Are Back Support Belts Harmful? Exploring Their Impact on Spine Health
Does wearing a lumbar support belt have any side effects? I have mild bone spurs and scoliosis in my spine. Western medicine believes there is no major issue, but the pain has been bothering me for years. Recently, I consulted a traditional Chinese medicine practitioner for spina...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
Wearing a lumbar support belt does not cause spinal adhesions. Scoliosis rarely causes pain, while bone spurs can compress nerves and lead to neuropathic pain. Generally, young individuals are less likely to experience nerve compression from bone spurs; rather, herniated discs (i...[Read More] Are Back Support Belts Harmful? Exploring Their Impact on Spine Health
Understanding Chondromas: Causes, Treatment, and Risks Explained
What is a chondroma? Hello Dr. Lin, after the car accident, I had an X-ray taken and learned that I have chondromas in my ankle and knee. I would like to inquire about the causes, treatment options, and potential risks associated with this condition.
Dr. Lin Gengxiao Reply:
Hello~ 1. "Osteochondroma" is most commonly found in children and adolescents and is a benign bone tumor that can be either solitary or multiple. Most osteochondromas are asymptomatic and are often discovered during routine examinations. The most common clinical symptom...[Read More] Understanding Chondromas: Causes, Treatment, and Risks Explained
Managing Chronic Hip Pain: Insights and Solutions for Relief
Hip joint pain Hello Doctor: When I was 18 years old, I injured my left hip joint while running due to a large rock on the road. After experiencing repeated pain, I sought treatment at National Taiwan University Hospital's orthopedic department when I was 21. The physician i...
Dr. Zhou Hongzhi Reply:
If your symptoms persist, you should seek medical attention. It is advisable to have the surgical records from National Taiwan University Hospital provided to your attending physician for reference.[Read More] Managing Chronic Hip Pain: Insights and Solutions for Relief
Understanding Spinal Issues: Do You Really Need to Adjust Scoliosis?
Regarding the spine..? Doctor: I previously had severe pain in my spine, to the point where even standing still was painful. It might have been caused by lifting heavy objects at work. I went to see a doctor, who told me that my lower spine was curved and protruding. He said that...
Dr. Su Yiren Reply:
Hello, Xiaorong: From your tone, you seem to be a young girl rather than an elderly woman! Your discussion focuses on scoliosis. Scoliosis, excluding severe underlying conditions (such as congenital spinal deformities or poliomyelitis), can be categorized into two types that comm...[Read More] Understanding Spinal Issues: Do You Really Need to Adjust Scoliosis?
Understanding Unexplained Back Pain: Causes and Solutions
Pain that cannot be diagnosed? Hello Dr. Yang, I would like to ask a question. In the lower back, just below the waist, I suddenly experienced severe pain in the middle of the night that made it impossible for me to turn over or get out of bed. The pain was abnormal and even ac...
Dr. Yang Zhengfan Reply:
Dear A-Dou, based on your examination results and symptoms, it appears that you have tendonitis in your back. Generally, muscle soreness in the back of young women is often caused by poor posture. Anti-inflammatory medications are effective, but a better approach is to identify t...[Read More] Understanding Unexplained Back Pain: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Cervical Degeneration and Its Impact on Health
Cervical degeneration First of all, thank you for answering my previous question. This time I would like to ask: (1) What are the potential harms to the body from degeneration of the fifth and sixth cervical vertebrae? (2) If a tibial osteotomy has been performed and pain persist...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
If there are bone spurs on the cervical spine but they do not compress the nerves, then there is no concern. However, if there are symptoms of nerve compression, treatment is necessary. If tibial osteotomy is ineffective, one may consider undergoing joint replacement surgery when...[Read More] Understanding Cervical Degeneration and Its Impact on Health
Understanding Spine Pain: Causes and Solutions for Lower Back Discomfort
Spinal pain or spinal discomfort? Hello Doctor: I previously had a slight curvature at the base of my spine (as mentioned by my chiropractor), and before I started chiropractic treatment, I often experienced lower back pain. I would start to feel discomfort after sitting for less...
