Lumbar spine, Orthopedics FAQ

Can a Sagging Mattress Cause Morning Lower Back Pain?

Could a sagging mattress cause lower back pain upon waking up? Dear Dr. Shi, I apologize for not visiting the hospital directly, as I was unsure of the cause of my discomfort. About two months ago, I purchased a new bed, but after approximately a month of use, I began to notice ...

Dr. Shi Qiming Reply:
Hello: The firmness of the mattress is a factor that affects the angle of the lumbar spine during sleep. Both too hard and too soft mattresses are unsuitable. Ideally, when lying flat, the mattress should sink about three centimeters. As you mentioned, a new mattress that has sig...

Effective Strategies to Alleviate Sciatica Pain and Improve Mobility

Sciatica Hello Dr. Chou, I would like to ask what methods can improve the condition of sciatica. My father has been experiencing a dull pain from his buttocks to the back of his thigh. Could this be sciatica? What foods can he eat, or what exercises can he do to prevent bone is...

Dr. Zhou Lizhi Reply:
Sciatica is caused by degenerative compression of the lumbar spine. In younger individuals, it may result from improper loading of the intervertebral discs, while in older adults, it is often due to spinal degeneration leading to bone spurs. At this point, it is essential to asse...

Understanding Sciatica: Symptoms, Treatment, and Recovery Insights

Sure! Please provide the specific content or details you would like me to translate regarding sciatica? Hello, Doctor: I would like to ask for your help! Thank you for your previous assistance. I used to feel pain (numbness) in the back of my thigh while walking, and my right foo...

Dr. Wang Shouji Reply:
Based on your age, the likelihood of a herniated disc causing sciatica is the highest. X-rays cannot detect this condition (it is usually identified through MRI or CT scans). Treatment generally involves rest, medication, rehabilitation, and possibly surgical intervention. If con...

Can Long-Term Spinal Issues from Sports Injuries Be Treated?

Chronic illness Hello Dr. Wang: When I was 18 years old, I suffered a sports injury that left me unable to walk for two weeks. However, I did not undergo active rehabilitation at that time, and now my spine (from the cervical to the lumbar region) cannot bend. Is it still possibl...

Dr. Wang Shouji Reply:
A-Ming needs to assess the extent of the injury. However, it is rare for an injury to have such a wide impact (from the cervical spine to the lumbar spine). It is important to consider whether it is caused by a disease. It is recommended to visit a hospital's orthopedic depa...

Understanding Right-Sided Buttock Pain: Causes and Solutions

Right-sided buttock pain? This symptom has been present for two weeks. Initially, I felt a dull ache in the middle of my right buttock. Gradually, when I attempted to touch my toes with both hands, I found it difficult with my right hand and could not reach my right toe. Just per...

Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
Pain in the middle of the buttocks may be related to the sciatic nerve. The sciatic nerve exits from the lumbar spine and passes through the central posterior area of the buttocks, then travels down to the thigh, knee, calf, and foot. This type of symptom may be caused by nerve c...

Can Basic Physical Exams Detect Spinal Cord Compression?

Can a basic physical examination detect spinal cord compression? Dear Director: Can a basic physical examination (including tendon reflexes, muscle strength, sensory nerves, and the presence of pain points) detect lumbar vertebral compression fractures? Is it safe to engage in ...

Dr. Wang Shouji Reply:
Compression fractures of the lumbar spine typically present with pain but do not usually exhibit neurological symptoms such as weakness or numbness, unless the vertebral body collapses by more than 50%, which can affect the stability of the posterior column and the nerves. Physic...

Understanding Lumbar Spine Issues: Is My Condition Serious?

I'm sorry, but I need specific content to translate. Please provide the text you would I apologize for the inconvenience, but I would like to ask again. I had X-ray examinations at Chi Mei and National Cheng Kung University hospitals, and the diagnosis showed that my lumbar ...

Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
Congenital sacral dysgenesis is medically referred to as spina bifida sacrum, and it is usually not severe. If there is no nerve involvement or compression, symptoms typically do not occur. This condition is often visible on X-ray images and generally does not require treatment.

Understanding Lumbar Lordosis: Causes and Pain Management Insights

Lumbar spine is relatively straight? Hello, doctor. I had an X-ray that showed my lumbar spine is straighter than normal. I went to see a traditional Chinese medicine practitioner for rehabilitation, and the therapist mentioned that the curvature of my lumbar spine is lost, which...

Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
1. After experiencing lower back pain, the muscles may tighten, resulting in a straighter posture; however, once the pain subsides, the condition will improve. 2. The pain is not caused by the straighter posture, but rather by strains or sprains of the muscles, tendons, or liga...

Understanding Sudden Lower Back Pain: Causes and When to Seek Help

Low back pain? Hello Dr. Lee, In recent years, I have occasionally experienced severe pain in my lower back, which feels like it starts from a specific vertebra and then radiates to both sides, causing intense pain around my abdomen. However, the pain subsides after a while, an...

