Understanding Your Back Pain: Bones or Nerves?
It is unclear whether the issue is with the bones or the nerves? Since the beginning of this year, I've been experiencing significant lower back pain when getting out of bed. I've also noticed that I can no longer bend over as easily as before, and I have difficulty squ...
Dr. Chen Yongxue Reply:
Hello, this phenomenon could be related to issues with the vertebrae, muscles, or nerves. Please consult an orthopedic physician for further evaluation.[Read More] Understanding Your Back Pain: Bones or Nerves?
Understanding Sciatica: Treatment Options and When to Consider Surgery
Sciatica If bending at the waist causes pain or if standing up from a sitting position also causes pain, the doctor has recommended physical therapy, which I am currently doing about six times a week. If there is no improvement, I may need to undergo an MRI. Does this examination...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
First, it is essential to confirm that the diagnosis is correct; otherwise, the treatment will also be incorrect. Sciatica refers to the phenomenon of nerve pain caused by compression of the lumbar nerves. This pain is located in the buttocks and can radiate down to the thigh, ca...[Read More] Understanding Sciatica: Treatment Options and When to Consider Surgery
Effective Strategies for Managing Chronic Pain in Multiple Joints
Shoulder blade, wrist joint, knee joint, ankle joint, lumbar intervertebral disc, sternum? The trapezius muscle has been in a forward-leaning position for a period of time while using a laptop about 8.9 years ago, resulting in long-term stiffness and soreness in the deeper areas ...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
Shoulder and neck pain is usually caused by overuse, and reducing activity in this area along with moderate heat therapy or some rehabilitation treatments may lead to improvement. If the right wrist joint continues to be problematic, it may be necessary to check for ligament issu...[Read More] Effective Strategies for Managing Chronic Pain in Multiple Joints
Understanding Spondylolysis: Symptoms, Treatment, and Recovery Options
Vertebral arch dissociation Hello Doctor: Recently, I experienced lower back pain. Initially, I suspected it might be prostatitis or a ligament strain. I first visited an orthopedic specialist and had an X-ray done. The doctor informed me that I have a condition called spondyloly...
Dr. Chen Yongxue Reply:
Patients with spondylolisthesis may experience soreness when bending or changing positions, but most do not have nerve compression. It is important to take care of the lower back, avoid heavy lifting, and have regular follow-ups. If any of the following occur: (1) worsening sympt...[Read More] Understanding Spondylolysis: Symptoms, Treatment, and Recovery Options
Understanding Avascular Necrosis After Fractures: Treatment and Recovery Insights
Avascular necrosis of the femoral head due to fracture of the wide joint? Is it necessary to replace the hip joint with an artificial joint for avascular necrosis of the femoral head due to closed fracture? If detected and treated early, will a replacement still be needed? How lo...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
Avascular necrosis of the femoral head requires assessment of its severity; only severe cases necessitate surgical intervention. In the early stages, surgery is not required, but close monitoring is essential. Typically, recovery from a total hip replacement takes about 6 to 12 w...[Read More] Understanding Avascular Necrosis After Fractures: Treatment and Recovery Insights
Understanding Lumbar Bone Spurs: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
Lumbar osteophytes Hello Dr. Wang: For about a week, I have been experiencing slight numbness in the tips of my toes and calves. Today, I went to an orthopedic clinic for an X-ray and found out that I have bone spurs in my lumbar spine. The doctor mentioned that this is likely th...
Dr. Wang Shouji Reply:
Hello: In response to your questions, here are the answers: 1. Individuals over the age of 20 may show signs of degenerative diseases such as bone spurs on X-rays. 2. Poor posture and excessive weight-bearing can lead to spinal degeneration and the formation of bone spurs. 3. Per...[Read More] Understanding Lumbar Bone Spurs: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
Understanding Sciatica: Is It Related to Piriformis Syndrome?
Questions about sciatica? Hello, doctor. One day, while sitting, I started to feel pain in my left buttock, which later became very painful in the morning when I woke up. Whenever I lie flat and relax, my buttock feels uncomfortable, and I can't bend my leg freely; sometimes...
