Managing Bone Spurs: Rehabilitation vs. Traditional Chinese Medicine Options
Bone spur Hello, Dr. Chen! My brother has bone spurs on his spine, and the surgeon recommended surgery, which scared him. He is also worried about potential side effects, so he decided to consult traditional Chinese medicine instead. The TCM treatment for bone spurs involves reha...
Dr. Chen Xianchang Reply:
(1) If there is severe nerve compression causing muscle atrophy or compression of the nerves responsible for urination, surgical treatment should be considered. (2) Traditional Chinese medicine can reduce pain, and acupuncture can have similar effects. (3) Manual therapy carries ...[Read More] Managing Bone Spurs: Rehabilitation vs. Traditional Chinese Medicine Options
Exploring Yuanlu Therapy: A New Approach to Pain Relief in Rehabilitation
Distal Acupuncture Therapy Hello, Doctor! Currently, there is a new treatment method in Taiwan called "Distant Meridian Therapy," which combines the principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) meridians with scientific validation from Western medicine. Using just t...
Dr. Chen Xianchang Reply:
(1) The principles of distant therapy are similar to those of acupressure. (2) When a part of the body is in pain, there is a corresponding area on the opposite side of the body. (3) In addition to conditions such as physical weakness, cancer, and unstable blood pressure, it can ...[Read More] Exploring Yuanlu Therapy: A New Approach to Pain Relief in Rehabilitation
Relieving Neck and Shoulder Pain: Acupuncture and Rehabilitation Solutions
Shoulder and neck pain? Hello, Doctor! On August 18, a report from the Central Broadcasting System mentioned a 32-year-old woman who experienced shoulder and neck discomfort due to work-related stress. She sought treatment from a traditional Chinese medicine practitioner, who fou...
Dr. Chen Xianchang Reply:
(1) Needle punctures in the skin may lead to infection. (2) Rehabilitation can utilize electrical stimulation and ultrasound, achieving similar effects. (3) Intradermal needles provide continuous stimulation, which is stronger than acupuncture, but may lead to overstimulation.[Read More] Relieving Neck and Shoulder Pain: Acupuncture and Rehabilitation Solutions
Understanding Growing Pains in Children: Causes and Treatment Options
Growing pains Dear Doctor, thank you for your response! The growth process of young children can be quite challenging for parents. They often cry out in pain and wake up at night, leaving adults feeling confused and helpless, especially since children cannot clearly express where...
Dr. Chen Xianchang Reply:
(1) Growing pains must first rule out other conditions, including muscle and tendon inflammation, neuropathic pain, and tumors. (2) Heat therapy or a small amount of analgesics can be used. (3) Rehabilitation is effective, including thermotherapy and strength training.[Read More] Understanding Growing Pains in Children: Causes and Treatment Options
Can Gout Be Cured? Rehabilitation Options for Effective Treatment
Gout Hello Dr. Chen! My friend frequently experiences gout attacks, during which he is unable to walk, and he still limps for several days afterward. He has tried traditional Chinese medicine, but it has not been effective. He is concerned that Western medications may harm his li...
Dr. Chen Xianchang Reply:
(1) Gout should be managed through diet and exercise; a low-purine diet is recommended (resources available online). (2) Engage in moderate exercise, drink plenty of water, and elevate the feet. (3) If there are more than five episodes in a year, it is advisable to use colchicine...[Read More] Can Gout Be Cured? Rehabilitation Options for Effective Treatment
Understanding Shifting Back Pain: Causes and Treatment Options
Lower back pain? Dear Dr. Pan, On June 12, I fell off my motorcycle, landing on my right side. That evening, I felt soreness in my right lower back, and of course, my buttocks were also painful. I had a bruise on my right thigh near the knee. After work that night, I went to a t...
Dr. Pan Yingda Reply:
A-Zheng: Hello, the pain can move around, and the most common reason for this is compensatory. Compensatory means that when one part of our body is injured and we avoid using it due to pain, the load or daily activities shift to other areas. As a result, areas that were originall...[Read More] Understanding Shifting Back Pain: Causes and Treatment Options
Understanding Upper Back Pain: Causes and Treatment Options
Sharp pain in the back? Doctor, I sometimes experience sharp pain in the upper left area of my back near the shoulder. When I touch the skin in that area, it feels sharp and painful, and at times, I experience a severe stabbing pain even without touching it. There are no visible ...
