Chronic Lower Back Pain: Seeking Solutions After 18 Months of Discomfort
Lumbar pain lasting for one and a half years? Dear Dr. Wang, I apologize for the lengthy message, but I believe that clearly describing my symptoms will help you understand my situation better. I have had scoliosis since high school, with a curvature of about 15 degrees. After g...
Dr. Wang Shouji Reply:
Hello: Scoliosis, combined with the fact that humans spend most of their time either sitting or standing, increases the likelihood of degenerative changes in the spinal joints. If the symptoms you described are indeed that severe, it is advisable to visit a hospital for further e...[Read More] Chronic Lower Back Pain: Seeking Solutions After 18 Months of Discomfort
Understanding Inversion Therapy for Arthritis and Sports Injuries
Inversion tables and their relation to arthritis pain / sports injury issues? Hello, Dr. Shi! 1) I have osteoarthritis and am currently undergoing a treatment regimen of two phases of hyaluronic acid injections per year. Each treatment cycle lasts five weeks, with an injection ...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
Knee joint degeneration is almost a common issue among older adults. If hyaluronic acid injections have not improved the condition, it may be necessary to evaluate whether surgical treatment is required. Engaging in light exercise is acceptable, but activities involving excessive...[Read More] Understanding Inversion Therapy for Arthritis and Sports Injuries
Pain from Exposed Screws After Hip Fracture Surgery: What to Do?
Sleeping on the area where a steel implant is located can cause pain? In early July, I fell and sustained a fracture of the left femoral neck. The doctor performed surgery and implanted four screws for fixation. After the surgery, the femoral head shifted from a slight displaceme...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
Exposed metal pins can irritate the skin and subcutaneous tissue, leading to pain. You may consult the surgeon to see if it is possible to remove the protruding pin. Additionally, if the bone is misaligned and does not heal properly, reoperation should also be considered.[Read More] Pain from Exposed Screws After Hip Fracture Surgery: What to Do?
Understanding Coccydynia: Pain at the Tailbone During Recovery
Coccydynia Hello, doctor. Due to a leg injury, I have been in a cast and hospitalized for about two weeks. Recently, I have noticed pain in the coccyx area; it hurts when I gently touch or apply pressure to it. However, I do not feel any discomfort while lying flat. Instead, when...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
Patients who remain bedridden for extended periods often experience this phenomenon because the soft tissue thickness around the coccyx or sacrum, located at the end of the spine, is relatively thin, often described as "skin over bone." Prolonged pressure can lead to in...[Read More] Understanding Coccydynia: Pain at the Tailbone During Recovery
Understanding Foot Drop: Causes and Treatment for Nerve Issues
The soles of the feet have no elevation? Hello, doctor: Due to work, I had to squat and kneel for a long time (5 to 9 hours) in one day. After work, I noticed a tingling sensation from my left calf to the dorsum of my foot, and I am unable to lift my toes and the sole of my foot....
Dr. Wang Shouji Reply:
Hello: The inability to lift the toes and squat is medically referred to as foot drop, which is similar to conditions caused by compression of the peroneal nerve or spinal nerve roots. It is essential to seek medical attention promptly to clarify whether the cause is related to t...[Read More] Understanding Foot Drop: Causes and Treatment for Nerve Issues
Understanding Sciatica: Treatment Options and When to Consider Surgery
Sciatica If bending at the waist causes pain or if standing up from a sitting position also causes pain, the doctor has recommended physical therapy, which I am currently doing about six times a week. If there is no improvement, I may need to undergo an MRI. Does this examination...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
First, it is essential to confirm that the diagnosis is correct; otherwise, the treatment will also be incorrect. Sciatica refers to the phenomenon of nerve pain caused by compression of the lumbar nerves. This pain is located in the buttocks and can radiate down to the thigh, ca...[Read More] Understanding Sciatica: Treatment Options and When to Consider Surgery
Can PRP Therapy Alleviate Neck and Shoulder Pain from Degenerative Cervical Spine?
Hello, how can I assist you today? Can PRP therapy be used to alleviate muscle pain caused by cervical degeneration (without bone spurs) that leads to shoulder and neck pain?
