Understanding Lower Back Pain: Is It Sciatica and Can Rehab Help?
Lower back pain Recently, I have been experiencing frequent pain in my lower back, and occasionally the pain radiates from my lower back to my buttocks, thighs, and calves. Could this be sciatica? Can rehabilitation completely resolve this issue? Thank you!
Dr. Chen Xianchang Reply:
Hello, Miss: I would like to respond to your questions and provide the following suggestions: 1. Based on the symptoms you described, they appear to be indicative of sciatic nerve compression. Generally, rehabilitation treatments such as heat therapy, electrical stimulation, and ...[Read More] Understanding Lower Back Pain: Is It Sciatica and Can Rehab Help?
Managing Lower Back Pain and Leg Discomfort: A Guide
Lower back pain? Hello, doctor! I've been experiencing pain in the upper left side of my back for the past few days, and my right thigh muscles hurt so much that I can hardly walk. Sometimes, the pain extends to my calf as well. How should I address this confusing pain? Than...
Dr. Chen Xianchang Reply:
Hello, sir: Thank you for your inquiry. I would like to address your questions and provide the following suggestions: 1. Generally speaking, the pain may stem from excessive or improper use of the muscles, including the quadratus lumborum, biceps femoris, and gastrocnemius. 2. Ho...[Read More] Managing Lower Back Pain and Leg Discomfort: A Guide
Coping with Osteoarthritis: Winter Care Tips for Better Mobility
Degenerative arthritis My mother has osteoarthritis. She used to be able to go for walks, but recently she has been experiencing frequent swelling and pain. What care should individuals with osteoarthritis take during the cold winter months? Is it advisable for them to avoid goin...
Dr. Chen Xianchang Reply:
Hello Sir: Thank you for your inquiry. Here are my responses to your questions and some recommendations: 1. Generally speaking, osteoarthritis is characterized by "aching pain," and frequent "lower back pain" should also raise the suspicion of another type o...[Read More] Coping with Osteoarthritis: Winter Care Tips for Better Mobility
Understanding Lower Back Pain: Immediate Steps and Treatment Options
Lower back pain Hello, Doctor! I suddenly experienced severe pain near my lower back while lifting something, to the point where I couldn't straighten up. I applied a medicated patch, which has helped a little, but I'm unsure how long the effect will last. Could this be...
Dr. Chen Xianchang Reply:
Hello, sir: Thank you for your inquiry. I would like to respond to your question and provide the following suggestions: 1. Generally speaking, the symptoms may be indicative of a lumbar muscle strain or a herniated intervertebral disc. When such an incident occurs, it is import...[Read More] Understanding Lower Back Pain: Immediate Steps and Treatment Options
Managing Recurrent Injuries: When to Seek Rehabilitation After Falls
Bruise A year ago, I fell several times while skiing, but the pain disappeared after applying a medicated patch. Six months ago, I slipped while canyoning and was in so much pain that I had to be taken to the emergency room, where an X-ray showed no fractures. After resting for a...
Dr. Chen Xianchang Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Here are my responses and recommendations: 1. Generally speaking, when it comes to injuries from falls, there are two main considerations: the first is inflammation at the site of impact, which may include periosteal reaction; the second is th...[Read More] Managing Recurrent Injuries: When to Seek Rehabilitation After Falls
Understanding Back Pain After a Fall: Rehabilitation Insights for Seniors
Lower back pain? My mother slipped and fell two weeks ago, suffering severe injuries to her back and lower back. She is a 72-year-old elderly woman. After the fall, she visited a rehabilitation department where she received heat therapy and electrical stimulation, and was prescri...
Dr. Chen Xianchang Reply:
Hello, sir: Thank you for your inquiry. I would like to respond to your question and provide the following suggestions: 1. To answer your question, the indication for Fosamax (Alendronate) is osteoporosis. It can enhance the sensitivity of estrogen receptors in women and promot...[Read More] Understanding Back Pain After a Fall: Rehabilitation Insights for Seniors
Which Specialist to Consult for Back Pain with Family History of Ankylosing Spondylitis?
Given the family history of ankylosing spondylitis and current symptoms of back pain with an uncertain cause, you should consult a rheumatologist? Hello Doctor: My current condition is that I tested positive for HLA-B27 (diagnosed around the age of 23 at the Veterans General Hosp...
