Understanding Vertebroplasty: Risks, Benefits, and Alternatives for Osteoporosis
Vertebroplasty with bone cement My father is 62 years old and often experiences numbness in his shoulders and arms, along with back pain when getting in and out of bed. He went to see a doctor. The traditional Chinese medicine doctor diagnosed him with severe scoliosis, which is ...
Dr. Yang Zhengfan Reply:
Dear Andrea, you have truly put in a lot of effort, and you have thoroughly researched the pros and cons of bone cement treatment. However, the real issue is not whether bone cement treatment is good or bad, but rather: should bone cement be used for treatment? According to your ...[Read More] Understanding Vertebroplasty: Risks, Benefits, and Alternatives for Osteoporosis
Understanding Osteoporosis: Onion Benefits, Calcium Intake, and Supplements
Osteoporosis Dear Dr. Shi: Does onion help with osteoporosis? Can excessive calcium supplementation lead to kidney stones? What is the correct way to supplement calcium? For those who do not yet have osteoporosis but regularly hike, how should they maintain their bone health? Are...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
There is no research on the impact of onions on bone health, so it remains unclear. The recommended calcium intake is approximately 1000 mg per day, which varies depending on age and individual circumstances (such as adults, children, and pregnant women). About 600 mg of calcium ...[Read More] Understanding Osteoporosis: Onion Benefits, Calcium Intake, and Supplements
Bone Health Supplements: Benefits, Risks, and Recommendations
Bone health maintenance Dear Dr. Yeh: Before developing osteoporosis, is it advisable to take bone health supplements in advance? What are the consequences of excessive intake? Are there any side effects? What type of supplement is Bonesamin capsules? Are they beneficial? Note: I...
Dr. Ye Qingnian Reply:
Generally, at the age of thirty, a person's bones are at their hardest. After thirty, bone density gradually declines, especially in women after menopause, which accelerates bone loss. Maintaining bone health is quite simple; it requires appropriate weight-bearing exercises ...[Read More] Bone Health Supplements: Benefits, Risks, and Recommendations
Understanding the Use of Osteoporosis Medications: Do You Need a Prescription?
Regarding the use of glucosamine supplements? Hello: Is a prescription required for the medication Glucosamine, or can it be purchased over the counter at a pharmacy? Are there any side effects associated with it? Generally, what type of individuals should take it? Can it be used...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
Glucosamine is classified as a prescription medication in Taiwan, but in the United States, it is available as a dietary supplement that can be purchased at pharmacies or supermarkets. Its main ingredient is glucosamine, which is primarily used for the maintenance of knee joint c...[Read More] Understanding the Use of Osteoporosis Medications: Do You Need a Prescription?
Essential Care Tips for Managing Fracture Patients Effectively
How to Properly Care for Patients with Fractures How to care for a patient with a fracture?
Dr. Shi Qiming Reply:
To begin with, it is essential to assess the patient's mobility. If the patient is unable to move due to a fracture and requires bed rest, rehabilitation should be conducted in bed to prevent joint stiffness and muscle atrophy, typically with assistance for joint activities....[Read More] Essential Care Tips for Managing Fracture Patients Effectively
Understanding Osteoporosis: Treatment, Supplements, and Dietary Tips
Osteoporosis is a medical condition characterized by a decrease in bone density and quality, leading to an increased risk of fractures. It occurs when the creation of new bone doesn't keep up with the loss of old bone. Factors contributing to osteoporosis include aging, Hell...
Dr. Ye Qingnian Reply:
Osteoporosis requires daily maintenance, including consuming milk and small dried fish to supplement calcium, engaging in exercise, brisk walking, or strolling, and getting 15 minutes of sunlight daily to produce active vitamin D. Sun exposure should be done in the morning or eve...[Read More] Understanding Osteoporosis: Treatment, Supplements, and Dietary Tips
Understanding Abnormal Bone Resorption in Young Adults: Causes and Concerns
abnormal osteoporosis Hello, Director Yeh: I visited the orthopedic department at Taipei Women's and Children's Hospital today. The reason for my visit is that I injured my right thumb approximately three months ago, and it has not healed. Therefore, I sought medical a...