Dr. Wang Shouji Reply:
Hello: Based on your symptoms, there is a higher likelihood of inflammation in the muscles at the back of the hip. Consider a local injection of anti-inflammatory medication (such as corticosteroids) to see if it improves your symptoms. It is recommended to follow up at the outpa...[Read More] Understanding Sciatica: Is It Related to Piriformis Syndrome?
Understanding Hip Clicking: Is It a Sign of Ankylosing Spondylitis?
Ankylosing Spondylitis Hello doctor, three months ago I experienced lower back pain after lifting heavy objects, and during an incidental examination, I was found to have the HLA-B27 gene associated with ankylosing spondylitis. However, after examination, the doctor determined th...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
Ankylosing spondylitis does not cause joint crepitus. Crepitus in the hip is unrelated to hip joint necrosis. It occurs due to the fibrosis and subsequent stiffness of the gluteus maximus muscle, which produces a sound as it glides over the greater trochanter of the femur. This s...[Read More] Understanding Hip Clicking: Is It a Sign of Ankylosing Spondylitis?
Understanding Spinal Injuries: When to Seek Medical Attention
Lumbar spine injury? Hello, doctor: I slipped and fell while going down the stairs, resulting in a spinal injury. Even though I was wearing a thick coat in winter, I still sustained abrasions. After the injury, I experienced tinnitus and mild vomiting, and since then, I have been...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
First, we need to check for persistent lower back pain. Second, we should look for any numbness or weakness in the lower extremities. Third, we need to see if the legs can be straightened or lifted. If none of these symptoms are present, then there is likely no significant injury...[Read More] Understanding Spinal Injuries: When to Seek Medical Attention
Understanding L2 Compression Fractures: Recovery and Management Tips
Compression fracture of the second lumbar vertebra? Hello Dr. Chen, I slipped and fell while walking to work in early November. I had an X-ray taken in the emergency room, but the doctor diagnosed me with a lumbar contusion. Later, during a follow-up visit, the outpatient doctor...
Dr. Chen Xingyuan Reply:
Dear Readers: Lumbar compression fractures will definitely cause back pain, with the most discomfort typically occurring in the first week after the fracture. Symptoms should gradually improve thereafter. Important considerations after a lumbar compression fracture include: 1. Av...[Read More] Understanding L2 Compression Fractures: Recovery and Management Tips
Dealing with Pain After a Slip on Wet Stairs: A Guide to Recovery
Slip on stairs Hello Doctor! About a month ago, I slipped on a wet staircase at my company while descending from the first floor to the basement. I slid down and struck my lower back and buttocks against the stairs twice, which was extremely painful. I was unable to stand up at t...
Dr. Chen Yongxue Reply:
Hello, a fracture of the coccyx can be quite distressing. However, in this anatomical location, there are no spinal nerves passing through, so there is no need to worry about nerve compression issues. Based on your description, it seems that the most difficult period has already ...[Read More] Dealing with Pain After a Slip on Wet Stairs: A Guide to Recovery
Understanding Lower Back Pain and Popping Sounds: Causes and Solutions
Lower back pain with popping sounds in the joints? In recent months, I have been experiencing significant lower back discomfort. When I sit in a chair and move one foot outward, I can hear a cracking sound from my lower back, accompanied by a sensation of bone movement, which pro...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
Lower back pain may be related to work or prolonged standing. If the symptoms persist, it is necessary to see a physician. The presence of sounds from the bones does not necessarily indicate a disease; it is often the result of ligaments sliding over the bones, which can produce ...[Read More] Understanding Lower Back Pain and Popping Sounds: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Scoliosis: Treatment Options for a 32-Degree Curve
Scoliosis of 32 degrees? I am 31 years old and have congenital torticollis. While studying at university in Australia, I suffered a spinal injury and underwent surgery for L5-S1 disc herniation in 2008, without any implants. It wasn't until about two years ago (in 2011) that...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
A 32-degree scoliosis angle is not considered significant. If there are no symptoms of lower back pain or nerve compression, surgery is not necessary. Since you are already 31 years old, the growth plates in your bones have fused, meaning it will not worsen. You can consult an or...[Read More] Understanding Scoliosis: Treatment Options for a 32-Degree Curve
Understanding Weakness in Limbs: Insights into Sciatica and Back Pain
Weakness in the limbs? I would like to ask about a previous experience where I felt pain in my lower back while riding as a passenger on a motorcycle. I didn't pay much attention to it at first, but in September, I started experiencing lumbar pain at work and sought treatmen...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
In the early stages of sciatica, conservative treatment is primarily emphasized, including medication, rehabilitation, traction, and rest. If there is no improvement, further imaging studies must be conducted to determine if there is indeed compression of the nerve root. If compr...[Read More] Understanding Weakness in Limbs: Insights into Sciatica and Back Pain
Understanding Lumbar Spine Injuries: Causes and Treatment Options
Lumbar spine injury Today, I visited a traditional Chinese medicine practitioner who mentioned that there is a curvature in my lumbar spine below the third lumbar vertebra. I am currently experiencing persistent lower back pain when sitting or standing up. Could a professional ph...
