Understanding Congenital Thoracic Spine Abnormalities and Their Implications
Congenital thoracic vertebral anomalies Hello, doctor. I would like to ask a few questions. During my high school years, an X-ray revealed that my thoracic vertebrae T4-6 are not developing normally (the doctor diagnosed it as mild scoliosis). Recently, I went to National Taiwan ...
Dr. Chen Yongxue Reply:
Hello, I'm not sure what the correct diagnosis for the "thoracic spine structural abnormality" you mentioned is. I wouldn't want to jump to conclusions, so please visit an orthopedic clinic for an examination. Thank you.[Read More] Understanding Congenital Thoracic Spine Abnormalities and Their Implications
Surgical Options for Correcting Prominent Left Rib Edge: What You Need to Know
Is there an active surgical correction method for protrusion under the left rib margin? I have noticed a very prominent protrusion under my left rib cage for the past two years. I have consulted several doctors who suggested that it might be a complication caused by pectus excava...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
If there is only discomfort without pain, surgery is not recommended, as it may not achieve your expected results. Additionally, the protrusion of the rib may be related to scoliosis, so it would be advisable to get an X-ray of the thoracic spine to check for any issues.[Read More] Surgical Options for Correcting Prominent Left Rib Edge: What You Need to Know
Should You Seek Medical Attention After a Stair Fall Injury?
Fell down the stairs? Hello, Doctor. This morning, I accidentally fell down the stairs (about 3 or 4 steps) and hit my spine (approximately 5 centimeters above the pelvis). The area where I hit my spine is about 5 to 7 centimeters in size, slightly red and bruised, and a bit pain...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
If the pain persists and affects the lower back, it is advisable to suspect a spinal fracture and go to the hospital for an X-ray to observe the condition.[Read More] Should You Seek Medical Attention After a Stair Fall Injury?
Understanding the Need for Full Body Bone Scans in Scoliosis Cases
Why is this examination necessary? Hello, doctor. I would like to inquire about something. Recently, I had an X-ray at the hospital, which revealed scoliosis in my thoracic spine. The orthopedic doctor said it was congenital, but shortly after, he discussed it with another doctor...
Dr. Chen Yongxue Reply:
Hello, I apologize, but I cannot address your concerns without your X-ray images for confirmation.[Read More] Understanding the Need for Full Body Bone Scans in Scoliosis Cases
Can Improper Full Body Massage Cause Lumbar Spine Issues?
Improper full-body massage can potentially harm the lumbar spine? Hello, Doctor: I purchased a full-body massage course in mid-May last year, but after several months of massage, I started experiencing soreness, tingling, and numbness in my lower body. I am only 27 years old and ...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
Herniated discs are usually caused by the aging of the intervertebral discs combined with excessive strain on the lower back, and they are unrelated to massage. It is advisable to refrain from massage for the time being and seek treatment from a physician instead.[Read More] Can Improper Full Body Massage Cause Lumbar Spine Issues?
Understanding Sciatica: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
Sciatica? Hello, Doctor. Since the end of 2016, I've been experiencing a feeling of fullness in my left buttock and left thigh after sitting for a long time. There is some pain when pressure is applied to the buttock. At that time, I was diagnosed with autonomic nervous syst...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
The diagnosis from a computed tomography (CT) scan is quite accurate. Your symptoms may be related to myofascial pain syndrome. If the symptoms persist, it is recommended that you consult a neurologist.[Read More] Understanding Sciatica: 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 Lumbar Pain: Causes and Solutions for Right-Side Discomfort
Lumbar pain Hello, doctor. Recently, while doing core exercises, I performed an air bicycle training movement. Every time I bend my right knee and extend my right leg forward, I feel a clicking sensation in my right lumbar spine along with some soreness. However, when I extend my...
Dr. Wang Shouji Reply:
It is recommended to undergo an X-ray examination of the lumbar spine.[Read More] Understanding Lumbar Pain: Causes and Solutions for Right-Side Discomfort
Understanding Ankylosing Spondylitis: Symptoms and Insights
Ankylosing Spondylitis Three weeks ago, I experienced pain in my lower back whenever I leaned forward or backward (it wasn't unbearable pain). After stretching a few times, the pain subsided. However, after sitting for a long time, leaning forward or backward would still cau...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
Ankylosing spondylitis can cause long-term chronic lower back pain, with stiffness that makes bending difficult. If the pain lasts only for a week, the likelihood of ankylosing spondylitis is lower. Additionally, ankylosing spondylitis is associated with X-ray changes, where the ...[Read More] Understanding Ankylosing Spondylitis: Symptoms and Insights
Understanding Scoliosis: When to Seek Help and Treatment Options
Scoliosis Hello, Doctor. I would like to ask which specialty I should see if I suspect I have severe scoliosis? If it is indeed very severe, is surgery the only treatment option? Is rehabilitation effective? I have noticed a significant difference in the height of my shoulders. A...
Dr. Li Yongheng Reply:
Hello: Scoliosis should be evaluated by an orthopedic specialist, who will perform X-rays to measure the curvature angle. If there is a cracking sound when turning the neck, it is usually harmless, but it can also be assessed by an orthopedic doctor and confirmed with X-rays. If ...[Read More] Understanding Scoliosis: When to Seek Help and Treatment Options
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
Managing Degenerative Arthritis: Effective Treatments and Exercises
Degenerative arthritis of the spine Hello doctor, I have had this condition since I was in the ninth grade after an injury, but every time I go to a different hospital, I receive different answers. Most of the time, they only take X-rays and I’m not sure if I can request more in-...
