Understanding Neck and Back Pain: Causes, Treatment, and Recovery
Discomfort in the shoulders, neck, and back? Dear Dr. Lai, I am currently writing a thesis and often need to use the computer for long periods. Recently, I experienced discomfort in my shoulders, neck, and back (muscle soreness), so I went to the hospital for an examination. The...
Dr. Lai Yanting Reply:
Hello: Thank you for your inquiry. (1) Are the discomforts in the shoulders, neck, and back all caused by cervical spine abnormalities, poor posture, or could there be other underlying causes? The most common reason for shoulder, neck, and back pain is poor posture. However, the ...[Read More] Understanding Neck and Back Pain: Causes, Treatment, and Recovery
Essential Tips for Managing Neck and Knee Degeneration at Home
Regarding bone degeneration issues? Hello Dr. Lai: I would like to ask about what to pay attention to regarding cervical and knee degeneration. My father experienced dizziness and went to the hospital for an X-ray, which revealed degeneration in the bones of his right cervical sp...
Dr. Lai Yanting Reply:
Cervical and knee degeneration --> Everyone will experience degeneration --> Consider treatment only if symptoms arise! 1. Rehabilitation for knee osteoarthritis: - For those with limited time: Leg raises (sitting on a chair, extend the leg [hold for 1-2 seconds] --> ...[Read More] Essential Tips for Managing Neck and Knee Degeneration at Home
Understanding Thoracic Scoliosis: Symptoms, Treatment, and Care Tips
Thoracic scoliosis Hello Dr. Lee, I had an X-ray during a recent company health check, and the report indicated that I have thoracic scoliosis. I did not have this condition in previous years, so I am unsure why it has developed this year. I would like to ask you, Dr. Lee, what i...
Dr. Li Weiqiang Reply:
Dear Tony, What is scoliosis of the thoracic spine? Simply put, it is a condition where the spine is not straight, which can be easily observed in a frontal X-ray (as attached). What symptoms might it have? Mild spinal curvature typically does not present symptoms unless it is a...[Read More] Understanding Thoracic Scoliosis: Symptoms, Treatment, and Care Tips
Understanding Unexplained Falls: Potential Causes and When to Seek Help
Unexplained falls? About four or five years ago, one night while I was sleeping, my phone rang. I wanted to get up to answer it, but for some reason, even though my feet should have had sensation, when I stepped onto the floor to walk, one of my feet suddenly felt completely weak...
Dr. Lai Yanting Reply:
1. Based on your description, it may be helpful to recall if you took any sleeping pills or sedatives in the days leading up to the fall. This could potentially explain why you experienced a deep sleep and may have had insufficient reaction time when suddenly waking up, or it cou...[Read More] Understanding Unexplained Falls: Potential Causes and When to Seek Help
Understanding Unexplained Falls: Causes and When to Seek Help
Unexplained falls? About four or five years ago, one night while I was sleeping, my phone rang. I wanted to get up to answer it, but for some reason, even though my feet should have had sensation, when I stepped onto the floor to walk, one of my feet suddenly felt completely weak...
Dr. Lai Yanting Reply:
1. Based on your description, it may be helpful to recall if you took any sleeping pills or sedatives in the days leading up to the fall. This could potentially explain why you might have been in a deep sleep and suddenly got up during the night, leading to insufficient reaction ...[Read More] Understanding Unexplained Falls: Causes and When to Seek Help
Effective Traction Therapy for Myofascial Pain Syndrome Relief
Traction therapy for myofascial pain syndrome? Myofascial pain syndrome, with tender points located on the right side of the spine in the back and radiating pain deep in the posterior thigh, is said to be treated with "traction." How should traction therapy be performed...
Dr. Lai Yanting Reply:
Stretching the muscles that are causing myofascial pain may help improve symptoms (if it is indeed myofascial pain syndrome). For traction treatment methods, you can refer to the following link: http://www.uwhealth.org/healthfacts/B_EXTRANET_HEALTH_INFORMATION-FlexMember-Show_Pub...[Read More] Effective Traction Therapy for Myofascial Pain Syndrome Relief
Correcting Uneven Shoe Wear to Prevent Foot and Spine Issues
The shoes are tilted to one side while walking? Hello, I have a question: When shoes are worn for a long time, the heel part tends to wear down unevenly, with a difference of up to one centimeter. Over time, I feel discomfort in my feet, and even when standing normally, my feet u...
