Neck Brace Duration: Enhancing Recovery After a Car Accident
Cervical collar Hello, Doctor! After the car accident, I was advised by the physician to wear a cervical collar for at least 1.5 months. I would like to know if rehabilitation therapy would be more effective during this period. Thank you!
Dr. Su Hongci Reply:
A cervical collar is a simple cervical spine stabilization device used to prevent more severe neurological tissue damage caused by cervical spine injuries or instability. It is typically used in the following situations: 1. Trauma, such as sports injuries, car accidents, or falls...[Read More] Neck Brace Duration: Enhancing Recovery After a Car Accident
Understanding Finger Numbness: Causes and Treatment Options
Finger numbness? I often experience shoulder pain, especially waking up at night due to the pain, along with numbness in my fingers. How should I treat this?
Dr. Zheng Shunping Reply:
In response to your inquiry: Based on your symptom description, it is possible that the numbness in your fingers is due to cervical nerve root compression or peripheral nerve compression. The shoulder pain may be related to the cervical spine or could be caused by shoulder tendon...[Read More] Understanding Finger Numbness: Causes and Treatment Options
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?
Does Scoliosis Cause Uneven Shoulders? Can Sit-Ups Help?
Scoliosis Doctor, does scoliosis cause one shoulder to be higher than the other? Can doing sit-ups improve this condition? Thank you!
Dr. Su Hongci Reply:
The spine is the main structure of the human body, composed of seven cervical vertebrae, twelve thoracic vertebrae, five lumbar vertebrae, and four sacral vertebrae, arranged neatly from top to bottom. It should essentially form a straight line without any deviation. If there is ...[Read More] Does Scoliosis Cause Uneven Shoulders? Can Sit-Ups Help?
Understanding Cervical Traction: How to Determine Weight Progression in Rehab
Cervical traction The decision on the weight for cervical traction, starting at 7 kilograms and increasing by 1 kilogram every two days until reaching 10 kilograms, is typically based on the patient's tolerance, comfort level, and clinical guidelines. The goal is to graduall...
Dr. Chen Xianchang Reply:
Hello, sir: Thank you for your question. I would like to respond to your inquiry and provide the following suggestions: In practice, if we refer to textbook theoretical values, the weight for cervical traction should range from 1/7 to 1/4 of body weight. However, it is also impor...[Read More] Understanding Cervical Traction: How to Determine Weight Progression in Rehab
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
Is Tendon Release Surgery Effective for Sciatic Pain Relief?
Is a tendon rupture serious? Hello, Doctor: I have been experiencing pain in both sides of my buttocks for over a year, primarily at the ischial tuberosity—sitting causes pain, while standing does not. Various examinations, including spinal MRI and pelvic MRI, have not determined...
Dr. Su Hongci Reply:
Hello: The formation of bone spurs, in simple terms, occurs at the junction where bone meets soft tissue, subjected to prolonged excessive pressure, tension, and injury, which promotes degenerative changes in the bone. These degenerative changes lead to bone hyperplasia. Therefor...[Read More] Is Tendon Release Surgery Effective for Sciatic Pain Relief?
Can Physical Therapy Help Relieve My Mother's Back Pain?
Lower back pain? Hello, Dr. Su! My mother is 42 years old and has been experiencing lower back pain and discomfort for the past few days. It takes her several minutes to get out of bed in the morning, and she struggles with the movements. Once she gets up, she moves like a robot....
Dr. Su Hongci Reply:
Lower back pain refers to pain located below the lower edge of the rib cage, often radiating to the buttocks and legs. Some individuals may experience severe pain that makes walking difficult, accompanied by thigh cramps, while others may have a dull ache that makes sitting or st...[Read More] Can Physical Therapy Help Relieve My Mother's Back Pain?
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
Effective Rehabilitation for Shoulder and Arm Pain Relief
Shoulder and arm soreness? Hello, doctor! I often experience soreness in my shoulders and arms when lifting heavy objects. A few days ago, I went for folk therapy with a friend, but there was no noticeable effect. Can physical therapy help improve this in a short time? Thank you!
Dr. Su Hongci Reply:
There are many causes of shoulder pain, and determining the underlying issue depends on the location and nature of the pain. Simple shoulder pain, without accompanying numbness or functional limitations in the hands, is usually due to muscle or ligament injuries caused by overexe...[Read More] Effective Rehabilitation for Shoulder and Arm Pain Relief
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?
Understanding Lower Back Pain: When Stretching Makes It Worse
Lower back strain Hello Director Su: I have been undergoing rehabilitation for nearly three months. Recently, after stretching my lower back, I have experienced difficulty getting up, and I feel more comfortable when I don't stretch. What should I do to improve this situatio...
Dr. Su Hongci Reply:
Some patients may feel discomfort after undergoing lumbar traction, in which case the weight of the traction can be reduced or alternative rehabilitation methods can be employed. Since individual responses vary, some patients may be more sensitive during the acute phase of cartil...[Read More] Understanding Lower Back Pain: When Stretching Makes It Worse
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 Rib Pain: Causes and Treatment Options for Relief
Rib pain Hello, doctor! I experience pain when I slightly touch the ribs below my heart, and there is a continuous cramping pain in the muscles above my lower back. What could be the issue? Thank you!
Dr. Chen Xianchang Reply:
Hello, sir: Thank you for your inquiry. Here are my responses and recommendations: 1. It may be due to ulnar nerve pain or lateral epicondylitis, and it could also be caused by thoracic intervertebral disc herniation, which compresses the nerves. Typically, there will be tender...[Read More] Understanding Rib Pain: Causes and Treatment Options for Relief
Understanding Leg Length Discrepancy vs. Scoliosis: Expert Insights
Leg length discrepancy Dear Director Chen: It seems that I have a leg length discrepancy. Two days ago, I experienced lower back pain and visited a traditional Chinese medicine practitioner for spinal manipulation. The practitioner mentioned that my legs are of unequal length. Ho...
Dr. Chen Xianchang Reply:
Hello, sir: Thank you for your inquiry. Here are the responses to your questions and some recommendations: 1. To determine if the lengths of both legs are equal, measure from the anterior superior iliac spine (ASIS) while lying flat, extending through the center of the knee to ...[Read More] Understanding Leg Length Discrepancy vs. Scoliosis: Expert Insights
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 Left Rib Pain: Causes and Treatment Options
Left rib pain? Hello, doctor! I haven't had any collisions or engaged in intense exercise, but I'm experiencing sharp pain in the muscles near my left ribcage, about four fingers' width from my waist. What could be the possible causes? How should I manage this? Tha...
Dr. Chen Xianchang Reply:
Hello, sir: Thank you for your inquiry. Here are my responses and suggestions: 1. It may be due to costal neuralgia or compression of the nerves caused by a herniated disc in the lower thoracic spine (T8 to T12). 2. You can apply heat therapy and rest in a prone position (with a ...[Read More] Understanding Left Rib Pain: Causes and Treatment Options