Dr. Li Yongheng Reply:
Hello, chronic back pain is usually due to inflammation of the back muscles, with a minority caused by intervertebral disc injuries or diseases of the vertebrae themselves. At the age of 20, degenerative arthritis of the spine is quite rare. Currently, using a Roman chair to stre...[Read More] Managing Degenerative Arthritis: Effective Treatments and Exercises
Understanding Post-Surgery Symptoms After Lumbar Decompression
Lumbar decompression surgery Dear Vice Dean Li, I have an 82-year-old elder at home who has been experiencing left leg numbness (from the back of the left knee down to the sole of the foot) for over a decade. Additionally, there is a burning sensation on the dorsum of the foot, ...
Dr. Li Yongheng Reply:
Hello, your 82-year-old family member underwent lumbar decompression surgery on the fourth and fifth lumbar vertebrae two months ago. If there has been no improvement in symptoms at all, it is indeed somewhat unusual. Typically, after decompression surgery, there should be some d...[Read More] Understanding Post-Surgery Symptoms After Lumbar Decompression
Understanding Chronic Neck and Shoulder Pain: Causes and Solutions
Could you please provide more details about the issue of shoulder and neck pain? Hello, doctor. I have been experiencing shoulder and neck pain for almost a month. I visited a spine specialist who only took X-rays and said there was nothing wrong, but the pain persists. I went ba...
Dr. Li Yongheng Reply:
Hello, if you have been undergoing treatment for a while and still experience shoulder and neck pain along with numbness in your hands, it may be necessary to undergo an MRI scan. If the diagnosis is a herniated disc, cervical traction therapy will need to be implemented. Wishing...[Read More] Understanding Chronic Neck and Shoulder Pain: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Recurring Lumbar Pain: Seeking Expert Advice on Diagnosis and Treatment
I would like to inquire about lumbar pain issues? Hello Dr. Lee: For the past two years, I have been experiencing recurrent lumbar pain. When the pain becomes severe, I visit a doctor, but the usual diagnosis is either a muscle strain or advice to pay attention to the spaces in...
Dr. Li Yongheng Reply:
Hello, based on your X-ray, there is mild degeneration of the lumbar spine, with no signs of scoliosis or pelvic tilt. Your chronic back pain may be due to long-term work and poor sitting and standing posture, leading to myofascial pain syndrome. It is recommended that you contin...[Read More] Understanding Recurring Lumbar Pain: Seeking Expert Advice on Diagnosis and Treatment
Can You Still Grow Taller After a Compression Fracture?
Can someone with a history of compression fractures still grow taller? I am currently in the ninth grade. During the second semester of the seventh grade, I suffered a compression fracture in the last two segments of my spine. I used to grow an average of 9 centimeters per year, ...
Dr. Li Yongheng Reply:
Hello: Compression fractures of the last two vertebrae actually have little impact on height. Drinking high-calcium milk daily, supplementing with plenty of protein, calcium, and magnesium, playing basketball, and getting sunlight are very beneficial for growth. Additionally, it ...[Read More] Can You Still Grow Taller After a Compression Fracture?
Understanding Lumbar Pain: When to See a Specialist for Relief
Lumbar pain Hello doctor, about a year ago, I felt like there was a part of my lumbar spine that opened up during running, and I have been in significant pain since then. I'm not sure if I injured the spinal ligaments or the spine itself. Now, when I sit in a chair and try t...
Dr. Wang Shouji Reply:
Hello: Given your age, it is unlikely that you have sustained a bone injury while running; it is more likely to be an issue with soft tissues such as muscles or ligaments. If you have any concerns, it is advisable to consult an orthopedic specialist to rule out any abnormalities.[Read More] Understanding Lumbar Pain: When to See a Specialist for Relief
Understanding Back Pain When Straightening Up: Causes and Solutions
Experiencing pain when straightening up after bending over? Hello, doctor. For the past 1 to 2 months, I've been experiencing discomfort in the area of my spine near the lower back, especially when bending over or slouching. Whenever I try to straighten up, I feel discomfort...
Dr. Li Yongheng Reply:
Hello, based on your symptoms, it seems more like myofascial pain syndrome of the back caused by work, exercise, or poor posture. I recommend that you consult an orthopedic or rehabilitation specialist. Wishing you a speedy recovery.[Read More] Understanding Back Pain When Straightening Up: Causes and Solutions
Can I Apply for a Disability Certificate with Scoliosis and Titanium Implants?
Application for Disability Certificate for Spinal Conditions I would like to ask the doctor, due to scoliosis compressing my heart, I had to undergo surgery, and now I have ten titanium screws stabilizing my spine. One side of my chest is more prominent, and my pelvis is tilted t...
Dr. Li Yongheng Reply:
Hello, according to the disability assessment form, fusion of five or more lumbar or lumbosacral vertebrae, along with a Schober test result of 2 centimeters or less for lumbar lordosis, is required for qualification. It is recommended that you personally visit the hospital where...[Read More] Can I Apply for a Disability Certificate with Scoliosis and Titanium Implants?