Calcium Supplementation After Fracture: Is Procal Right for You?
Issues with taking Procal after a fracture? Director Chen: I suffered a proximal humeral fracture in a car accident last year, and five months later, the bone has not healed properly. The doctor prescribed one Prolia injection in the morning and one in the evening, and I underwen...
Dr. Chen Bochen Reply:
1. Calcium propionate is calcium acetate, which has poor absorption and a strong odor. It is generally used for patients with kidney issues to help eliminate phosphate ions (as calcium binds with phosphate to precipitate and subsequently excrete it). It is usually recommended to ...[Read More] Calcium Supplementation After Fracture: Is Procal Right for You?
Understanding Chronic Neck and Shoulder Pain: Diagnosis and Treatment Options
Shoulder and neck pain (2) I previously inquired about my shoulder and neck pain, but the doctor's response seemed somewhat off-target. Could you please clarify the issues I raised? Additionally, when the doctor mentioned, "If you can't afford the tests, it might b...
Dr. Chen Bochen Reply:
I have been experiencing shoulder and neck pain for at least 10 years. Once, I visited a pain management specialist who performed an ultrasound on my right shoulder and found a small bone that was different from the left side. The doctor prescribed a topical ointment, saying that...[Read More] Understanding Chronic Neck and Shoulder Pain: Diagnosis and Treatment Options
Can You Ride Roller Coasters After Spine Surgery for Scoliosis?
Post-spinal surgery S-shaped scoliosis. A sixth-grade student underwent thoracic spine surgery and had metal rods inserted. The lower part of the spine was not operated on due to concerns about flexibility and other issues. Can they now go to an amusement park and ride roller coa...
Dr. You Dianqi Reply:
Hello: Under normal circumstances, there should not be significant effects, but it is still important to consider details such as the stability of your bone screws and whether the bone fusion is complete. It is advisable to consult your surgeon for more safety. Thank you.[Read More] Can You Ride Roller Coasters After Spine Surgery for Scoliosis?
Understanding Sciatica: Burning Pain from Knee to Buttocks in Teens
Sharp pain from the back of the knee to the buttock? Hello, I have a 17-year-old female patient who has been experiencing a burning and stabbing pain extending from the back of her left knee to her buttock for the past month. She has never had similar symptoms before. The pain is...
Dr. Wang Shouji Reply:
Hello, sciatica and inflammation of the gluteal muscles can both cause symptoms of sciatica. If there is any injury to the spine or the gluteal region, it may lead to such symptoms. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Wang Shou-ji.[Read More] Understanding Sciatica: Burning Pain from Knee to Buttocks in Teens
Can You Work in Freezing Conditions After Spine Surgery?
Is it safe to work in sub-zero environments within six months after surgery? Hello Doctor: I have a herniated disc issue at the L4-L5 level. I was hesitant to undergo surgery for a long time due to my fear of surgical failure leading to lower body paralysis, which caused me to de...
Dr. Cai Shanglin Reply:
Hello, dear online friend. I'm not sure if you underwent microsurgery or endoscopic surgery, but both typically involve smaller incisions and quicker recovery. Post-operative weight-bearing is more relevant than temperature, but it's still important to maintain warmth. ...[Read More] Can You Work in Freezing Conditions After Spine Surgery?
Understanding Chronic Shoulder and Neck Pain: Diagnosis and Treatment Options
Shoulder and neck pain? I have been experiencing shoulder and neck pain for at least 10 years. During a visit to a pain management clinic, the doctor performed an ultrasound on my right shoulder and found a small bone that is not aligned with the left side. He prescribed a topica...
Dr. Chen Bochen Reply:
It has been painful for ten years, so it is indeed advisable to get checked. I recommend that you consider paying out of pocket for a cervical spine MRI and a shoulder and neck ultrasound. If these self-funded examinations show no issues, then you should modify your lifestyle: av...[Read More] Understanding Chronic Shoulder and Neck Pain: Diagnosis and Treatment Options
Understanding Inflammation in the L4-L5 Lumbar Spine: Symptoms and Insights
Inflammation of the lumbar spine at the L4-L5 level? Hello Doctor, I experienced unusual pain in my lower back after lifting water in early November last year, which became severe by the evening. Initially, I thought it was a muscle strain, but after two months of no improvement,...