Dr. Wang Shouji Reply:
Hello: If there is scoliosis in the spine and the severity is unknown, it is advisable to visit an orthopedic clinic for an examination to determine the severity and necessary precautions. Thank you![Read More] Understanding Lumbar Spine Injuries: Causes and Treatment Options
Morning Leg Weakness: Understanding Causes and Solutions
Weakness in the legs upon waking up? Hello Doctor, my father is 62 years old. This morning, he woke up and found that his legs were weak, making it difficult for him to walk normally. He has to move his legs on the bed for about ten to twenty minutes before they feel normal again...
Dr. Chen Yongxue Reply:
Hello: In response to your question, there are many possible factors for leg weakness, such as knee joint degeneration and spinal stenosis. It is recommended that you visit our orthopedic clinic to see Dr. Kuo Chuhua for an evaluation and examination.[Read More] Morning Leg Weakness: Understanding Causes and Solutions
Severe Lower Back Pain After Pregnancy: Seeking Safe Diagnosis Options
Severe lower back pain? Hello, Doctor: I gave birth last year, and I occasionally experience mild lower back discomfort. On the afternoon of August 10th, I felt a bit of soreness in my lower back, which I didn't think much of, but it gradually worsened into severe pain. I ha...
Dr. Chen Yongxue Reply:
Hello: In response to your question, it is recommended that you first visit an orthopedic outpatient clinic for an evaluation by a physician to determine if an X-ray examination is necessary.[Read More] Severe Lower Back Pain After Pregnancy: Seeking Safe Diagnosis Options
Understanding Nerve Compression in the Lower Back: Causes and Solutions
Lumbar nerve compression Hello Doctor, I have a condition known as "frog legs," which means I cannot keep both feet flat on the ground when squatting; otherwise, I tend to lean backward. Recently, I've also noticed that I can only sleep on my side because when I li...
Dr. Wang Shouji Reply:
Hello: Frog legs are caused by tightness in the muscles on the outer side of the hips and thighs, but the likelihood of nerve compression is low. It is recommended to consult a physician for evaluation. Thank you![Read More] Understanding Nerve Compression in the Lower Back: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Neck and Back Pain: Causes, Treatments, and Long-Term Solutions
Neck, shoulder, and back pain with stiffness in the lower back? Hello, Doctor! Recently, I visited a local hospital due to neck, shoulder, back, and lower back pain and stiffness, which restricted my upper body movement and required me to move slowly. The hospital performed X-ray...
Dr. Chen Yongxue Reply:
Hello: In response to your inquiry, the presence of bone spurs or calcification in the spine is quite common. This is essentially a result of spinal aging or changes following past injuries. The vast majority of bone spurs do not affect daily life (meaning there are no symptoms o...[Read More] Understanding Neck and Back Pain: Causes, Treatments, and Long-Term Solutions
Understanding Cervical and Spinal Bone Spurs: Treatment Options Beyond Pain Relief
Cervical osteophytes and spinal osteophytes with calcification? Hello, Doctor! Recently, I visited a local hospital due to pain and stiffness in my neck, shoulders, back, and lower back, which restricted my upper body movement and required me to move slowly. The hospital performe...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
Shoulder, neck, and back pain is often related to poor posture or prolonged sitting, which are the main causes. Bone spurs are commonly found on the spine, and if they are not causing symptoms, they can be ignored. Medication can be effective, but it is not necessary to take it l...[Read More] Understanding Cervical and Spinal Bone Spurs: Treatment Options Beyond Pain Relief