Dr. Huang Minxu Reply:
PRP therapy is commonly used for intra-articular injections to promote tissue repair. A single treatment session may cost patients tens of thousands of dollars. For neck pain caused by cervical degeneration (without bone spurs), patients typically start with medication and rehabi...[Read More] Can PRP Therapy Alleviate Neck and Shoulder Pain from Degenerative Cervical Spine?
Effective Strategies for Managing Chronic Pain in Multiple Joints
Shoulder blade, wrist joint, knee joint, ankle joint, lumbar intervertebral disc, sternum? The trapezius muscle has been in a forward-leaning position for a period of time while using a laptop about 8.9 years ago, resulting in long-term stiffness and soreness in the deeper areas ...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
Shoulder and neck pain is usually caused by overuse, and reducing activity in this area along with moderate heat therapy or some rehabilitation treatments may lead to improvement. If the right wrist joint continues to be problematic, it may be necessary to check for ligament issu...[Read More] Effective Strategies for Managing Chronic Pain in Multiple Joints
Understanding Spondylolysis: Symptoms, Treatment, and Recovery Options
Vertebral arch dissociation Hello Doctor: Recently, I experienced lower back pain. Initially, I suspected it might be prostatitis or a ligament strain. I first visited an orthopedic specialist and had an X-ray done. The doctor informed me that I have a condition called spondyloly...
Dr. Chen Yongxue Reply:
Patients with spondylolisthesis may experience soreness when bending or changing positions, but most do not have nerve compression. It is important to take care of the lower back, avoid heavy lifting, and have regular follow-ups. If any of the following occur: (1) worsening sympt...[Read More] Understanding Spondylolysis: Symptoms, Treatment, and Recovery Options
Understanding Thoracolumbar Degeneration at a Young Age: Causes and Prevention
Degeneration of the thoracolumbar spine? Hello Doctor: During a routine X-ray, it was unexpectedly found that I have degeneration in my thoracic and lumbar spine, and I am only 23 years old. Why is this happening? Is the X-ray diagnosis accurate? Also, since I am young and alread...
Dr. Chen Yongxue Reply:
Degeneration is unavoidable; it is a part of the aging process. However, experiencing degeneration at the age of 23 is unusual unless there has been a significant past injury or an endocrine issue leading to bone loss. Therefore, it is advisable to reassess this diagnosis, and I ...[Read More] Understanding Thoracolumbar Degeneration at a Young Age: Causes and Prevention
Understanding Lumbar Bone Spurs: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
Lumbar osteophytes Hello Dr. Wang: For about a week, I have been experiencing slight numbness in the tips of my toes and calves. Today, I went to an orthopedic clinic for an X-ray and found out that I have bone spurs in my lumbar spine. The doctor mentioned that this is likely th...
Dr. Wang Shouji Reply:
Hello: In response to your questions, here are the answers: 1. Individuals over the age of 20 may show signs of degenerative diseases such as bone spurs on X-rays. 2. Poor posture and excessive weight-bearing can lead to spinal degeneration and the formation of bone spurs. 3. Per...[Read More] Understanding Lumbar Bone Spurs: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
Understanding Joint Sounds and Pain: Common Orthopedic Concerns
The bones in the hands and feet often make cracking sounds? 1. I recently injured my right shoulder and neck after recovering from an injury on the left side at the beginning of January this year. The current injury is quite severe. Initially, I thought I would recover from both ...
Dr. Wang Shouji Reply:
Hello: 1. It is best to have a medical examination for shoulder and neck injuries, as chronic inflammation can lead to chronic pain. Additionally, be mindful of issues such as poor posture or lack of exercise. 2. Joint sounds are often related to individual constitution and misal...[Read More] Understanding Joint Sounds and Pain: Common Orthopedic Concerns
Understanding Neck Pain: Is Your Cervical Spine to Blame for Stiffness?
Cervical strain or cervical sprain (commonly referred to as "wry neck" or "st At the beginning of this month, I experienced neck pain from a muscle strain on the left side, and yesterday I had another muscle strain, making it the second occurrence this month, just ...
Dr. Wang Shouji Reply:
Hello: At 19 years old, it is unlikely to be related to cervical spine issues; it is more likely associated with poor posture. If there are any concerns, it is advisable to visit a hospital's orthopedic department for an X-ray examination. Thank you![Read More] Understanding Neck Pain: Is Your Cervical Spine to Blame for Stiffness?