Dr. Wang Shouji Reply:
Hello, considering your age and history of strains, if you have no prior history of lower back pain, the likelihood of ankylosing spondylitis is low. A strain of the lower back muscles and soft tissues can lead to chronic back pain and stiffness if not fully recovered, as the bac...[Read More] Understanding Inflammation in the L4-L5 Lumbar Spine: Symptoms and Insights
Understanding Sacralization of the Lumbar Spine: Causes and Solutions for Chronic Pain
Lumbarization of the sacrum? Hello Doctor, I have been experiencing lower back pain for 11 years. It started as a dull ache and has progressed to severe pain. Lying flat, bending over, and standing for long periods are very painful (the pain radiates to my buttocks). Sometimes th...
Dr. Wang Shouji Reply:
Hello, it seems you may have a lumbar spine issue combined with sciatica. I recommend consulting with an orthopedic specialist, a neurosurgeon, or a spine surgeon. Wishing you the best.[Read More] Understanding Sacralization of the Lumbar Spine: Causes and Solutions for Chronic Pain
Understanding the Stability of Cervical Spine Plates and Screw Fixation
Regarding the issue of cervical vertebral plate screw loosening? Hello, Dr. Chen. I recently underwent a cervical laminoplasty, where titanium alloy plates were implanted at the C4-C6 levels, with one screw locked on each side. However, I have seen many laminoplasty procedures wh...
Dr. Chen Bochen Reply:
There is one or two screws on each side, and the procedure is performed by a physician. The physician will assess the situation and follow the instructions of the attending physician. Wearing a cervical collar will help prevent dislodgement.[Read More] Understanding the Stability of Cervical Spine Plates and Screw Fixation
Could I Have Injured My Spine? Understanding Symptoms and Next Steps
Is there a possibility of spinal injury? Hello, I would like to ask about an issue I have. Recently, I went trampoline jumping, and now whenever I move my body up and down (like when I ride over a bump) or carry heavy objects, I feel a tight sensation. Could this indicate a spina...
Dr. Chen Bochen Reply:
Hello, based on your symptom description, it could be a vertebral arch dissociation, which is a common spinal injury in young males. It is recommended that you seek medical attention, either from an orthopedic specialist or a rehabilitation physician.[Read More] Could I Have Injured My Spine? Understanding Symptoms and Next Steps
Post-Pelvic Fracture: Understanding Leg Pain and Discomfort
Post-pelvic fracture, there may be symptoms of lower limb soreness and cramping? Hello doctor, about four months ago I was in a car accident and sustained a pelvic fracture (lower right side of the pelvis). The doctor said there was no bleeding and minimal displacement, so surger...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
Prolonged inactivity may lead to lower back pain, and it is advisable to consult a physician for evaluation.[Read More] Post-Pelvic Fracture: Understanding Leg Pain and Discomfort
Managing Persistent Back Pain After Tuberculosis Treatment: Insights and Solutions
The MRI shows a slight herniation between the lumbar vertebrae L1 and L5, causing pain and discomfort at night while sleeping? I was treated for tuberculosis from December 6, 2019, to June 5, 2020, for a duration of six months. During this time, I have been experiencing lower bac...
Dr. Cai Shanglin Reply:
Hello, Teacher Lin. If you have been experiencing long-term discomfort due to lower back pain and suspect a spinal infection, an MRI can help determine the cause of your back pain, which can be quite complex. Most conservative treatments (non-surgical methods such as medication a...[Read More] Managing Persistent Back Pain After Tuberculosis Treatment: Insights and Solutions
Managing Post-Surgery Pain: Hip Replacement Complications and Solutions
Pain in the lower back, a specific point in the buttocks, and thigh pain? Hello Doctor, my mother underwent a left hip joint replacement surgery in early November. Initially, she did not experience much pain during her hospital stay or upon discharge, but by December, she started...
Dr. Wang Shouji Reply:
Hello, after hip joint surgery, if you experience severe pain again, it is important to be aware of potential issues such as infection or dislocation. It is advisable to reassess your condition. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Wang Shou-ji.[Read More] Managing Post-Surgery Pain: Hip Replacement Complications and Solutions
Managing Post-Surgery Pain: Insights on Hip Replacement Complications
Pain in the lower back, a specific point in the buttocks, and thigh pain? Hello Doctor, my mother underwent a left hip joint replacement surgery at the beginning of November. Initially, she did not experience much pain during her hospital stay and upon discharge. However, in Dece...
