Post-Surgery Numbness in Hand: Is It Normal After Cervical Surgery?
After cervical spine surgery, experiencing numbness in the hand can be considered a normal occurrence? Hello, my wife is 40 years old. She recently went to the hospital due to numbness in her left arm, and an MRI revealed that she has herniated discs at the C5/C6 and C6/C7 levels...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello, it is recommended to consult your surgeon. Wishing you a speedy recovery. Dr. Lai Chao-Kang, Department of Spine and Neurosurgery, Changhua Hospital.[Read More] Post-Surgery Numbness in Hand: Is It Normal After Cervical Surgery?
Understanding Lower Back Pain and Hip Discomfort: Causes and Treatments
Lower back pain with buttock soreness? Hello, doctor! A few months ago, while lifting heavy objects, I suspect I may have strained my lower back (I heard a popping sound at that moment). Although I did not experience any obvious pain symptoms afterward, I have been feeling sorene...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello, if general medication rehabilitation treatment is ineffective, it may be due to a lumbar disc issue. You might consider arranging for an MRI to evaluate the condition. Wishing you a speedy recovery. Dr. Lai Chao-Kang, Department of Spine and Neurosurgery, Changhua Hospital...[Read More] Understanding Lower Back Pain and Hip Discomfort: Causes and Treatments
Understanding L1-L2 Disc Herniation and Surgical Options for Nerve Compression
Herniated discs at the L1 and L2 levels are compressing the nerves? Hello, Doctor: I am 45 years old. I started experiencing pain near the left sciatic area in April 2015. Initially, I thought it was a sports injury causing a muscle strain. After about two months of treatment wit...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello, based on your description, it seems you have lumbar nerve compression. Since L1-L2 is a higher level nerve, there are potential risks associated with surgery, and it is recommended that you have an experienced neurosurgeon perform the procedure. Regarding your description ...[Read More] Understanding L1-L2 Disc Herniation and Surgical Options for Nerve Compression
Understanding Herniated Discs: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Herniated disc Hello Doctor: I have been experiencing intermittent pain for over a year now, with symptoms being more pronounced during the colder winter months. The only external factor I can think of is that I have been doing weight training at the gym and abdominal exercises a...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
It appears to be symptoms of lumbar disc herniation compressing the nerves. An MRI can be performed, and it is covered by health insurance, so there is no out-of-pocket expense. However, the physician will assess the severity of the condition based on clinical symptoms to determi...[Read More] Understanding Herniated Discs: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Post-Hernia Surgery Pain: Is It Normal to Experience Discomfort?
Pain after hernia surgery is common? I would like to ask if it is normal to experience unexplained sharp pain at the surgical site 18 days after my hernia surgery, which involved a mesh implant. Additionally, I have noticed swelling around the area near the incision. What could b...
Dr. Yu Mingchang Reply:
Hello: If you are still experiencing pain 18 days post-surgery, you can apply a warm compress and take pain relievers as needed. Be sure to drink plenty of water. If you have a urinary tract infection and the symptoms are severe, you should consult a urologist. The Changhua Hospi...[Read More] Post-Hernia Surgery Pain: Is It Normal to Experience Discomfort?
Understanding Lumbar Disc Herniation: Symptoms and Treatment Insights
Lumbar disc herniation Hello, Doctor: I sought treatment from the rehabilitation department last October due to lower back pain. An X-ray diagnosis indicated lumbar herniated intervertebral disc (HIVD), and I have been undergoing traction therapy, which has reached its maximum in...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello, based on what you mentioned, it still seems to be related to the lumbar spine. However, the severity may not be sufficient to be detected through examinations. I recommend consulting a neurosurgeon or spine specialist for a more detailed evaluation. (It is advisable to bri...[Read More] Understanding Lumbar Disc Herniation: Symptoms and Treatment Insights
Understanding Acute Herniated Discs: When Bed Rest Fails to Relieve Pain
Acute herniated disc, with pain that cannot be relieved even while lying down? My wife experienced severe pain in her right thigh after lifting a heavy object four days ago. The next day, she also had intense pain in her calf and numbness in her toes. The hospital diagnosed her w...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello, you may have a serious lumbar spine issue. 1. If you need to use morphine, it is indeed quite severe. Have you undergone a lumbar MRI? 2. Generally, for symptomatic relief, you can try rest, pain medications, and rehabilitation (though if walking is difficult, rehabilitati...[Read More] Understanding Acute Herniated Discs: When Bed Rest Fails to Relieve Pain
Post-Surgery Complications: Persistent Numbness After Hernia Repair
Post-operative issues after Weichuang hernia surgery? About ten days after the minimally invasive surgery for right inguinal hernia, I noticed that the area around the incision felt numb, although it does not affect walking or bowel movements. However, after resting for three to ...