Dr. Ye Qingnian Reply:
A 27-year-old male is unlikely to have osteoporosis unless there is a metabolic disorder. In healthy individuals, bone density is at its peak around the age of 30. If there is evidence of bone resorption, it is important to check for conditions such as hyperuricemia or rheumatolo...[Read More] Understanding Abnormal Bone Resorption in Young Adults: Causes and Concerns
Does Drinking Distilled Water Lead to Osteoporosis? Myths and Facts
Purified water/distilled water and osteoporosis???? Hello, I have often heard that drinking distilled water is bad for the body. However, when I asked a traditional Chinese medicine doctor about it, he said it was not a problem. Later, I asked an online friend (who claims to be a...
Dr. Shi Qiming Reply:
Dear Concerned Individual: Drinking distilled water does not lead to osteoporosis; however, it may result in insufficient intake of electrolytes, which could cause bone formation issues. If you can supplement your diet with a variety of foods and beverages that provide adequate e...[Read More] Does Drinking Distilled Water Lead to Osteoporosis? Myths and Facts
Understanding Bone Tumors: Concerns and Alternatives for Healing
I would like to inquire about issues related to bone tumors? First of all, I would like to express my gratitude for your time in addressing my concerns. My mother unfortunately fell in early November last year, resulting in a fracture at the junction of her right upper arm and sh...
Dr. Xu Xijing Reply:
Please visit the outpatient clinic for consultation.[Read More] Understanding Bone Tumors: Concerns and Alternatives for Healing
Can I Donate My Bone Marrow to My Grandmother for Relief?
I want to donate bone marrow to my grandmother. Is there a limit? Hello, Dr. Shi: My family has a grandmother who underwent spinal surgery two years ago due to osteoporosis, which caused bone spurs that were compressing her nerves. She felt better after the surgery, but now the p...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
Bone marrow transplantation must have its indications, and osteoporosis is not suitable for it. If transplantation is required for other reasons, tissue antigen matching must be performed first, and only after a match is confirmed can the procedure be carried out.[Read More] Can I Donate My Bone Marrow to My Grandmother for Relief?
How to Assess Your Bone Health: Essential Tests and Tips
Bone health assessment Hello, doctor: How can I check if my bones are healthy? Thank you.
Dr. Shi Qiming Reply:
Dear Achang: Bone examinations should be determined based on age. For individuals at a developmental age, blood tests can be used to assess bone development. For those at an age associated with osteoporosis (over 65 years), a bone density test can be conducted. Orthopedics Depart...[Read More] How to Assess Your Bone Health: Essential Tests and Tips
Rehabilitation After Knee Fracture Surgery: When to Start?
After a patellar fracture that requires surgical repair with pins, is rehabilitation necessary? Hello Dr. Chou, My mother slipped and fell at home in early April, resulting in a fracture of the upper part of her knee bone. She received immediate medical attention, underwent surg...
Dr. Zhou Lizhi Reply:
Patellar fractures depend on the degree of comminution and displacement. If properly stabilized, casting may not be necessary; however, in cases of comminuted fractures or in patients with osteoporosis, casting is required. Based on the information from online sources, this appea...[Read More] Rehabilitation After Knee Fracture Surgery: When to Start?
Understanding Long-Term Spine Pain: Causes, Treatments, and Exercises
Chronic spinal pain Dr. Hsu: Hello, I started experiencing spinal pain at the end of January. I don't feel it when standing, but it is particularly noticeable when pressing on the vertebrae and bending forward. The doctor said it is likely myofascial inflammation and unrelat...
Dr. Xu Zhijun Reply:
Hello: Most cases of low back pain are due to poor posture and improper use of the lumbar region, leading to muscle spasms and pain in the surrounding muscles. Initially, X-rays may not show any significant bone changes, but if inflammation persists for too long, it can gradually...[Read More] Understanding Long-Term Spine Pain: Causes, Treatments, and Exercises
Understanding Osteoporosis: Treatments and Low-Side-Effect Medications
Osteoporosis What are the current medications for treating osteoporosis, and which new drug has the least side effects? I was born in 1972, and my recent osteoporosis test result was -1.7. What does this value mean? Will you be seeing patients on Friday?