Dr. Pan Yingda Reply:
It is generally not related to scoliosis! Correction mainly relies on adjusting the distribution of weight while standing, which must be done by oneself; it is unlikely to be improved by others or tools. This phenomenon is quite common and should not be overly concerning![Read More] Correcting Uneven Shoe Wear to Prevent Foot and Spine Issues
Understanding the Impact of Straightened Cervical Spine on Health and Military Service
Cervical spine straightening? I had an X-ray taken of my cervical spine, and it shows that my neck is straight without any curvature. I would like to know what impact a straightened cervical spine might have on me. Will it have significant effects? I'm about to enlist in the...
Dr. Lai Yanting Reply:
A straightened cervical spine is commonly caused by muscle tension, and it is recommended to seek further evaluation at a clinic.[Read More] Understanding the Impact of Straightened Cervical Spine on Health and Military Service
Understanding Muscle Endurance Issues and Back Pain After Injury
Poor muscular endurance? Hello, Doctor. I previously experienced a sharp pain in my back after bending for too long, so I visited a rehabilitation specialist. (I had a minor compression fracture from a car accident at the end of last year.) The doctor took several X-rays, both fr...
Dr. Chen Xianchang Reply:
Hello Sir: Thank you for your inquiry. I would like to respond to your questions and provide the following suggestions: 1. Further examination, such as an MRI, can be performed to check for any herniated discs, which commonly cause sharp pain and numbness. 2. For scoliosis, a ...[Read More] Understanding Muscle Endurance Issues and Back Pain After Injury
Understanding and Relieving Right-Sided Intercostal Muscle Pain
Intercostal muscle pain Director, I often experience pain in the intercostal muscles on the right side. What could be the possible causes? How can I alleviate it? Thank you!
Dr. Chen Xianchang Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Here are my responses and suggestions: 1. It may be due to intercostal muscle strain (from lifting heavy objects or sneezing), compression of the intercostal nerves, or nerve compression caused by thoracic disc herniation. 2. You may consider...[Read More] Understanding and Relieving Right-Sided Intercostal Muscle Pain
Understanding Muscle Cramps and Pain in the Neck Area: Causes and Solutions
Dull pain Hello, Doctor! Recently, the muscles near my right trapezius close to the cervical spine have been frequently tightening up, especially after bending my head down to do some housework, which causes sharp pain. What could this phenomenon be? 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 may be due to a chronic muscle strain, resulting in muscle and tendon shortening, cervical degeneration, or intervertebral disc herniation compressing th...[Read More] Understanding Muscle Cramps and Pain in the Neck Area: Causes and Solutions
Should You Seek Rehab for Shoulder Blade Pain? Expert Advice
Shoulder blade pain? Hello, Dr. Chen! My mother has been experiencing shoulder pain after carrying a reusable bag on her shoulder while shopping in recent days. The pain is particularly intense near her spine, and she also feels sharp and throbbing pain on the right side. She has...
Dr. Chen Xianchang Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Here are my responses and recommendations: 1. It could be due to muscle overuse, but it may also be related to lumbar disc herniation or facet joint syndrome. All of these conditions can be evaluated and treated in a rehabilitation department....[Read More] Should You Seek Rehab for Shoulder Blade Pain? Expert Advice
Understanding Back Pain: Do Silicone Mattresses Really Help?
Lower back pain? Hello, doctor! I saw an introduction on a TV shopping channel about a silicone mattress that seems to relieve back pain. We bought one for my mom, who often complains about her back pain, but she still feels the pain persists. Could this be an issue related to he...
Dr. Chen Xianchang Reply:
Hello, Miss: Thank you for your question. I would like to respond to your inquiry and provide the following suggestions: 1. There are many causes of lower back pain, including: A. Muscle overuse and inflammation B. Degeneration of the lumbar spine or herniated intervert...[Read More] Understanding Back Pain: Do Silicone Mattresses Really Help?
