Insurance Coverage for Bone Cement in Spinal Fractures
Understanding Spinal Issues: Should You See a Doctor for Back Pain?
My spine? I have a noticeable hunchback, and when I try to straighten up or lean back, I hear several cracking sounds from the middle of my spine between my shoulder blades. Sometimes, there are fine, compressed or friction-like noises, and the frequency is quite high. Occasional...
Dr. Wang Jiacheng Reply:
You should see an orthopedic doctor to examine your thoracic spine to check for any bone issues or if it's just a matter of posture. The English term for this condition is spinal kyphosis, which you can look up online for more information.[Read More] Understanding Spinal Issues: Should You See a Doctor for Back Pain?
Understanding Kyphosis: When to Seek Medical Attention for Back Pain
Hunched over for a while? I have a noticeable hunchback, and when I try to straighten up or lean back, I hear several cracking sounds from the middle of my spine between my shoulder blades. Sometimes, there are also fine grinding or friction noises, and the frequency is quite hig...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
You should see an orthopedic doctor to examine the thoracic spine to check for any bone issues or if it's just a matter of posture. The English term for this condition is spinal kyphosis, which you can look up online for more information.[Read More] Understanding Kyphosis: When to Seek Medical Attention for Back Pain
Can Knee Replacement Help Reduce Hunchback in Seniors?
Many years after total knee arthroplasty and kyphosis? Hello, Doctor. Happy New Year! I apologize for the interruption. My mother underwent bilateral knee arthroplasty at the China Post Hospital in Taipei in 2011, likely using titanium alloy. She lives in Changhua and is currentl...
Dr. Wang Shouji Reply:
Hello: The severity of the above conditions must be considered. If an elderly person has been unable to squat for several years, it is quite challenging to regain that ability. Kyphosis is often related to osteoporosis and compression fractures, and a proper assessment requires s...[Read More] Can Knee Replacement Help Reduce Hunchback in Seniors?
Understanding Neck Tension: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
Shoulder and neck tension? Hello doctor, recently I have been undergoing acupuncture treatment for my kyphosis and cervical spondylosis. I usually stretch my neck muscles, but lately, when I stretch, I hear a sound like something is sticking and then being torn apart, although it...
Dr. Li Yongheng Reply:
Hello, based on your symptoms, it is likely that the tightness and pain are caused by myofascial pain syndrome. Traction for the neck may not be necessary. I recommend visiting a reputable rehabilitation clinic for treatment, as it tends to be more effective and safer. Thank you ...[Read More] Understanding Neck Tension: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
Understanding Compression Fractures: Are They Congenital or Tumor-Related?
Congenital spinal development issues? Compression fractures? Hello, Doctor. I am a 28-year-old male. Recently, I experienced chest and back pain for several months, which led me to visit a hospital and consult a neurologist. The doctor ordered an X-ray of my lumbar spine, and dur...
Dr. Li Yongheng Reply:
Hello, your spine may have developed naturally, so there is no need to worry too much. However, there is indeed a possibility of a tumor causing a vertebral fracture. Therefore, it is still recommended that you undergo an MRI examination.[Read More] Understanding Compression Fractures: Are They Congenital or Tumor-Related?
Preventive Vertebroplasty: Is It Right for Your Osteoporosis Risk?
Preventive bone cement injection Dear Dr. Lee, My mother is currently 68 years old. Recently, she underwent a bone density test, which revealed an average lumbar spine bone density value of -3.2 (T score). Aside from mild hypertension, she does not have any other medical conditi...
Dr. Li Yongheng Reply:
Hello, I do not recommend performing prophylactic vertebroplasty. This procedure is still considered invasive and carries risks, such as infection and cement leakage leading to nerve compression. Denosumab (Prolia) is commonly used in clinical practice and is effective for treati...[Read More] Preventive Vertebroplasty: Is It Right for Your Osteoporosis Risk?
