How to Determine if Your Orthopedic Brace Fits Properly
How can you determine if a brace for a compression fracture fits properly? Thank you for your prompt response. However, the brace was provided by the company personnel, and they indicated on-site that it didn't seem to fit well. When they asked how it felt off, we couldn...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
When you first start wearing a brace, it can be uncomfortable and may take some time to adjust. If it still doesn't fit properly, it's important to modify the brace. The company that manufactures the brace will have a better understanding of the necessary adjustments. I...[Read More] How to Determine if Your Orthopedic Brace Fits Properly
How to Ensure Your Custom Back Brace is Effective for Lumbar Support
Lumbar vertebrae compression fracture brace? How can one determine if a custom-made brace is appropriate and stabilizes the spine without having worn it? My 53-year-old sister has only hypertension and no other medical conditions. On May 4th of this year, she was involved in a he...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
You can ask the company that manufactures protective gear to assess and customize it as closely as possible to fit your body shape.[Read More] How to Ensure Your Custom Back Brace is Effective for Lumbar Support
Understanding Spondylolisthesis: Symptoms, Treatment, and Recovery
Spondylolisthesis Hello, Doctor. I would like to ask about the issue of spondylolisthesis. I was diagnosed with grade 1 spondylolisthesis last month. Initially, I experienced lower back pain and numbness in my left thigh extending to my foot. The pain subsided with rest, but it w...
Dr. Chen Yongxue Reply:
Spondylolisthesis can potentially worsen, and strengthening the core muscles cannot completely prevent the deterioration or the timing for surgery. The progression of the condition varies depending on the underlying cause, rate of deterioration, and changes in symptoms. It is adv...[Read More] Understanding Spondylolisthesis: Symptoms, Treatment, and Recovery
Understanding Lumbar Spine Injuries: When to Seek Medical Advice
Lumbar spine injury? Hello Dr. Wang, about two years ago while I was doing laundry, I squatted under the showerhead and when I stood up, my lumbar spine hit the water pipe where the shower switch is located. At that time, I had a significant bruise. After it healed, I noticed tha...
Dr. Wang Shouji Reply:
Hello, it is advisable to first assess the condition of the illness before proceeding with the next steps in treatment. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Wang Shou-ji.[Read More] Understanding Lumbar Spine Injuries: When to Seek Medical Advice
Understanding Right Foot Nerve Issues and Persistent Lower Body Tension
Abnormal nerve sensation in the right foot (toes) and overall tightness in the right lower extremity? I underwent spinal scoliosis correction surgery at the age of 16 (in 2005). Before the correction, I had an S-shaped curvature when viewed from the back, with an angle of approxi...
Dr. Chen Yongxue Reply:
Hello, based on what you described, the symptoms seem quite severe. However, please consider whether it could simply be a case of myofascial inflammation. The reasons are as follows: 1. MRI shows only mild compression of the nerve (L5-S1). 2. There has been no improvement after s...[Read More] Understanding Right Foot Nerve Issues and Persistent Lower Body Tension
Understanding Coccydynia: When to Seek Further Evaluation
Coccyx contusion About 7 to 8 years ago, I fell off a table and landed on my buttocks. At that time, I experienced severe pain when standing up or sitting down for a while, but after visiting an orthopedic doctor and taking muscle relaxants, the pain significantly eased. After a ...
Dr. Chen Bochen Reply:
1. The injury from 7-8 years ago is not significantly related to the current pain. 2. Young people often experience lower back pain, which is usually associated with poor posture habits. It is recommended to avoid prolonged sitting and to maintain a regular exercise routine. ...[Read More] Understanding Coccydynia: When to Seek Further Evaluation
Can You Work in Freezing Conditions After Spine Surgery?
Is it safe to work in sub-zero environments within six months after surgery? Hello Doctor: I have a herniated disc issue at the L4-L5 level. I was hesitant to undergo surgery for a long time due to my fear of surgical failure leading to lower body paralysis, which caused me to de...
Dr. Cai Shanglin Reply:
Hello, dear online friend. I'm not sure if you underwent microsurgery or endoscopic surgery, but both typically involve smaller incisions and quicker recovery. Post-operative weight-bearing is more relevant than temperature, but it's still important to maintain warmth. ...[Read More] Can You Work in Freezing Conditions After Spine Surgery?