Dr. Xu Kaixi Reply:
Any surgical wound inevitably disrupts the skin and subcutaneous nerves, leading to localized pain and numbness, which is considered a normal phenomenon. The recovery period may range from several weeks to a few months.[Read More] Post-Surgery Complications: Persistent Numbness After Hernia Repair
Is My Leg Numbness a Sign of Disc Herniation Recurrence?
Is this a recurrence of a herniated disc? Six years ago, I underwent minimally invasive surgery to remove a portion of a herniated disc at the L4/L5 level due to pain and numbness in my left leg, and I recovered well. However, two months ago, after sneezing, I noticed numbness fr...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
1. Does this count as a recurrence of a herniated disc? A: It is possible. Please arrange for further examinations such as X-rays and MRI to confirm. 2. Is the numbness in the foot due to nerve compression? A: It is possible, but it could also be due to other issues. 3. If th...[Read More] Is My Leg Numbness a Sign of Disc Herniation Recurrence?
Understanding Cauda Equina Syndrome: Risks and Recovery Options
Cauda equina Recently diagnosed with a herniated disc, which has been ongoing for two to three years without active rehabilitation. During this time, I have also lifted heavy objects and engaged in intense exercise. Is there a significant chance of cauda equina syndrome leading t...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello, 1. Is there a significant chance that a herniated disc is compressing the cauda equina and causing erectile dysfunction? It is possible, but it is recommended to visit a clinic for an MRI and other examinations for proper assessment. 2. Severe injuries are more commonl...[Read More] Understanding Cauda Equina Syndrome: Risks and Recovery Options
Understanding Incomplete Bowel Movements: Causes and Treatment Options
Incomplete evacuation? Hello, Dr. Ke! I have been experiencing incomplete bowel evacuation for two years now. I have a bowel movement every day, and during this period, I have undergone two colonoscopies, both of which showed no issues. Additionally, I had a defecography done at ...
Dr. Ke Fangxu Reply:
The act of defecation is actually quite complex, involving the coordination of pelvic muscles, the angle of the rectum, and the anal sphincters. If there is poor coordination among these three components, it can lead to difficulties in bowel movements. To be honest, this issue is...[Read More] Understanding Incomplete Bowel Movements: Causes and Treatment Options
Understanding Stage III Colon Cancer and Post-Surgery Concerns
Stage III melanoma with lymphatic metastasis? A family member underwent a colonoscopy, which revealed polyps in the intestines. A biopsy confirmed the presence of cancer cells. They had surgery to remove a small section of the intestine and nearby lymphatic tissue, resulting in a...