Understanding Falls: Assessing Potential Spine Injuries and Rehab Options
Fall Hello, Dr. Chen! I fell in the bathroom and bruised my hip, making it difficult to sit or turn over while sleeping. Could this potentially injure my spine? Is it advisable to see a rehabilitation specialist? Thank you!
Dr. Chen Xianchang Reply:
Hello, Miss: Thank you for your question. Here are my responses and suggestions: 1. During the acute phase, it can be difficult to make a diagnosis. You should start with ice therapy and take analgesics and anti-inflammatory medications, while also ensuring plenty of rest. 2. If ...[Read More] Understanding Falls: Assessing Potential Spine Injuries and Rehab Options
Struggling with Sit-Ups at 21: Understanding the Challenges and Solutions
Sit-up Hello, doctor! I'm only 21 years old, but I can't do a single sit-up, even with a friend holding my feet down. What could be the problem? How can I strengthen myself? Thank you!
Dr. Chen Xianchang Reply:
Hello, Miss: Thank you for your inquiry. Here are my responses and suggestions: 1. It is possible that you are experiencing muscle weakness due to lack of practice. If you are experiencing pain, there may be an injury to the lumbar spine or vertebrae, and you should seek medical ...[Read More] Struggling with Sit-Ups at 21: Understanding the Challenges and Solutions
Should You Consider Spinal Decompression for Spondylolisthesis?
Lower back pain? My uncle has sciatica, and the rehabilitation physician took an X-ray and said there is lumbar spondylolisthesis. Should he undergo lumbar traction or not?
Dr. Chen Xianchang Reply:
Hello, sir: Thank you for your inquiry. I would like to address your questions and provide the following suggestions: 1. The purpose of lumbar traction is to alleviate sciatica and address issues related to nerve compression in the lumbar spine. Traction should only be consider...[Read More] Should You Consider Spinal Decompression for Spondylolisthesis?
Understanding Upper Back Pain After Lumbar Fracture: Causes and Solutions
Sharp pain in the upper back? I had a car accident last December that resulted in compression fractures of the first to third lumbar vertebrae. The doctor said they were very minor and prescribed medication for me, stating that as long as I was not in pain, I would be fine. After...
Dr. Chen Xianchang Reply:
Hello, Miss: Thank you for your inquiry. Here are my responses and suggestions: 1. Regarding your lumbar spine, in addition to the compression fracture, there may be issues such as scoliosis or excessive lordosis. It is important to seek medical attention promptly to prevent co...[Read More] Understanding Upper Back Pain After Lumbar Fracture: Causes and Solutions
Long-Term Back Pain: Insights and Solutions for Golf Injuries
Chronic low back pain Hello Dr. Lai, First of all, thank you for your enthusiastic response. My lower back pain seems to be caused by a sports injury. I have been an avid golfer since I was about 25 years old, playing around 4 to 5 rounds a week. I started experiencing lower ba...
Dr. Lai Yanting Reply:
Lower back pain: Prevention is more important than treatment. Here are 7 simple and easy preventive methods for your reference: 1. Change your lifestyle and work environment that puts strain on the spine. Try to avoid prolonged standing or sitting, and engage in regular movement...[Read More] Long-Term Back Pain: Insights and Solutions for Golf Injuries
Understanding Shoulder Blade Pain After Chiropractic Treatment
Shoulder blade pain? Hello, doctor! A couple of days ago, I experienced neck stiffness, and my friend took me for chiropractic treatment. Initially, it felt quite uncomfortable, almost like I was going to fall apart. Afterwards, my neck was able to move without stiffness, but at ...
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. Before undergoing spinal manipulation, it is important to first obtain an X-ray of the cervical spine to identify which vertebra is being compressed and to...[Read More] Understanding Shoulder Blade Pain After Chiropractic Treatment
Can Long-Term Knock Knees Cause Discomfort in the Knees and Lower Back?
Long-term malocclusion? Is it possible for long-term overpronation to cause discomfort in the knees and even the lower back?
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. Generally speaking, having a foot posture that is excessively turned inward can exacerbate internal rotation of the hip joint and increase lumbar lordosis, ...[Read More] Can Long-Term Knock Knees Cause Discomfort in the Knees and Lower Back?