Dr. Hong Ximing Reply:
Pren: Thank you for your letter! Given your age, lower back pain is most likely caused by poor posture, and the pain point is where the pressure is concentrated. You can go to the hospital for an X-ray to determine the angle of your spine. Additionally, I recommend training your ...[Read More] Understanding Spine Pain: Causes and Solutions for Lower Back Discomfort
Understanding Frog Legs: Treatment and Spine Pain Connection
Still related to the issue of health check-ups? Doctor, (1) I would like to ask about the symptoms you mentioned yesterday; I have all of them! I did receive quite a few vaccinations when I was younger. Today, I want to continue asking: does the frog leg condition require treatme...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
Frog legs typically do not cause spinal pain. If frog legs affect your function, surgical treatment may be necessary, and it can lead to recovery. For spinal issues, it is advisable to consult a physician.[Read More] Understanding Frog Legs: Treatment and Spine Pain Connection
Understanding Spinal Atrophy: Causes, Treatments, and Prevention Tips
Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) Hello, Director. I would like to ask you... I have been experiencing back pain for over a month and thought it was due to scoliosis. It wasn't until recently that I went to Chang Gung Memorial Hospital for an X-ray, and the doctor said it was &q...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
I have not heard of the term "spinal atrophy." A decrease or narrowing of the spinal disc spaces is considered a degenerative phenomenon. However, at the age of 26, the likelihood of experiencing disc narrowing in the spine is very low; this condition typically occurs i...[Read More] Understanding Spinal Atrophy: Causes, Treatments, and Prevention Tips
Is My Knee Issue Just the Tip of the Iceberg for My Orthopedic Problems?
Is it possible that my issue is not just a simple knee problem? Hello Dr. Hong! Thank you for your response. In addition to my knee issues, I actually have other musculoskeletal problems that I would like to consult you about. Besides the knee symptoms, I have an outward rotation...
Dr. Hong Ximing Reply:
Thank you for your letter again. Your concerns regarding the cubitus valgus, sacral tilt, and hallux valgus appear to be congenital. While they are not major issues, they can sometimes be quite bothersome. Generally, if you experience discomfort or symptoms, it is advisable to co...[Read More] Is My Knee Issue Just the Tip of the Iceberg for My Orthopedic Problems?
Understanding Arthritis: Symptoms, Treatments, and Prognosis
Arthritis Hello Doctor: I have been experiencing pain in my fingers and lumbar spine, and I often have trouble sleeping due to joint pain in my fingers, sometimes waking up in pain. When the weather is cooler, I sometimes experience pain in my left shoulder and right knee after f...
Dr. Lin Xiaoyi Reply:
Hello Joy, Diagnosis: 1. Allergic Rhinitis 2. Ankylosing Spondylitis; Inflammatory Spondylopathy: Ankylosing Spondylitis is one type of inflammatory spondylopathy. Medications: 1. Loratadine: Antihistamine for allergic rhinitis, to be taken as needed based on symptoms. 2. Rofec...[Read More] Understanding Arthritis: Symptoms, Treatments, and Prognosis
Should You See an Orthopedic Doctor for Meniscus or Ligament Injuries?
Meniscus/Ligament Injury? Dear Doctors, Hello, I would like to know if I should see an orthopedic doctor for a possible meniscus/ligament injury (as described below). I have consulted several doctors; some suggested rheumatoid issues, while others indicated potential damage to t...
Dr. Hong Ximing Reply:
Hello! Based on the symptoms you described, it is evident that you have a meniscus injury in your left knee, which has also affected your patellar chondromalacia. It is necessary to perform arthroscopic surgery for diagnosis and treatment, as MRI can only provide an examination. ...[Read More] Should You See an Orthopedic Doctor for Meniscus or Ligament Injuries?
Understanding Hand Numbness: Is It Related to Your Spine Issues?
Numbness in the hands? Hello: A recent X-ray showed mild scoliosis and small bone spurs in my spine, but the doctor said this is not a concern. However, I experience pain when bending straight down and every morning upon waking up. The pain in my lower back varies from severe to ...
Dr. Wang Zikang Reply:
Dear Sister Wang: A small-angle scoliosis does not significantly affect function; however, due to muscle imbalance on both sides of the spine and factors such as poor posture, it can often lead to lower back pain. It may even cause neurological symptoms due to nerve compression o...[Read More] Understanding Hand Numbness: Is It Related to Your Spine Issues?