Dr. Li Zhonghuai Reply:
Hello! Please return to your original physician for follow-up. The most likely diagnosis is an incisional hernia, which is often caused by the patient not properly using an abdominal binder. Wishing you a speedy recovery from Changhua Hospital![Read More] Understanding Stage III Colon Cancer and Post-Surgery Concerns
Choosing Surgery for Cervical Disc Herniation: Risks and Alternatives
Options for Cervical Disc Rupture Surgery My mother is 56 years old and has been experiencing severe pain in her neck and arms, requiring steroid injections for pain relief. After an MRI, the doctor diagnosed her with a herniated disc at the C3-C4 level and a slipped disc at the ...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello, based on your description, I infer that 1. it may increase wear on adjacent segments, referred to as adjacent segment disease. To overcome this, it would be necessary to replace the fixed PEEK cage with a mobile artificial disc, although this option is more expensive. 2. G...[Read More] Choosing Surgery for Cervical Disc Herniation: Risks and Alternatives
Chronic Lower Back Pain: Understanding Muscle vs. Nerve Issues
Persistent lower back pain and difficulty sleeping? Due to excessive physical activity and long-term poor posture (with scoliosis), I began experiencing severe lower back pain two weeks ago (without any injury or sudden strain). I consulted orthopedic and neurosurgery specialists...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
Hello: Basically, if your symptoms do not improve after taking medication and undergoing rehabilitation treatment, it cannot be ruled out that a herniated lumbar disc may be compressing the nerves, causing sciatica. It is recommended to undergo an MRI for further evaluation![Read More] Chronic Lower Back Pain: Understanding Muscle vs. Nerve Issues
Understanding Cervical Disc Herniation and Pain Management Options
Cervical disc herniation issues? My mother experienced severe pain in her left arm six months ago, requiring steroid injections for pain relief. An X-ray indicated the presence of bone spurs in her neck, and further MRI was recommended. Unfortunately, in early September, she suff...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
Hello: Nerve compression can cause pain. Treatments such as acupuncture or heat therapy may help alleviate the pain and discomfort, but these are only symptomatic relief and not a fundamental solution. It's likely that the symptoms will recur in a short period of time. Surge...[Read More] Understanding Cervical Disc Herniation and Pain Management Options
Understanding Surgical Options for Persistent Disc Herniation Pain
If physical therapy and manual therapy do not improve a herniated disc, is surgery necessary? Hello, Doctor: I usually exercise very little, but from January to the end of February 2014, I underwent intensive training in running. Suddenly, in early March 2014, I experienced sever...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello, based on your symptoms, if the MRI has confirmed a herniated disc compressing the nerve, causing sciatica and significantly affecting your daily life, and conservative rehabilitation has been ineffective, it may be time to consider surgery. 1. You mentioned a minimally i...[Read More] Understanding Surgical Options for Persistent Disc Herniation Pain
Post-Surgery Pain and Numbness: Understanding Recovery After Disc Surgery
Experiencing pain again four days after spinal disc surgery? I was diagnosed with an L5-S1 herniated disc three months ago and underwent minimally invasive surgery a few days ago to remove the herniation. After the surgery, aside from pain at the incision site, I also experienced...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello, my personal speculation is that when your doctor mentioned the anesthesia losing its effect, they were likely referring to the patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) that was stopped three days post-surgery. Additionally, the symptoms you described could have many potential ca...[Read More] Post-Surgery Pain and Numbness: Understanding Recovery After Disc Surgery
Is Hip Clicking Related to Lumbar Disc Herniation Symptoms?
Is there a relationship between herniated discs and the popping sound in the hip joint? Hello, I went to a major hospital for an examination because my foot was experiencing numbness and tingling. The result was a herniated disc at the L4-L5 level. However, since I have to comple...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: Based on your description, if there is a popping sound when the hip or pelvis rotates, it is generally considered to be a friction sound from the intra-articular tissues. However, it could also be due to other issues. I recommend seeking a nearby physician for evaluation. ...[Read More] Is Hip Clicking Related to Lumbar Disc Herniation Symptoms?
Post-Operative Challenges After Lumbar Disc Herniation Surgery
Postoperative Care After Endoscopic Lumbar Disc Herniation Surgery Hello Dr. Lai, I am experiencing numbness in my right leg, cramping in my calf, and pain in my lower back due to a herniated disc. I am unable to walk for more than three minutes (examinations revealed a herniati...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello, based on your description, your condition seems quite serious (initially severe pain in the right lower limb, which improved post-surgery, but has now changed to severe lower back pain). I recommend that you first consult with the original surgeon to address your concerns....[Read More] Post-Operative Challenges After Lumbar Disc Herniation Surgery
Understanding Lower Back Pain: Causes and Treatment Options
Sharp pain in the bones from the lumbar spine to the sacral area? Hello, Dr. Lai: For the past two weeks, I've been experiencing soreness in my lower back and buttocks. If I sit for too long, the pain intensifies, especially when sitting and putting pressure near the groin a...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello, thank you for your patience. Generally speaking, pain from the lower back to the buttocks can occur, especially after prolonged sitting. We should consider the possibility of lumbar disc herniation or sciatic nerve compression. If an MRI shows no significant nerve compress...[Read More] Understanding Lower Back Pain: Causes and Treatment Options