Dr. Li Wenlin Reply:
Hello: In response to your question. 1. Based on your description, there are three possible conditions. The first is kidney or ureteral stones, which typically present with unilateral symptoms. The second is inflammation of the lumbar spine or surrounding muscles, which usually a...

Misdiagnosed Joint Issues: A Patient's Journey Through Multiple Surgeries

It took three surgeries to finally identify the issue with the spine? Hello Doctor, I had surgery for HIVD in December 2005, and my recovery was good. However, prior to radiation therapy, my wound may have come into contact with water, and I experienced unexplained fevers three...

Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
After total hip arthroplasty, patients typically need to rely on a cane for about three to six months. Using a walker allows for some weight-bearing, but it is advisable to discontinue the walker only after three to six months when there is no pain. Muscles that are not used for ...

Managing Sciatica Pain: Can My Mother Continue Her Dance Fitness Classes?

Bone spur Hello Dr. Zhou: My mother visited the orthopedic department at Taipei County Hospital today due to pain in her left thigh. After an X-ray, the doctor determined that she has developed some small bone spurs at the tailbone due to degeneration, which is causing nerve comp...

Dr. Zhou Lizhi Reply:
Degeneration of the lumbar spine due to age or trauma often leads to the formation of bone spurs. However, if these bone spurs do not compress the nerves, symptoms may not occur, and treatment may not be necessary. On the other hand, if nerve compression occurs, symptoms such as ...

Persistent Right Back Numbness After Fall: Possible Causes and Solutions

Numbness in the right back after a bruise! Hello: I fell from a window onto my buttocks on July 11. Two hours later, I experienced swelling in my cervical spine, and that night I had severe pain in my coccyx and lumbar spine. A week later, I started to feel numbness in my right b...

Dr. Wang Shouji Reply:
Jia-Yun: Aside from the localized sexual numbness mentioned in your text, there should be no symptoms of pain or weakness. It is likely caused by a localized bruise. I recommend applying heat at least twice a day. If symptoms persist for more than a month, it is advisable to visi...

Should I See an Orthopedic Specialist for My Post-Accident Back Pain?

I'm sorry, but I need specific content to translate. Please provide the text you would like me to translate into I would like to ask about an accident I had a year and a half ago where I injured my head and coccyx. At that time, everyone was more focused on my head injury, a...

Dr. Shi Qiming Reply:
Hello, there is still a distance between the lumbar vertebrae and the coccyx, which may not necessarily be related. The lower back pain and discomfort could be associated with regular fatigue. It is recommended that you visit an orthopedic clinic for further examination and treat...

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...

Post-Hip Replacement Recovery: When to Consult a Neurologist?

About the hip joint? My father underwent hip replacement surgery two to three months ago and has been doing rehabilitation on his own. If he experiences numbness in both legs, should he see a neurologist? I am from Tainan, and I would appreciate any recommendations for experience...

Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
Numbness in both feet can certainly be caused by issues related to the lumbar spine. You can consult a neurologist, but it's also advisable to see an orthopedic specialist (spine specialist). In Tainan, the Orthopedic Department at National Cheng Kung University Hospital is ...

Understanding Chronic Lower Back Pain: Causes and Solutions

Lower back pain? Hello Doctor: I have been suffering from lower back pain since middle school. Every time I start sleeping on my back, my lumbar spine becomes extremely painful, and I have to switch to sleeping on my side or stomach for a while before I can lie flat without pain....

Dr. Wang Shouji Reply:
Human orientation: Humans, as long-term bipedal vertebrates, experience significant and severe spinal degeneration and back pain. Given your age, it is unlikely that you have very serious degenerative issues. It is important to pay attention to whether there are any postural prob...

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 ...

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 ...

Navigating Complex Orthopedic Issues After a Car Accident

My ailments torment me so much~~ I was involved in a car accident a year ago, resulting in a fracture and protrusion between my left neck and clavicle, as well as a deviation of the left neck muscles. Approximately a year ago, after the accident, I consulted many doctors at the h...

Dr. Chen Xingyuan Reply:
Dear netizen: The symptoms you described, such as "aching and tingling sensations in both legs," could indeed be indicative of sciatica caused by lumbar spine issues. However, further physical examination and possibly imaging studies are necessary to confirm the diagnos...

Understanding Quadriceps Tightness: Causes, Diagnosis, and Management

Frog legs Hello Dr. Su, In December, I wrote an email to inquire about issues related to quadriceps muscle spasms. I also visited you in person at Chiayi Hospital at the end of December, so you should remember me. Currently, the doctors at Chang Gung Memorial Hospital have condu...

Dr. Su Yiren Reply:
Dear TJD, Thank you for providing various reports. I hope to choose an effective method to address the current symptoms. If the situation is severe, a quadriceps lengthening procedure may be necessary. However, if we proceed with this, it must be thorough; a lengthening of at le...

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