Dr. Zheng Shunping Reply:
Dear Student Zhang: Based on your symptom description, it is possible that you are experiencing myofascial pain syndrome or cervical spine issues, which are often caused by poor posture over time or certain structural abnormalities in the cervical spine. I recommend that you seek...[Read More] Understanding Upper Back Pain: Causes and Treatment Options
Understanding Plantar Fasciitis: Seeking Answers for Chronic Foot Pain
Plantar fasciitis Hello, doctor. I have been experiencing numbness, swelling, and pain in the soles of my feet for five years. I have consulted with rheumatology and orthopedics, and an MRI revealed a herniated disc at the L4-L5 level, but it is not compressing any nerves. I have...
Dr. Xu Zhenrong Reply:
Dear Mr. KD, From your letter, it is clear that you have been suffering from this condition for many years. The necessary examinations include imaging studies such as X-rays, musculoskeletal ultrasound, and lumbar MRI, as well as electrophysiological tests. You have also consult...[Read More] Understanding Plantar Fasciitis: Seeking Answers for Chronic Foot Pain
Unexplained Outer Knee Pain: Causes and Treatment Options
Unexplained pain on the outer side of both knees? For more than a year, I have often noticed pain on the outer side of my knees (both legs) upon waking up, particularly severe when bending. However, the pain usually gradually subsides after a day, and I feel almost no discomfort ...
Dr. Zheng Shunping Reply:
In response to your question: Based on your symptom description and the absence of any history of trauma, it appears to be a type of arthritis. It is recommended that you seek medical attention as soon as possible, and you may consider scheduling an appointment with a rheumatolog...[Read More] Unexplained Outer Knee Pain: Causes and Treatment Options
Understanding Knee Pain and Swelling: Insights for Expecting Mothers
Knee swelling and pain? Hello Dr. Zheng, my knee has been swollen and painful for over a year. I later consulted an orthopedic doctor who drained about 30cc of hematoma. After that, my knee could not move normally. After three months of rehabilitation and traditional Chinese medi...
Dr. Zheng Shunping Reply:
In response to your question: Based on your description, it is somewhat unusual that you are taking Keflex (500mg), which is an antibiotic typically used for bacterial infections and is rarely prescribed for knee pain. Given your situation, I recommend that upon returning to Taiw...[Read More] Understanding Knee Pain and Swelling: Insights for Expecting Mothers
Understanding Ligament Injuries: When to See a Specialist
Ligament injury Dear Dr. Cheng, my left knee has been bothering me since last week when I had a collision while riding my motorcycle. My knee hit the side panel of my bike. The next day, I visited a traditional Chinese medicine clinic, and they mentioned that my ligament was slig...
Dr. Zheng Shunping Reply:
In response to your question: It is recommended to first consult with a rehabilitation specialist to determine if it is a ligament issue. Sometimes, a musculoskeletal ultrasound may be necessary to confirm the diagnosis.[Read More] Understanding Ligament Injuries: When to See a Specialist
Sudden Thigh Pain: Causes and Solutions for Rehabilitation Issues
Sudden thigh pain? Hello: Today, while walking after class, I suddenly fell to the ground while going down the stairs, and I felt a sore point in the middle of my right thigh that I couldn't put weight on. What could be the reason for this? Is it a cramp? I have never experi...
Dr. Zhang Yuzhang Reply:
Dear Xiaobao, Dr. Chang Yuchang, Director of the Rehabilitation Department at Tainan Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare, would like to inform you that when your body experiences pain, it is actually a warning sign that should not be ignored. It is advisable to seek medical...[Read More] Sudden Thigh Pain: Causes and Solutions for Rehabilitation Issues
Is Surgery the Best Solution for Flat Feet Pain in Teens?
Is surgery for flat feet at the age of 18 a better option? Hello! I discovered that I have flat feet when I was 16 years old, and now I have been experiencing pain for 1 to 2 years. The entire sole of my foot is inflamed, especially the arch and heel, which are particularly sever...
Dr. Li Weiqiang Reply:
Hello: You have been experiencing pain from flat feet for 1 to 2 years, and your entire foot is inflamed. It seems that long-term treatment will be necessary. Since you have not assessed the severity of your flat feet and foot inflammation, it is difficult to determine whether su...[Read More] Is Surgery the Best Solution for Flat Feet Pain in Teens?
Understanding Lower Body Pain: Seeking Relief After Surgery
Lower limb pain My mother-in-law had surgery on her lower back over six months ago. Recently, she has been complaining of severe pain in the flesh around her buttocks. The pain is so intense that it is unbearable. She visited the surgeon at the 803 clinic, but there was no improv...