Dr. Sun Ruisheng Reply:
May I ask what method you use to diagnose osteoporosis, considering that young men are generally less likely to suffer from this condition? I recommend that you visit a medical facility to consult with an orthopedic specialist for a follow-up examination.[Read More] Understanding Osteoporosis: Treatments and Low-Side-Effect Medications
Does Pillow Height Affect Posture and Hunchback Issues?
Does the height of a pillow affect hunchback posture? Hello Dr. Chen, sometimes people remind me that I have a hunchback, so I lift my head and straighten my chest, and then I don't have a hunchback anymore. When I'm feeling down or not paying attention, I tend to hunch...
Dr. Chen Xingyuan Reply:
Dear Anbang, It seems that you may be overthinking this. As long as you have undergone an examination by an orthopedic physician and have been confirmed to have no skeletal abnormalities, you should feel reassured. The height of your pillow is likely unrelated to your hunchback ...[Read More] Does Pillow Height Affect Posture and Hunchback Issues?
Understanding Scoliosis: Long-Term Effects and Pregnancy Considerations
Regarding scoliosis (spiral form) Dear Doctor: I have a friend who has congenital scoliosis. I only know that it is spiral in shape, and he mentioned that his sternum has not been deformed due to the scoliosis. He underwent surgery around the age of 12-13. He did not specify whic...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
After spinal scoliosis surgery, it is important to assess the degree of deformity correction. If the angle is already small, there is likely to be minimal future impact. However, if the angle remains significant, there may be a risk of lower back pain or further deterioration. A ...[Read More] Understanding Scoliosis: Long-Term Effects and Pregnancy Considerations
Managing Osteoporotic Spine Fractures in Elderly Patients: Recovery and Rehabilitation Tips
Compression fracture Your father suffered a vertebral compression fracture two months ago. At 83 years old, he has a sensitive constitution and high blood pressure, and the doctor recommended against surgery, advising home care instead. He can move his limbs, but due to prolonged...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
An 83-year-old patient with a vertebral compression fracture may have this condition due to osteoporosis and falls. Typically, after a compression fracture, bed rest is recommended for about two weeks. Once back or lumbar pain improves, it is important to start rehabilitation pro...[Read More] Managing Osteoporotic Spine Fractures in Elderly Patients: Recovery and Rehabilitation Tips
Understanding Bone Sounds During Exercise: Is It Normal or a Concern?
Bone 1. Is it normal to hear a cracking sound in the bones during exercise? 2. Should calcium or similar nutritional supplements be taken? 3. Is there a concern for osteoporosis?
Dr. Sun Ruisheng Reply:
The crisp sound in the bones during exercise may be caused by fibrosis of the surrounding soft tissues. It is recommended to consult a specialist for diagnosis, as this symptom is not directly related to calcium intake. However, consuming sufficient calcium-rich foods is essentia...[Read More] Understanding Bone Sounds During Exercise: Is It Normal or a Concern?
Understanding Osteoporosis in Young Men: Testing, Risks, and Next Steps
Osteoporosis Hello Doctor: I am a 33-year-old male. Recently, I participated in a free osteoporosis screening at my workplace provided by a pharmaceutical company, and the result showed -2.5, with the test site being my heel bone. In recent years, my lifestyle includes drinking a...
Dr. Ye Qingnian Reply:
Men are less likely to experience osteoporosis, especially at the age of 35 when bones are at their strongest. It is recommended to stop drinking coffee, increase milk consumption, and engage in jogging. Additionally, a visit to a major hospital for a bone density test is advised...[Read More] Understanding Osteoporosis in Young Men: Testing, Risks, and Next Steps
Osteoporosis Treatment: Can Fosamax Be Used with Stomach Ulcers?
Osteoporosis Osteoporosis - A physician has advised treatment with Fosamax, but the patient has a history of gastric ulcers. Is it safe to use? How long must it be taken to see improvement, or is it only for maintenance? 1-3 segments - 2.04 segments - 2.7.
Dr. Sun Ruisheng Reply:
The most significant side effect of Fosamax in the treatment of osteoporosis is esophageal irritation. It does not have a major impact on gastric ulcers; however, it is still recommended to use it cautiously in the initial stages. In clinical practice, there have been reports of ...[Read More] Osteoporosis Treatment: Can Fosamax Be Used with Stomach Ulcers?