Understanding Sudden Severe Pain After Pelvic Fracture Recovery
Sudden severe pain more than a month after a pelvic fracture? Over a month ago, I was in a car accident and currently cannot turn over, get up, or lie down by myself. I have an unstable pelvic fracture involving the left ischium and pubis, and I was hospitalized for two weeks. I ...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
Typically, pelvic fractures require two to three months for the bones to heal. After the bones have healed, the sensation of soreness should subside. If there are any concerns, it is advisable to return to the hospital for an X-ray to check if the bones have completely healed or ...[Read More] Understanding Sudden Severe Pain After Pelvic Fracture Recovery
Understanding Spinal Injuries: When to Seek Medical Attention
Lumbar spine injury? Hello, doctor: I slipped and fell while going down the stairs, resulting in a spinal injury. Even though I was wearing a thick coat in winter, I still sustained abrasions. After the injury, I experienced tinnitus and mild vomiting, and since then, I have been...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
First, we need to check for persistent lower back pain. Second, we should look for any numbness or weakness in the lower extremities. Third, we need to see if the legs can be straightened or lifted. If none of these symptoms are present, then there is likely no significant injury...[Read More] Understanding Spinal Injuries: When to Seek Medical Attention
Understanding Lumbar Spine Injuries: The Impact of L4-L5 Movement on Leg Numbness
Lumbar spine injury grade 4? Today, during my follow-up appointment, the doctor said that the movement of my lumbar vertebrae at levels L4 and L5 is causing my leg to feel numb.
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
I'm not sure if what you're referring to as "movement" is a spinal displacement. If that is the case, further examination is necessary to clarify the situation, which would be better for you.[Read More] Understanding Lumbar Spine Injuries: The Impact of L4-L5 Movement on Leg Numbness
Understanding Lumbar Injuries: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments
Lumbar spine injury The orthopedic doctor prescribed me appetite stimulants, B12, anti-inflammatory pain relievers, and muscle relaxants. Now, when I sit, my legs feel numb. In middle school, I occasionally experienced sudden leg weakness that caused me to fall, and I have previo...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
Sciatica may not be directly related, but it is often caused by a herniated intervertebral disc in the lumbar spine that compresses the sciatic nerve. Typically, the intervertebral discs in the lumbar spine lose hydration and elasticity due to aging. When subjected to significant...[Read More] Understanding Lumbar Injuries: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments
Managing Elderly Spine Fractures: Care Options and Rehabilitation Insights
Elderly fractures Hello, Doctor: I would like to ask you about the issue of fractures in the elderly. My grandfather fell two days ago and injured his spine, resulting in a vertebral fracture near the coccyx. He is currently 80 years old, undergoing dialysis, and has diabetes. Af...
Dr. Chen Yongxue Reply:
If it is a fracture of the coccyx, surgery is generally not necessary, as there are no important nerves in that area and no issues with nerve compression. Conservative treatment is sufficient, typically involving oral or topical analgesics. Once the internal bleeding subsides (ap...[Read More] Managing Elderly Spine Fractures: Care Options and Rehabilitation Insights
Understanding Lumbar Spine Injuries: Causes and Treatment Options
Lumbar spine injury Today, I visited a traditional Chinese medicine practitioner who mentioned that there is a curvature in my lumbar spine below the third lumbar vertebra. I am currently experiencing persistent lower back pain when sitting or standing up. Could a professional ph...
Dr. Wang Shouji Reply:
Hello: If there is scoliosis in the spine and the severity is unknown, it is advisable to visit an orthopedic clinic for an examination to determine the severity and necessary precautions. Thank you![Read More] Understanding Lumbar Spine Injuries: Causes and Treatment Options
Effective Rehabilitation Strategies for Ankylosing Spondylitis Management
Ankylosing Spondylitis Hello Doctor: I would like to ask what rehabilitation methods can be used for ankylosing spondylitis in daily life? How can I prevent it from worsening? I heard that taking vitamin C is effective; is that true? Thank you!
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
This disease can cause calcification of soft tissues, leading to stiffness and immobility of the joints, typically occurring in the cervical spine, lumbar spine, and hip joints. The usual rehabilitation approach involves regular exercise and engaging in gentle activities such as ...[Read More] Effective Rehabilitation Strategies for Ankylosing Spondylitis Management