Dr. Pan Yingda Reply:
Basically, ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is not considered a hereditary disease. There may be genetic and constitutional factors involved, but which chronic disease does not have some underlying predisposition? The purpose of testing is simply to confirm whether or not it is AS, ri...[Read More] Which Specialist to Consult for Back Pain with Family History of Ankylosing Spondylitis?
Understanding Lower Back Pain After Injury: Recovery and Stretching Tips
Lower back pain A month ago, I experienced lower back pain due to a car accident. Initially, an X-ray taken in the emergency room indicated compression fractures of the first to third lumbar vertebrae. However, after five days of rest, a follow-up appointment revealed that the bo...
Dr. Chen Xianchang Reply:
Hello, Miss: Thank you for your inquiry. Here are my responses and suggestions: 1. The diagnosis you received in the emergency room differs significantly from the diagnosis made five days later. If there are three consecutive compression fractures, you should still experience p...[Read More] Understanding Lower Back Pain After Injury: Recovery and Stretching Tips
Understanding Upper Back and Right Leg Pain in Older Women
Lower back muscle pain? My mother has been experiencing pain in the muscles on the upper right side of her back near the ribs, as well as soreness in the outer side of her right calf. She has been living normally and did not fall, and she does not think it is serious, so she has ...
Dr. Chen Xianchang Reply:
Hello, Miss: Thank you for your inquiry. Here are my responses and suggestions: 1. Generally speaking, the "erector spinae" muscles located in the lower back and along the rib cage are the most common sources of back pain, which may be caused by poor posture or heavy ...[Read More] Understanding Upper Back and Right Leg Pain in Older Women
Understanding Back Pain: Is It Sciatica or Scoliosis-Related?
Lower back pain? Doctor, my lower back hurts and the pain radiates down to my feet. I previously had an X-ray at the hospital, which showed that I have scoliosis. Could this be causing sciatica? The doctor mentioned something about nerve pain related to a herniated disc. What sho...
Dr. Chen Xianchang Reply:
Hello, Miss: Thank you for your question. Here are my suggestions: 1. Generally speaking, pain radiating to the soles of the feet is caused by a herniated disc that compresses the sciatic nerve. 2. Sneezing and coughing can increase abdominal pressure, which may exacerbate a hern...[Read More] Understanding Back Pain: Is It Sciatica or Scoliosis-Related?
Effective Rehabilitation Strategies for Ankle Pain and Discomfort
Foot pain Last week, I had an accident and injured my ankle, which has a wound. My foot hurts when I walk, and sometimes I experience cramping pain in my calf. My lower back feels very sore (without any wounds). I consulted an orthopedic doctor, but he said my bones are normal. W...
Dr. Xu Zhenrong Reply:
Hello, Ms. SUE. First of all, thank you for your inquiry. Ankle sprains are common sports or accidental injuries that often do not involve fractures or bone issues, and X-ray examinations may appear normal. This is usually a soft tissue injury (including tendons, bursae, ligament...[Read More] Effective Rehabilitation Strategies for Ankle Pain and Discomfort
Effective Strategies for Managing Localized Lower Back Pain
Low back pain Dear Doctor: I have a localized pain in my lower back that sometimes occurs on the right side and occasionally on the left side. The pain is so severe that I struggle to get up after lying down and have difficulty turning over. What should I do? Thank you!
Dr. Chen Xianchang Reply:
Hello, Miss: Thank you for your inquiry. Here are my responses and suggestions: 1. In reality, consider whether you have been overexerting yourself; if so, you should change your work methods and frequency. 2. If there is no evidence of overexertion, you should visit a hospital t...[Read More] Effective Strategies for Managing Localized Lower Back Pain
Effective Exercises for Herniated Discs: Can You Swim?
Herniated disc Hello, Director Su! I have been undergoing rehabilitation for a herniated disc for 3 months. What exercises can I do? Is swimming allowed? Thank you!
Dr. Su Hongci Reply:
Patients should engage in gentle stretching exercises or aquatic rehabilitation in addition to medication and physical therapy. It is essential to warm up before exercising and to avoid high-impact activities such as basketball and tennis, as well as heavy lifting and twisting mo...[Read More] Effective Exercises for Herniated Discs: Can You Swim?
Is Lower Back Pain Related to Sciatica Issues?
Lower back pain? Dear Doctor: Is lower back pain an indication of a problem with the sciatic nerve? Thank you!