Understanding Height Growth and Changes in Adulthood
Height issues If a 26-year-old male's growth plates have closed, it indicates that he will not experience any further increase in height, not even by 0.1 centimeters (excluding temporary height increases from activities like yoga that stretch the spine). However, as individu...
Dr. Li Yongheng Reply:
If a 26-year-old male has closed growth plates, it indicates that he will not grow taller. As he ages, factors such as osteoporosis and kyphosis may gradually decrease his height. The age at which height reduction begins varies from person to person.[Read More] Understanding Height Growth and Changes in Adulthood
Understanding L1 Vertebral Fractures: Risks, Treatment, and Recovery Time
Fracture of the first lumbar vertebra? You have a fracture of the first lumbar vertebra, with some compression of one of the vertebrae. Currently, you need to wear a long back brace, and you are not experiencing pain. Will the bone slip out of place? Do you need surgery? How long...
Dr. Li Wenhong Reply:
Hello Ms. Lin: If the injury has been present for 3 months and is not painful, you do not need to wear a brace. There may be slight kyphosis, but it will not lead to dislocation. If there are no symptoms such as numbness, pain, or weakness, surgery is not necessary. Recovery time...[Read More] Understanding L1 Vertebral Fractures: Risks, Treatment, and Recovery Time
Risk of Disc Herniation and Scoliosis After Lumbar Fractures from Accidents
A car accident resulting in a lumbar vertebral fracture may lead to future complications such as intervertebral disc herniation or scoliosis as sequelae? Hello, doctor. Due to a train accident, I have sustained fractures of the transverse processes of the first to fifth lumbar ve...
Dr. Wang Shouji Reply:
Hello: Regarding your question about the deformity following a spinal vertebra fracture, it generally leads to kyphosis and scoliosis less frequently, but it still depends on the specific circumstances of the fracture. Thank you![Read More] Risk of Disc Herniation and Scoliosis After Lumbar Fractures from Accidents
Understanding Pubic Bone Protrusion: Causes and Treatment Options
Pubic protrusion Hello, I would like to ask if pubic bone protrusion can be treated, as it does not look aesthetically pleasing. I'm not sure if it is caused by poor posture over a long period or if it is a hereditary issue, because I have noticed that my posture tends to ma...
Dr. Chen Yongxue Reply:
Hello, I think the symptoms you mentioned are likely not related to pubic symphysis protrusion, but rather a slight lumbar kyphosis that is causing an anterior pelvic tilt in your standing posture. If that is the case, please pay attention to your posture; with effort, it can be ...[Read More] Understanding Pubic Bone Protrusion: Causes and Treatment Options
Understanding Bone Cement Surgery and the Need for Bone Stabilization Injections
Regarding the bone cement procedure, the physician prescribed "Bone Stabilization Injection." Hello Dr. Chen, My grandmother has osteoporosis and has been experiencing severe pain due to her long-term kyphosis. After undergoing vertebroplasty, the doctor mentioned on t...
Dr. Chen Yongxue Reply:
1. Bone stabilization and bone cement injection surgeries are commonly used for patients with compression fractures; the former serves a preventive purpose, while the latter is therapeutic. 2. The occurrence of osteosarcoma has been observed in mice, but when converted to human...[Read More] Understanding Bone Cement Surgery and the Need for Bone Stabilization Injections
Understanding Spinal Issues: Spondylolisthesis, Kyphosis, and Compression Fractures
Spondylolisthesis, scoliosis, osteophytes, and compression fractures? Grandma (83 years old) has recently been diagnosed with spondylolisthesis, scoliosis, and osteophyte-related compression fractures. She has not yet undergone an MRI, and the physician has assessed that surgery ...
Dr. Chen Yongxue Reply:
Hello, the timing for surgery in cases of spondylolisthesis, scoliosis, osteophytes, and compression fractures should be determined based on MRI findings in conjunction with clinical symptoms. The risks associated with surgery vary from person to person, with the primary concerns...[Read More] Understanding Spinal Issues: Spondylolisthesis, Kyphosis, and Compression Fractures
Understanding Osteoporosis: Medication Side Effects and New Treatment Options
Osteoporosis Hello, I would like to consult a doctor. My mother underwent a density test, and the doctor said she is at level three. Previously, she was prescribed "Fosamax" (Alendronate), but after taking the medication in the morning, she experienced body pain in the ...