Dr. Zhang Yuzhang Reply:
Dear Dr. Chang Yu-Chang, Director of the Rehabilitation Department at Tainan Hospital, Department of Health, Executive Yuan: I hope this message finds you well. I would like to inquire if your mother-in-law has experienced any falls or sprains recently. How long has she been bed...[Read More] Understanding Lower Body Pain: Seeking Relief After Surgery
Understanding Tailbone Pain: Is It a Disc Herniation?
Please ask your question? Hello, Doctor. I previously fell and injured the coccyx area (the middle part of the buttocks). Initially, I sought treatment from a traditional Chinese medicine practitioner, and after feeling better, I stopped treatment. However, in recent years, I hav...
Dr. Zheng Shunping Reply:
Hello: In response to your question... Based on your description, it seems that the coccygeal region is less likely to be herniated. However, if there has been a fall or impact, it is still important to consider whether the higher lumbar vertebrae may have been injured, leading t...[Read More] Understanding Tailbone Pain: Is It a Disc Herniation?
Rehabilitation Strategies for Stroke-Induced Aphasia: Family Support and Concerns
Aphasia Dear Dr. Guan: How should rehabilitation for aphasia caused by a stroke be conducted, and how can family members assist? My father had nasal snuff cancer and dermatomyositis eight years ago. Is there a possibility that acupuncture treatment for the stroke could trigger a ...
Dr. Guan Zaoxiang Reply:
Hello: 1. The type of aphasia caused by a stroke varies depending on the size and location of the stroke, and the management approaches differ accordingly. You may directly consult the physician who treated you initially, or you can take your case to a neurology or rehabilitati...[Read More] Rehabilitation Strategies for Stroke-Induced Aphasia: Family Support and Concerns
Should You See a Specialist for Scoliosis or Herniated Discs?
What should I do if I get injured? Will scoliosis or lumbar disc herniation cause a decrease in height? If someone has these conditions, which specialty should they consult: rehabilitation medicine, physical therapy, or traditional Chinese medicine for injuries?
Dr. Zheng Shunping Reply:
Hello: In response to your question... If there is a problem with scoliosis, height may decrease. Lumbar disc herniation can also lead to a slight reduction in the height of the lumbar vertebrae (depending on the degree of herniation and the number of affected lumbar segments). I...[Read More] Should You See a Specialist for Scoliosis or Herniated Discs?
Understanding Ligament and Cartilage Injuries: Rehabilitation vs. Surgery
Ligament and cartilage tears? Hello Dr. Chang: I had a motorcycle accident and went to the emergency room the same day for an X-ray, which showed no fractures. I was diagnosed with a sprain. Later, I received traditional Chinese medicine treatment with massage and topical applica...
Dr. Chang Qiongwen Reply:
Hello: Arthroscopic surgery is actually a minor procedure. Since most people are reluctant to undergo surgery, it is recommended to first try conservative rehabilitation therapy for two months. However, if there is severe damage to the cartilage or ligaments, surgery may be unavo...[Read More] Understanding Ligament and Cartilage Injuries: Rehabilitation vs. Surgery
Can Physical Therapy Help Relieve Computer-Related Hand Pain?
excuse me? Hello Doctor, I would like to ask if I can come to your clinic for rehabilitation, as I experience soreness and muscle pain in my hands from long hours of computer work. I used to frequently receive cupping therapy from a traditional Chinese medicine practitioner, wh...
Dr. Chen Xianchang Reply:
(1) What you described may be lateral epicondylitis (commonly known as tennis elbow). (2) Rehabilitation focuses on anti-inflammatory treatment and improving circulation for tendonitis, which has shown good results. (3) If the tendon cannot rest, the rehabilitation department can...[Read More] Can Physical Therapy Help Relieve Computer-Related Hand Pain?
Can Pelvic Misalignment Cause Back Pain? Understanding Your Diagnosis
Can the pelvis become misaligned? Dear Doctor: I previously injured my lower back while lifting heavy items at work, resulting in weakness. After receiving massage therapy, I felt better. A traditional Chinese medicine practitioner mentioned that my pelvis was misaligned, leading...
Dr. Guan Zaoxiang Reply:
Hello: Pelvic tilt is a symptom rather than a diagnosis, although some practitioners, particularly within the chiropractic field, may consider it a diagnosis. In treatment, we generally emphasize addressing the underlying cause rather than just treating the symptoms. Traditional ...[Read More] Can Pelvic Misalignment Cause Back Pain? Understanding Your Diagnosis