Understanding Sudden Joint Pain: Causes and When to Seek Help
Bone pain Hello Doctor: In mid-March, I have been experiencing sudden, brief episodes of aching or tingling pain in my ankles, calves, arms, knees, and collarbones. However, after some rubbing, the pain subsides quickly. It seems to occur randomly in different areas. What could b...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
Muscle soreness or joint pain can be evaluated by an orthopedic specialist, and lower back pain can also be addressed by orthopedics.[Read More] Understanding Sudden Joint Pain: Causes and When to Seek Help
Understanding Inflammation in the L4-L5 Lumbar Spine: Symptoms and Insights
Inflammation of the lumbar spine at the L4-L5 level? Hello Doctor, I experienced unusual pain in my lower back after lifting water in early November last year, which became severe by the evening. Initially, I thought it was a muscle strain, but after two months of no improvement,...
Dr. Wang Shouji Reply:
Hello, considering your age and history of strains, if you have no prior history of lower back pain, the likelihood of ankylosing spondylitis is low. A strain of the lower back muscles and soft tissues can lead to chronic back pain and stiffness if not fully recovered, as the bac...[Read More] Understanding Inflammation in the L4-L5 Lumbar Spine: Symptoms and Insights
Understanding Sacralization of the Lumbar Spine: Causes and Solutions for Chronic Pain
Lumbarization of the sacrum? Hello Doctor, I have been experiencing lower back pain for 11 years. It started as a dull ache and has progressed to severe pain. Lying flat, bending over, and standing for long periods are very painful (the pain radiates to my buttocks). Sometimes th...
Dr. Wang Shouji Reply:
Hello, it seems you may have a lumbar spine issue combined with sciatica. I recommend consulting with an orthopedic specialist, a neurosurgeon, or a spine surgeon. Wishing you the best.[Read More] Understanding Sacralization of the Lumbar Spine: Causes and Solutions for Chronic Pain
Managing Pain After Pelvic Fracture: When to Seek Medical Advice
Pelvic fracture Hello Doctor, my mother has been hospitalized for a month due to a left pelvic fracture. She underwent skeletal traction treatment for four weeks and has been discharged for over ten days. The doctor advised her not to bear weight, so she mostly remains in bed and...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
Pelvic fractures typically show initial callus formation around six weeks post-injury, at which point the fracture site gains a certain degree of stability, leading to a gradual reduction in pain rather than an abrupt decrease. Therefore, there is no need to rush for an earlier f...[Read More] Managing Pain After Pelvic Fracture: When to Seek Medical Advice
Post-Pelvic Fracture: Understanding Leg Pain and Discomfort
Post-pelvic fracture, there may be symptoms of lower limb soreness and cramping? Hello doctor, about four months ago I was in a car accident and sustained a pelvic fracture (lower right side of the pelvis). The doctor said there was no bleeding and minimal displacement, so surger...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
Prolonged inactivity may lead to lower back pain, and it is advisable to consult a physician for evaluation.[Read More] Post-Pelvic Fracture: Understanding Leg Pain and Discomfort
Managing Persistent Back Pain After Tuberculosis Treatment: Insights and Solutions
The MRI shows a slight herniation between the lumbar vertebrae L1 and L5, causing pain and discomfort at night while sleeping? I was treated for tuberculosis from December 6, 2019, to June 5, 2020, for a duration of six months. During this time, I have been experiencing lower bac...
Dr. Cai Shanglin Reply:
Hello, Teacher Lin. If you have been experiencing long-term discomfort due to lower back pain and suspect a spinal infection, an MRI can help determine the cause of your back pain, which can be quite complex. Most conservative treatments (non-surgical methods such as medication a...[Read More] Managing Persistent Back Pain After Tuberculosis Treatment: Insights and Solutions
Understanding Lower Back Pain: Causes and Solutions for Relief
Lower back pain? Hello, Dr. Tsai. Recently, whenever I lie down, both sides of my lower back easily feel sore (the right side more often). My right leg has also been experiencing occasional weakness while walking.
