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 Knee Pain: Causes, Treatment, and Dietary Tips for Seniors
Knee pain My mother is currently 62 years old and has been experiencing pain in her left knee for the past three years. Initially, the symptoms were occasional and brief, not affecting her ability to walk. She started taking glucosamine, calcium supplements, and collagen-rich pro...
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 reality, the increased frequency of your mother's knee pain, which affects her ability to get out of bed, may indicate cartilage wear and tear. Ther...[Read More] Understanding Knee Pain: Causes, Treatment, and Dietary Tips for Seniors
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
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?
Effective Exercises to Correct Uneven Shoulders: A Rehab Guide
Shoulder height discrepancy issue? My shoulders are noticeably uneven, with the right side higher than the left. What exercises can help improve this? Thank you!
Dr. Chen Xianchang Reply:
Hello, Miss: Thank you for your inquiry. I would like to respond to your question and provide the following suggestions: 1. It is essential to first check for the presence of scoliosis. A preliminary examination involves observing the individual bending forward naturally, while...[Read More] Effective Exercises to Correct Uneven Shoulders: A Rehab Guide
Which Bone Density Measurement Site is Most Accurate?
Regarding bone density? Hello, doctor: Bone density can be measured at the wrist, lumbar spine, and femur. Which site is the most accurate? Thank you.
Dr. Chen Xianchang Reply:
Hello, Miss: Thank you for your inquiry. I would like to respond to your question and provide the following suggestions: 1. The most accurate measurement should be obtained through "Quantitative Computed Tomography" (Q-CT), which assesses the average values of the &qu...[Read More] Which Bone Density Measurement Site is Most Accurate?
Managing Tailbone Pain After a Fall: Effective Recovery Tips
Fall A few days ago, I fell and had an X-ray taken, which seemed normal. The emergency physician advised me to rest for 3 to 4 days, but my coccyx continues to hurt. What can I do to alleviate this pain? Thank you!
Dr. Chen Xianchang Reply:
Hello, Miss: Thank you for your inquiry. Here are the answers to your questions and some recommendations: 1. Coccygeal impact can cause localized swelling, pain, and inflammation. In the acute phase, apply ice and reduce inflammation. 2. You may consider visiting a rehabilitat...[Read More] Managing Tailbone Pain After a Fall: Effective Recovery Tips
Can Seniors with Osteoporosis Safely Swim? Expert Insights
About swimming? Hello, Director! Can elderly individuals diagnosed with osteoporosis participate in swimming? Thank you!
Dr. Chen Xianchang Reply:
Hello Sir: Thank you for your inquiry. Here are my responses to your questions along with some recommendations: 1. Osteoporosis patients should avoid weight-bearing joint exercises. Swimming, which has low impact, is a suitable activity; you can gradually increase the use of bu...[Read More] Can Seniors with Osteoporosis Safely Swim? Expert Insights
Improving Sleep Quality: Can Rehabilitation Help with Insomnia?
About Sleep Hello, Director Su! My sleep quality is very poor, and I have been suffering from long-term insomnia. I can fall asleep with medication, but I experience continuous vivid dreams. Can rehabilitation help improve this? Thank you!
Dr. Su Hongci Reply:
Poor sleep quality can lead to a lack of energy throughout the day and difficulty concentrating. When experiencing insomnia, it is essential to consider whether it is a symptom of another underlying condition; addressing the root cause is necessary rather than treating all insomn...[Read More] Improving Sleep Quality: Can Rehabilitation Help with Insomnia?
Coping with Lumbar Spine Injury: Managing Pain and Anxiety Post-Surgery
Lumbar spine injury Hello, doctor! I previously injured my lumbar spine due to a fall and underwent surgery. Since then, I've been more cautious while walking, as I'm afraid of falling again. I'm also worried about potential sequelae. Recently, I've been exper...
Dr. Su Hongci Reply:
Hello: Regarding post-operative recovery from lumbar spine injuries, with appropriate treatment and rehabilitation, one should be able to engage in gentle exercises and activities, such as swimming and other aerobic exercises. There are many potential causes for lower back pain, ...[Read More] Coping with Lumbar Spine Injury: Managing Pain and Anxiety Post-Surgery
Understanding Herniated Discs: Treatment Options and Effectiveness
Lumbar disc herniation Hello Dr. Chen: I often experience back pain that radiates down to my left calf. An MRI indicated that I have a herniated lumbar disc. I've heard about inversion therapy and its potential benefits, but I'm unsure about its effectiveness. Does the ...