Understanding Back Pain: Bone Spurs, Scoliosis, and Pregnancy Concerns
Lower back pain, bone spurs, scoliosis? Hello, I am 30 years old. I have experienced pain when bending over for over ten years. Recently, I have been feeling soreness in my right hip, knee, and ankle joints, and I am concerned that my back issues may be worsening. I recently had ...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
Bone spurs, also known as osteophytes, occur due to the formation of excess bone at the edges of bones as a result of aging. If these bone spurs do not compress nerves or irritate surrounding tissues, they typically do not cause any symptoms. Therefore, some elderly individuals m...[Read More] Understanding Back Pain: Bone Spurs, Scoliosis, and Pregnancy Concerns
Understanding Left Knee Pain: Causes and When to Seek Medical Advice
Left knee joint pain? Dear Dr. Zhou, I would like to consult you regarding my knee pain. My left knee has been experiencing soreness for the past three months, particularly after bending. For example, when I squat and then stand up, the pain is quite severe, and I need to hold o...
Dr. Zhou Hongzhi Reply:
With so many ailments, you need to undergo examinations and X-rays at an outpatient clinic for a proper diagnosis. It is recommended to visit the outpatient clinic first.[Read More] Understanding Left Knee Pain: Causes and When to Seek Medical Advice
Impact of Scoliosis Surgery on Women's Future Health and Pregnancy
The impact of scoliosis surgery on a girl's future life? Before the surgery, the cervical spine was at 35 degrees, the thoracic spine at 48 degrees, and the lumbar spine at 26 degrees. After the surgery, the cervical spine measured 30 degrees, the thoracic spine 35 degrees, ...
Dr. Yang Zhengfan Reply:
Dear Xiao Dai, many of the questions you asked still remain unanswered. Surgery is typically recommended for scoliosis when the curvature exceeds 40 degrees because, statistically, a curvature greater than 40 degrees is associated with significant back pain and premature aging. A...[Read More] Impact of Scoliosis Surgery on Women's Future Health and Pregnancy
Understanding Shoulder Blade Pain: Causes and Treatment Options
Please inquire about scapula issues? Dear Dr. Su, I have been experiencing pain in the lower left side of my neck and upper back since mid-August of this year. After consulting a doctor, I was advised to apply heat and was prescribed oral medication, but the doctor did not speci...
Dr. Su Yiren Reply:
Hello Cathy, 1. If there is persistent pain in specific areas of the body, it should be thoroughly examined. The most basic step is to perform an X-ray to check for any acromioclavicular joint pathology or cervical spine nerve compression. There have been cases where individual...[Read More] Understanding Shoulder Blade Pain: Causes and Treatment Options
Understanding Ligament Changes in the Cervical Spine: Symptoms and Risks
Cervical ligaments Hello, doctor. My second cervical ligament has become white and thickened, which is noticeably different from the ligaments of my other cervical vertebrae. I have previously injured my cervical spine, and now I often experience headaches, sometimes accompanied ...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
The ligaments in the cervical spine may thicken and appear white, which could potentially compress the nerves. However, based on your description, it seems that this is not the cause of your symptoms. It would be advisable to see a physician for further examination. While it is u...[Read More] Understanding Ligament Changes in the Cervical Spine: Symptoms and Risks
Understanding Sciatica: Causes, Treatments, and Exercise Recommendations
Sciatica Hello, Doctor: I have a question to ask you. Three years ago, one morning, while I was running up the stairs, I suddenly felt a sharp pain in my lower back. Initially, I thought I had just strained my back, so I went to the hospital and received several injections, but t...
Dr. Shi Qiming Reply:
Dear Sir/Madam, In younger patients, spinal disorders often present as herniated discs, which constitute a significant proportion of cases. Generally, conservative treatment is the primary approach, with surgery being considered in no more than 15% of patients. Before considerin...[Read More] Understanding Sciatica: Causes, Treatments, and Exercise Recommendations
Understanding Moderate Scoliosis: Causes, Treatment, and Management Options
Scoliosis I recently had a chest X-ray, and the report indicated moderate scoliosis. I often sit in improper positions; could this be the cause of my scoliosis, or are there other possible reasons? Also, what does moderate scoliosis mean? How is the degree of scoliosis classified...
Dr. Shi Qiming Reply:
Dear Ann, Our orthopedic department defines moderate scoliosis without a specific degree measurement, as the majority of scoliosis cases have unknown causes. The general treatment methods include monitoring, bracing, and surgery. If the patient is in their adolescent growth spur...[Read More] Understanding Moderate Scoliosis: Causes, Treatment, and Management Options