Dr. Wang Shouji Reply:
Hello, after hip joint surgery, if you experience severe pain again, it is important to be aware of issues such as infection and dislocation. It is recommended to reassess your condition. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Dr. Wang Shou-ji.[Read More] Managing Post-Surgery Pain: Insights on Hip Replacement Complications
Understanding Lower Back Pain: Causes and Solutions for Relief
Lower back pain? Hello, Dr. Tsai. Recently, whenever I lie down, both sides of my lower back easily feel sore (the right side more often). My right leg has also been experiencing occasional weakness while walking.
Dr. Cai Shanglin Reply:
Hello, the causes of lower back pain are numerous and complex. In most young individuals, it is often due to discomfort in soft tissues such as muscles, tendons, and ligaments. Paying attention to posture and engaging in appropriate exercise, along with conservative treatments (n...[Read More] Understanding Lower Back Pain: Causes and Solutions for Relief
Understanding Chest Pain After a Fall: Causes and Treatment Options
When slipping and falling, I felt a vibration in my chest, followed by chest pain? (1) The reason for the chest pain after falling while sitting down could be due to a few factors. It is possible that the impact caused a strain or injury to the muscles or cartilage in the chest a...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
1. It is possible to have blunt trauma to the sternum due to the transmission of pressure, similar to how sitting down abruptly can injure the lumbar spine, potentially leading to a compression fracture of the lumbar vertebrae. 2. For medication treatment, local heat applicatio...[Read More] Understanding Chest Pain After a Fall: Causes and Treatment Options
Understanding Leg Pain When Climbing Stairs: Causes and Solutions
Soreness in the thighs when climbing stairs? Hello, Director Chen! I have a troubling question to ask: I have a daily exercise routine that includes hiking, jogging, cycling, and climbing mountains. However, for the past two to three months, I've noticed that whenever I go u...
Dr. Chen Bochen Reply:
Activities such as climbing hills and cycling that involve forward bending of the spine can cause soreness, which may be due to a herniated intervertebral disc. It is recommended to strengthen core muscles. Using a lumbar support and anti-inflammatory medications may provide shor...[Read More] Understanding Leg Pain When Climbing Stairs: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Neck and Shoulder Pain: Spine Issues vs. Muscle Strain
Spinal and muscle soreness? I have been experiencing shoulder and neck pain for two months, usually occurring upon waking up, and sometimes it can last for a morning or even a whole day! I would like to ask: 1. Could this be related to a spinal issue, such as misalignment, or is ...
Dr. Chen Bochen Reply:
Hello: Cervical spine injuries can cause symptoms such as numbness, pain, weakness, muscle atrophy, and unsteady gait. Even mild cases can lead to myofascial pain. It is recommended to use medication, undergo rehabilitation, and wear a soft cervical collar to accelerate recovery.[Read More] Understanding Neck and Shoulder Pain: Spine Issues vs. Muscle Strain
Understanding Back Pressure Therapy: Safety and Recovery Tips
Pressure applied to the upper back? 1. The popping sound you heard during the pressure application is likely due to the release of gas bubbles in the synovial fluid of the joints, a phenomenon known as cavitation. This is common during spinal manipulation and is generally not a c...
Dr. Chen Bochen Reply:
Hello: 1. The sounds from the bones are usually produced by the formation of gas bubbles within small joints. 2. If there is an injury to the spine, symptoms may include numbness, tingling, or weakness. If these symptoms are absent, it is advisable to monitor the situation carefu...[Read More] Understanding Back Pressure Therapy: Safety and Recovery Tips
Post-Surgery Challenges: Left Heel Weakness After T12 Spine Injury
After the T12 spinal surgery, the left heel is unable to bear weight? Hello Doctor, I suffered a burst fracture of the T12 vertebra in October last year, and underwent surgery where screws were placed from T10 to L2, with bone cement applied to T12. Postoperatively, I have been u...
Dr. Wang Shouji Reply:
Hello, it is important to pay attention to the degree of nerve compression. If temporary stabilization is not suitable and fusion is not performed, it may be appropriate to remove it. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Wang Shou-ji.[Read More] Post-Surgery Challenges: Left Heel Weakness After T12 Spine Injury