Dr. Chen Xianchang Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Here are my responses and suggestions: 1. Our rehabilitation department currently does not have this equipment. 2. The principle of the inversion machine is to secure the patient's lower limb and use body weight to decompress the lumbar ...[Read More] Understanding Herniated Discs: Treatment Options and Effectiveness
Understanding Leg Fatigue: Causes and Solutions for Your Mom's Discomfort
Leg soreness? Hello, Dr. Chen! My mother has been experiencing leg fatigue for the past six months. She often complains of soreness after standing for a short while, feels tired after walking for just ten minutes, and her calves are particularly sore. What should we do, doctor? T...
Dr. Chen Xianchang Reply:
Hello, sir: Thank you for your inquiry. Here are my responses and recommendations: 1. It may be due to lactic acid accumulation after exercise, or it could be degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine with sciatic nerve compression. 2. For the former, you can soak your calves in...[Read More] Understanding Leg Fatigue: Causes and Solutions for Your Mom's Discomfort
Relieving Sciatica Pain: Effective Solutions for Office Workers
Sciatica? Hello Director Chen! I sit for 8 hours a day at work, and for many years I have often experienced lower back pain. A friend mentioned that I might have issues with my sciatic nerve. What would be the best way to address this troublesome issue? Thank you!
Dr. Chen Xianchang Reply:
Hello: Thank you for your inquiry. Here are my responses and recommendations: 1. Sciatic nerve pain can cause numbness in the lower limbs; during the acute phase, it is advisable to apply ice and take pain relief medication. 2. You may visit a rehabilitation specialist for evalua...[Read More] Relieving Sciatica Pain: Effective Solutions for Office Workers
Do I Have Uneven Legs? Understanding Footwear Wear Patterns and Solutions
Do I have leg length discrepancy? Hello, thank you for taking the time to answer my question. My issue is that when I used to wear high heels, I noticed that the heel of my right shoe was worn down unevenly, slanting to the right, but I didn't think much of it. Recently, I&#...
Dr. Pan Yingda Reply:
Hello, I apologize for missing your question. Your issue may not necessarily be due to leg length discrepancy, but it is certain that there is some imbalance between the two sides. Determining if you have a leg length discrepancy is simple; you can measure it with a tape measure....[Read More] Do I Have Uneven Legs? Understanding Footwear Wear Patterns and Solutions
Understanding Lower Back Pain: Is It a Lumbar Injury?
Lower back pain? Recently, I have been experiencing frequent pain in the area below my back and above my buttocks. Sometimes, when I lie on my back while sleeping, I feel even more discomfort due to pressure. Additionally, when I sit up straight, it feels like there is pressure o...
Dr. Pan Yingda Reply:
I apologize for missing your question. The most common cause of your issue is likely due to poor posture, and I believe it is not significantly related to your injury from two years ago (if it were, you would likely be experiencing ongoing pain rather than recent onset; even with...[Read More] Understanding Lower Back Pain: Is It a Lumbar Injury?
Persistent Inner Thigh Pain: Exploring Treatment Options Beyond Traditional Methods
Numbness and pain in the inner thigh? If you have been experiencing numbness and pain on the inner thigh for over six months despite treatment from both Western and traditional Chinese medicine, it may indicate an underlying issue that has not been addressed. Possible causes coul...
Dr. Chen Xianchang Reply:
1. An electromyography (EMG) of the lower extremities and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the lumbar spine should be performed first to determine if there are any lesions, including intervertebral disc herniation, sciatica, or spinal tumors. 2. If there is frequent hiking o...[Read More] Persistent Inner Thigh Pain: Exploring Treatment Options Beyond Traditional Methods
Should You Consider Rehabilitation for Herniated Discs?
Should I go for rehabilitation for a herniated disc? Hello, Doctor: I apologize for the lengthy message and multiple questions, but I hope you can provide me with some advice. In mid-October, I experienced severe lower back pain while exercising (the pain was so intense that I co...
Dr. Pan Yingda Reply:
Hello, I apologize for the late response as I've been quite busy recently. Regarding your questions: 1. You should go to a hospital for rehabilitation. As for recommended exercises, forward bending movements are generally not suitable. It's important to avoid maintain...[Read More] Should You Consider Rehabilitation for Herniated Discs?
How to Safely Assist Your Grandmother with Home Rehabilitation
How to do rehabilitation exercises at home? My grandmother accidentally injured her spine when she was young, apparently at the end of her spine. She has undergone surgery, and she mentioned that the doctor removed some damaged black tissue from the junction and then repaired it....
Dr. Jian Jincheng Reply:
After surgery, the patient experiences weakness in the leg and a limping gait, which may be due to nerve compression or other causes. A detailed examination is necessary to confirm the diagnosis. It is recommended to undergo an MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) or CT (Computed Tom...[Read More] How to Safely Assist Your Grandmother with Home Rehabilitation