Dr. Cai Shanglin Reply:
Hello, the causes of lower back pain are numerous and complex. In most young individuals, it is often due to discomfort in soft tissues such as muscles, tendons, and ligaments. Paying attention to posture and engaging in appropriate exercise, along with conservative treatments (n...[Read More] Understanding Lower Back Pain: Causes and Solutions for Relief
Understanding Knee Discomfort: Causes, Concerns, and Care Tips
Knee problems Hello Doctor: I have three questions. 1. My left knee has been uncomfortable for two days, but it’s not painful to the point where I can describe the sensation. There is a spot on the outer upper side of my left knee that hurts when pressed, but the appearance of ...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
1. It could be tendonitis near the knee, and the noise might indicate a problem with the patella. 2. Bone cancer typically causes localized swelling and significant pain, such as in the knee or hip. If it has metastasized to the bones, back pain would indicate advanced stages, ...[Read More] Understanding Knee Discomfort: Causes, Concerns, and Care Tips
Understanding Persistent Right Lower Back Pain: Causes and Relief
Right lower back pain? Previously, I experienced a sharp pain in my right lower back whenever I bent over, but that sensation eventually went away. After that, I had a few days of soreness in my right lower back, which I thought was related to my menstrual period. However, for th...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
Lower back pain may be due to a muscle strain in the lumbar region or other issues related to the lower back. It could also be associated with the kidneys or ureters, such as kidney stones. In any case, if the symptoms do not improve, it is essential to seek medical attention.[Read More] Understanding Persistent Right Lower Back Pain: Causes and Relief
Understanding Giant Cell Tumors on the Spine: Risks, Treatments, and Surgical Options
Giant cell tumor located on the lumbar vertebrae? After undergoing an MRI and biopsy, I was diagnosed with a giant cell tumor at the lumbar spine L3. Currently, my symptoms include occasional weakness in my legs, along with soreness in my lower back, thighs, and near the anal are...
Dr. Chen Bochen Reply:
First, an incision will be made on the side to remove the tumor and perform spinal reconstruction, followed by another incision in the back to insert screws. This is the standard procedure. The surgeons who operate on the spine and those who specialize in bone tumors are usually ...[Read More] Understanding Giant Cell Tumors on the Spine: Risks, Treatments, and Surgical Options
Understanding Spinal Tumor Surgery Risks and Success Rates: What to Expect
What are the issues related to spinal tumors? What are the risks associated with surgery? Around the end of April this year, I suddenly experienced lower back pain. However, after resting for a few days, the pain subsided, so I didn't pay much attention to it. In July, while...
Dr. Chen Yongxue Reply:
Hello, I would like to understand how surgical success and failure are defined in medicine. Success is defined as complete tumor removal, no nerve damage, no infection, and secure implantation. Also, could my attending physician be negligent and let a student perform the surgery?...[Read More] Understanding Spinal Tumor Surgery Risks and Success Rates: What to Expect
Understanding Disc Herniation and Its Impact on Finger Sensation
Herniated disc finger issues Hello Doctor, since around mid to late October, I've been experiencing a peculiar sensation on the outer side of my left little toe, as if it's soft when it touches the floor. I consulted a doctor and had an X-ray taken, which revealed that ...
Dr. Wang Shouji Reply:
Hello, the symptoms in your hands and feet are likely not caused by the same issue. First, we need to assess the degree of scoliosis. Given your age, if the curvature is not significant, it is unlikely to affect the nerves, and treatment with medication and rehabilitation should ...[Read More] Understanding Disc Herniation and Its Impact on Finger Sensation
Post-Hip Replacement: Managing Pain and Weakness After Surgery
Postoperative hip joint care In February of this year, I underwent a left hip joint replacement and a decompression surgery on the right side. My left thigh still feels numb, and by August, I started experiencing pain on the right side. In September, I had a right hip joint repla...
Dr. You Dianqi Reply:
Hello, you are quite young to undergo bilateral hip replacement, and the majority of cases are due to avascular necrosis of the femoral head. Given your recovery time, theoretically, you should be able to walk and return to a more normal condition. As a sincere suggestion, it is ...[Read More] Post-Hip Replacement: Managing Pain and Weakness After Surgery