Morning Back Pain: Is It a Spine Issue or Muscle Weakness?
Unable to bend over upon waking up in the morning? Hello Doctor: I am 39 years old and had minimally invasive surgery for bone spurs on my lumbar spine at L2 or L3 ten years ago. In recent years, I have been experiencing frequent episodes of lumbar strain, and every morning I wak...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
Muscle issues may be alleviated with heat therapy, and continuing rehabilitation could lead to improvement. Additionally, muscle relaxants can be taken to help relieve discomfort.[Read More] Morning Back Pain: Is It a Spine Issue or Muscle Weakness?
Understanding Pain and Swelling After Thoracic Spine Surgery: Causes and Solutions
Thoracic vertebral fracture with implanted fixation screws, swelling and pain? Hello, doctor. I had a car accident and underwent spinal fusion with steel rods placed in my thoracic vertebrae (T3, T4, T5) about 11 months ago. Recently, I've noticed a small area of muscle near...
Dr. You Dianqi Reply:
Recommendation for follow-up evaluation. Thank you.[Read More] Understanding Pain and Swelling After Thoracic Spine Surgery: Causes and Solutions
Persistent Knee Pain After Years: Seeking Advanced Treatment Options
Pain behind the left knee joint for N years, unable to walk for long periods (about 30 minutes before pain occurs)? 1. I have consulted with the orthopedic departments at Shuang Ho Hospital, Veterans General Hospital, and Tri-Service General Hospital. They have all recommended me...
Dr. You Dianqi Reply:
Pain behind the knee can have various causes, including trauma, sports injuries, knee degeneration, poor posture, prolonged sitting or standing, and damage to the lumbar spine or posterior cruciate ligament. It is advisable to undergo a thorough examination and then treat accordi...[Read More] Persistent Knee Pain After Years: Seeking Advanced Treatment Options
How Long Should a Brace Be Worn After a Burst Fracture?
How long should a brace be worn for a burst fracture? Dr. Chen, greetings! I was involved in a car accident on the highway, resulting in a "burst fracture of the third lumbar vertebra." In addition to the fracture, there is a compression of 0.3 cm. Since there was no ne...
Dr. Chen Bochen Reply:
Hello, 1. A burst fracture requires wearing a brace for three months, with regular X-rays each month to monitor the healing process. 2. After three months, you can switch to a soft brace. 3. Initially wearing a soft brace, you can gradually increase walking and exercise, even...[Read More] How Long Should a Brace Be Worn After a Burst Fracture?
Understanding Lumbar Compression Fractures: Recovery and Brace Guidance
Vertebral fracture Hello, Doctor! I sustained a "burst fracture of the third lumbar vertebra" due to a car accident. In addition to the fracture, the third lumbar vertebra is compressed by 0.3 cm. Since there was no nerve damage, the attending physician determined that ...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
1. Approximately three to six. 2. You can give it a try. 3. Avoid bending over and lifting heavy objects. 4. You can try climbing, but the most important thing is to visit the outpatient clinic to check if the fracture is healing and whether the vertebral body of the lumbar...[Read More] Understanding Lumbar Compression Fractures: Recovery and Brace Guidance
How Long Does a Neck Strain Take to Heal After an Accident?
A neck sprain typically takes about 1 to 3 weeks to heal naturally? Hello Dr. Chen, I had a minor motorcycle collision on September 20 of this year (it wasn't a serious accident, and both parties only sustained minor injuries). At the time, I only had abrasions on my hands a...
Dr. Chen Bochen Reply:
A neck sprain typically improves in about a week, while a mild cervical spine injury generally takes 1 to 2 months to heal. If there are symptoms affecting the nerves, such as numbness in the hands, shoulder pain, or weakness, then imaging studies are necessary.[Read More] How Long Does a Neck Strain Take to Heal After an Accident?