Dr. Ye Qingnian Reply:
Fosamax (alendronate) should not cause systemic pain, but be cautious as it may lead to osteonecrosis of the jaw and osteoporosis. Both oral and injectable bisphosphonates can potentially cause osteonecrosis of the jaw, so it is best to have a thorough discussion with your treati...[Read More] Understanding Osteoporosis: Medication Side Effects and New Treatment Options
Understanding Chest Bone Protrusions: Causes and Concerns
I have two bony protrusions on my chest? Hello Doctor: It seems that the bone near my right breast, close to the nipple, has a protrusion that appears to be bent. The bone below my left chest, near my abdomen, is also noticeably raised. I weigh only 40 kg, so these changes are ea...
Dr. Wang Shouji Reply:
Hello: Malignant bone lesions are rare in the sternum and ribs, but spinal misalignment may lead to skeletal deformities in the chest. It is recommended to get an X-ray for clarification; if there are no significant abnormalities, there should be no major issues. Thank you![Read More] Understanding Chest Bone Protrusions: Causes and Concerns
Vertebral Compression Fractures in Osteoporosis: Is Cement Surgery Effective for Seniors?
Compression fractures of the first and second vertebrae due to a fall caused by osteoporosis? My mother is currently 84 years old and has suffered compression fractures of the first and second vertebrae due to osteoporosis after a fall. She no longer experiences much pain, but sh...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
Typically, after a spinal injury, the pain will decrease within one to two weeks, and the patient may gradually be able to sit up. However, complete recovery may take two to three months. The use of bone cement in surgical procedures has shown excellent results, providing immedia...[Read More] Vertebral Compression Fractures in Osteoporosis: Is Cement Surgery Effective for Seniors?
Is There a Connection Between Scoliosis and Kyphosis?
Hello, is there a relationship between scoliosis and kyphosis? I had an X-ray yesterday, and the doctor said there are three areas of scoliosis. He measured one of the curves and said it is 10 degrees, which was about 7 degrees two years ago. I also have a hunchback. I wonder if ...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
Scoliosis refers to the lateral curvature of the spine, while kyphosis refers to the anterior-posterior curvature; the two conditions are quite different. Kyphosis is usually due to poor posture and can often be corrected, whereas scoliosis typically results from abnormal bone de...[Read More] Is There a Connection Between Scoliosis and Kyphosis?
Understanding Lower Back Numbness: Causes and Solutions for Posture Issues
Recently, I've been experiencing some numbness in my lower back? Due to long hours of standing at work, I have recently developed some issues, specifically numbness in my lower back and a bit in the left side of my buttocks (only that specific spot is numb, not the entire ar...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
If the spine is deformed, such as in cases of scoliosis or kyphosis, it can increase the load on the back muscles, making them more susceptible to soreness. Overworking can also lead to pain. Poor posture can cause discomfort as well; if there is a discrepancy in leg length, it m...[Read More] Understanding Lower Back Numbness: Causes and Solutions for Posture Issues
Understanding Hip and Lower Back Tendon Inflammation: Causes and Solutions
Tendinitis often occurs in the area where the lower back connects to the hips? Hello Doctor, I would like to ask about the pain I've been experiencing in the area where my lower back connects to my hips for the past few years. After visiting the doctor, I was told that it wa...
Dr. Lin Yijun Reply:
Hello: First, without a direct examination, it is not possible to provide a definitive diagnosis, but the following opinions are for your reference. 1. If your lower back pain is accompanied by morning stiffness lasting more than 30 minutes, worsens after rest, and improves wit...[Read More] Understanding Hip and Lower Back Tendon Inflammation: Causes and Solutions