Dr. Chen Xianchang Reply:
Hello Sir: Thank you for your inquiry. I would like to address your questions and provide the following suggestions: 1. Most cases of lower back pain and discomfort are due to poor posture, heavy lifting, or prolonged sitting or squatting, which leads to muscle overuse and infl...[Read More] Is Lower Back Pain Related to Sciatica Issues?
Understanding Waist Stretching in Rehabilitation: When and How Much to Lift
Lower back strain Hello, Director! My mother is undergoing rehabilitation and has a lower back stretching program. I would like to ask, what is the basis for determining the starting weight for lower back stretching? At what point in rehabilitation can we consider stopping? Thank...
Dr. Chen Xianchang Reply:
Hello, Miss: Thank you for your inquiry. Here are my responses and suggestions: 1. Generally speaking, the importance of weight training for the lower back starts at about 1/4 of body weight, increasing by 1 kg every two to three days until reaching 1/2 of body weight. 2. Howe...[Read More] Understanding Waist Stretching in Rehabilitation: When and How Much to Lift
Is Lumbar Traction Safe for Sciatica and Herniated Discs?
Lumbar traction Dear Doctor: I have sciatica that radiates to my left lower limb, and it has been occurring frequently lately. I've heard that stretching the lower back can be effective. However, I have a hernia; is it safe for me to stretch my lower back?
Dr. Xu Zhenrong Reply:
Dear Mr. Confused, I am pleased to receive your letter and happy to provide you with answers. A hernia occurs due to a weakness or tear in the abdominal wall, leading to the protrusion of fatty tissue or organs, such as the intestines, through this defect. This is especially not...[Read More] Is Lumbar Traction Safe for Sciatica and Herniated Discs?
Can Stretching Help Sciatica Pain with a Hernia?
Can a hernia cause back pain? I have sciatica that radiates to my left lower limb, and it has been frequently occurring lately. I've heard that stretching the lower back is effective. However, I have a hernia; is it safe for me to stretch my lower back?
Dr. Chen Xianchang Reply:
Hello, sir: Thank you for your inquiry. Here are my responses and recommendations: 1. Due to lumbar traction, abdominal pressure may increase, which can affect hernias; therefore, lumbar traction is not advisable at this time. Instead, you may consider strengthening deep tissue m...[Read More] Can Stretching Help Sciatica Pain with a Hernia?
Is Yoga Safe for My 60-Year-Old Mom with Back Pain?
Yoga issues? My mother often experiences lower back pain. I have a niece who is a yoga instructor and wants to help her. My 60-year-old mother would like to ask the doctor: Is it advisable for her to try yoga? Thank you for your guidance!
Dr. Chen Xianchang Reply:
Hello, ma'am: Thank you for your inquiry. Here are my responses and suggestions: 1. For a 60-year-old woman experiencing lower back pain, it is important to consider issues such as lumbar degeneration, osteoporosis, shortened back muscles, and poor circulation. 2. When p...[Read More] Is Yoga Safe for My 60-Year-Old Mom with Back Pain?
Understanding Chronic Lower Back Pain: When to Seek Medical Attention
Low back pain? I would like to ask: I previously injured my lower back while playing basketball, but it wasn't severe, so I didn't seek medical attention. After a few days, it returned to normal. However, since that incident, I have been experiencing lower back pain eas...
Dr. Chen Xianchang Reply:
Hello, sir: Thank you for your inquiry. I would like to respond to your question and provide the following suggestions: 1. In practical terms, there are typically two areas that could be injured in the lower back. The first is a strain of the "quadratus lumborum" musc...[Read More] Understanding Chronic Lower Back Pain: When to Seek Medical Attention
Managing Pain and Recovery After a Fall: Tips for Rehabilitation
Bruise Hello, doctor! Today I went canyoning and fell, hitting the right side of my lower back against a rock. The pain was so intense that I couldn't get up. The emergency room doctor reviewed the X-rays and said there was no major injury, but I believe I have injured my co...
Dr. Chen Xianchang Reply:
Hello, Miss: Thank you for your inquiry. Here are my responses and recommendations: 1. It is important to consider the impact point of the force <magnitude and area of force> and the conduction of the force <up to which lumbar vertebra>, so the management can be div...[Read More] Managing Pain and Recovery After a Fall: Tips for Rehabilitation