Effective Treatments for Chronic Pain in the Spine and Joints
Treatment options for chronic pain in the lumbar spine, cervical spine, and knees? I would like to ask about an issue I experienced over six years ago. Due to prolonged sitting, I had severe lower back pain and a tingling, electric shock-like sensation in one leg, which was so in...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
1. It could be a steroid. 2. The physician administering the injection would know best. 3. If it is a localized tendonitis, an injection can be administered.[Read More] Effective Treatments for Chronic Pain in the Spine and Joints
Understanding Compression Fractures: Diagnosis Challenges and Travel Insurance Issues
Compression fracture In April, my mother was traveling in Da Nang, Vietnam, when she lost her balance and fell to the ground. She was unable to get up due to pain, and the tour leader and guide contacted the local ambulance to take her to the emergency room. After arriving at the...
Dr. Zhan Xian Reply:
Please consult the original attending physician. Thank you.[Read More] Understanding Compression Fractures: Diagnosis Challenges and Travel Insurance Issues
Understanding Post-Surgery Spinal Issues: Pain, Risks, and Options
Post-spinal surgery Hello, doctor. I am an 8-year post-operative patient with scoliosis. Initially, my curvature was about 40 degrees, with an S-shaped curve extending from the thoracic to the lumbar spine, nearly 30 cm long. The last two segments of my lumbar spine were not fuse...
Dr. Chen Bochen Reply:
Hello, thank you for your hard work. Your issue is quite complex, and you should seek an in-person evaluation from a specialist in scoliosis. I recommend a few scoliosis specialists: Dr. Hsien-Te Chen, Chief of Orthopedics at China Medical University Hospital; Dr. Chien-Chun Chan...[Read More] Understanding Post-Surgery Spinal Issues: Pain, Risks, and Options
Understanding Lumbar Spine Issues: Causes, Symptoms, and Relief
Lumbar and sacral spine issues? Hello doctor, on September 4, 2023, I twisted my ankle while moving branches and hit the root of the branch. The trunk pressed against my groin area, but I have no bruising or external injuries. Currently, there is only slight pain in the groin are...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
A spinal contusion without a fracture typically heals within four weeks. Applying heat or taking pain relievers can help alleviate symptoms.[Read More] Understanding Lumbar Spine Issues: Causes, Symptoms, and Relief
Understanding Lumbar Spine Injuries: Recovery and Long-Term Care
Lumbar spine issues Dear Dr. Shih, I hope this message finds you well! I was involved in a car accident on the highway, where I was rear-ended by another vehicle. The emergency assessment diagnosed me with a "burst fracture of the third vertebra," with a 0.3 cm vertebr...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
1. Approximately three months. 2. Three months, because the healing of a fracture takes that long. 3. If the deformity from a vertebral compression fracture is not severe, there typically won't be any long-term complications. After healing, it is important to practice abdomi...[Read More] Understanding Lumbar Spine Injuries: Recovery and Long-Term Care
Understanding Disc Herniation: Symptoms, Nerve Compression, and Diagnosis
Herniated disc Hello Doctor, I initially experienced lower back pain that often radiated down to the soles of my feet. Recently, I've been experiencing numbness and pain in my feet after standing for a short period. During my military service physical examination, I underwen...
Dr. Chen Bochen Reply:
Most intervertebral disc diseases in young people can be improved through rehabilitation and exercise therapy. If there are significant neurological compression symptoms due to a herniated disc, minimally invasive endoscopic spine surgery can be considered, while avoiding the use...[Read More] Understanding Disc Herniation: Symptoms, Nerve Compression, and Diagnosis
Conservative Treatment for Lumbar Spine Fractures: Recovery Insights
Lumbar vertebral fracture, conservative treatment? Hello, Dr. You! Two weeks ago, I was in a car accident on the highway, where I was rear-ended by another vehicle and subsequently taken to the emergency room. After undergoing a CT scan and X-rays, the doctor diagnosed me with a ...
Dr. You Dianqi Reply:
1. It has been 17 days since the incident. When I walk or sit with the brace today, I still feel soreness on both sides of the spinal injury. Is this due to the spinal injury not healing properly, or could it be muscle soreness from lying down for too long? Should I monitor for a...[Read More] Conservative Treatment for Lumbar Spine Fractures: Recovery Insights
Managing Knee Osteoarthritis and Disc Herniation: A Path to Recovery
Knee osteoarthritis and intervertebral disc herniation? Hello Doctor: I visited an orthopedic clinic due to discomfort, and X-ray imaging revealed early-stage knee osteoarthritis and a grade I lumbar disc herniation. The orthopedic doctor recommended pain medication, traction, el...
Dr. You Dianqi Reply:
It is recommended to visit an orthopedic or rehabilitation outpatient clinic at a regional hospital or higher to have a physician assess the recovery status and determine if further rehabilitation is needed. Thank you.[Read More] Managing Knee Osteoarthritis and Disc Herniation: A Path to Recovery
Post-Operative Pain Management After Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery
Minimally Invasive Bone Cement Surgery My mother underwent minimally invasive vertebroplasty, and the pain from her injured vertebra has significantly improved after the surgery. The doctor mentioned that there would be some soreness post-operation, but it has been one and a half...
Dr. Chen Bochen Reply:
Hello, if a normal compression fracture does not compress the nerves, it usually has less impact on the hips and legs. You should consult the original surgeon again and get an X-ray to evaluate whether further MRI imaging is necessary.[Read More] Post-Operative Pain Management After Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery
Persistent Coccyx Pain After Three Months: Seeking Solutions
Coccydynia persists for three months despite treatment? Hello Doctor: I have thoroughly researched all issues related to the coccyx. My condition is that three years ago, I paid out of pocket for an MRI from the cervical spine to the sacrum, and at that time, my coccyx was normal...
Dr. Wang Jiacheng Reply:
Coccyx contusions typically heal with rest and pain medication; what is needed is time for recovery, which usually takes about three to six months.[Read More] Persistent Coccyx Pain After Three Months: Seeking Solutions
Understanding Muscle Issues: Managing Stiff Neck and Pain in the Upper Back
Stiff neck due to muscle issues? Hello Doctor, I have cervical spine hyperlordosis. On May 7th, I experienced a stiff neck on the right side. After visiting an orthopedic doctor, I was told that aside from the hyperlordosis, there were no other issues, and it was a muscle problem...
Dr. Wang Shouji Reply:
Hello, regarding muscle issues and loss of curvature in the cervical spine, it is important to pay attention to your head posture, especially if you often look down, such as when using a mobile phone for extended periods or using a pillow that is too high while sleeping. Applying...[Read More] Understanding Muscle Issues: Managing Stiff Neck and Pain in the Upper Back
Understanding Coccydynia: Managing Tailbone Injuries and Recovery
Coccygeal contusion Hello, Doctor: I have researched all the issues related to the coccyx. My condition is that three years ago, I paid for an MRI from the cervical spine to the sacrum, and at that time, my coccyx was normal. In March of this year, I slipped and fell, resulting i...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
Coccyx bone contusions typically heal with rest and pain medication. What is needed is time for recovery, which usually takes about three to six months.[Read More] Understanding Coccydynia: Managing Tailbone Injuries and Recovery
Understanding Spinal Protrusion: Is It a Health Concern or Just Slimness?
When a person has a hunchback, the spine protrudes? Hello doctor, when I stand upright, the flesh above my spine sinks in, but when I bend over, my spine protrudes, and I can feel the individual vertebrae. When I touch it, there is no obvious scoliosis. Is this a problem with my ...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
It is possible that being too thin could be a factor. To determine if there is an issue, it is best to get an X-ray of the spine for evaluation.[Read More] Understanding Spinal Protrusion: Is It a Health Concern or Just Slimness?
Understanding Toe Pain and Its Connection to Back Issues
Toe and back issues? Hello Doctor, for the past month, I have been experiencing intermittent pain in the third toe of my right foot (sometimes extending to the fourth and fifth toes as well as the ball of my foot). However, there is no visible difference compared to my left foot....
Dr. Chen Yongxue Reply:
Hello, if there is a noticeable tender point, it is likely due to soft tissue inflammation. The probability is high that the back pain is unrelated to the legs. Please consult an orthopedic clinic for examination. Thank you.[Read More] Understanding Toe Pain and Its Connection to Back Issues