Hernia, Surgery FAQ

Understanding Cervical Disc Herniation: Symptoms and Muscle Spasms Explained

Cervical intervertebral disc herniation compression Approximately 8-9 years ago, an MRI examination revealed herniated discs at the C3-4-5-6 levels, which are compressing the nerves and causing symptoms of pain and numbness in the left shoulder, neck, arm, and fingers. After unde...

Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
Muscle twitching is not necessarily caused by a herniated disc. Yes, it can indeed switch from one side to the other at times.

Is There a Link Between Herniated Discs and Muscle Twitching?

Is there a relationship between herniated discs and muscle twitching issues? Hello, Director Lai. I have been experiencing abnormal twitching in the muscles of my calves since mid-year, which led me to seek medical attention. I underwent nerve conduction studies (NCS) and electro...

Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: 1. The relationship should not be significant. 2. The calf muscles are still twitching intermittently, which may indicate other issues, such as electrolyte imbalance, blood circulation, muscle strain, posture, or temperature. Soaking your feet in warm water can help. Discu...

Understanding Cervical and Lumbar Disc Compression Symptoms

Cervical and lumbar spine compression? About 8-9 years ago, I underwent an MRI examination which revealed herniated discs at the C3-4-5-6 levels causing compression. At that time, my main symptoms included numbness and pain in my left arm and fingers, along with occasional tingli...

Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
Herniated discs can occur on both sides, and the symptoms may be intermittent.

Understanding Numbness in the Second Toe: Causes and Treatment Options

Numbness in the second toe? About two months ago, I noticed decreased sensation in the second toe of my right foot. I initially thought it was due to diabetes, but blood tests came back normal. After a month, the sensation in the second toe of my left foot suddenly decreased and ...

Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
Symptoms are mild; an MRI can be performed for confirmation. A consultation with a neurosurgery outpatient clinic is recommended.

Post-Operative Sensation Changes After Inguinal Hernia Surgery

Postoperative care for inguinal hernia repair? Hello Doctor, I noticed I had a hernia and underwent laparoscopic surgery about a month and a half later. The surgery went smoothly, and I am currently two weeks post-operative. At the time, the area in my groin where the bulge was l...

Dr. Chen Jiaming Reply:
It is possible that the initial hernia sac protrusion compressed the nerves or the small blood vessels supplying the nerves in the groin area, leading to sensory abnormalities. Since the duration and degree of compression can vary, even after surgery, it does not guarantee comple...

Post-Surgery Pain After Laparoscopic Hernia Repair: What to Know

Postoperative care for hernia surgery? Hello Doctor: I underwent laparoscopic surgery for an umbilical hernia with a 3 cm defect on August 25, using self-paying staples (14 staples). About 3 to 4 days post-operation, I started experiencing pain in the right abdomen that feels lik...

Dr. Chen Bingze Reply:
It is possible that some postoperative myofascial pain can be managed conservatively with medication to see if it gradually alleviates.

Understanding Thumb Tremors: Is It Related to Cervical Disc Issues?

Tremor of the left thumb? Ten years ago, I had an MRI that showed herniated discs at the cervical levels C3-C4-C5, with symptoms that fluctuate in severity. When I feel uncomfortable, I go for physical therapy, but recently my discomfort has increased. Turning my neck to the left...

Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: It is suspected to be a symptom of cervical nerve involvement. Given your age and symptoms, there is little likelihood of brain issues or Parkinson's disease. Best wishes, Dr. Lai Chao-Kang, Director of the Spine Surgery Department, Changhua Hospital.

Post-Discectomy Recovery: Understanding Symptoms and Next Steps

Postoperative care after disc herniation surgery? Hello Doctor, I have a herniated disc at L4-L5 and underwent microdiscectomy about a month ago. The doctor mentioned that the procedure involved decompression and removal of the nucleus pulposus, and no other materials were implan...

Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: I suggest you undergo another MRI for confirmation. Wishing you a speedy recovery. By Dr. Lai Chao-Kang, Department of Neurosurgery, Changhua Hospital.

Understanding Nerve Pain and Tingling After COVID-19: A Guide

Occasional tingling and pain in the hands and feet? Hello, doctor. Since I tested positive for COVID-19 in June, I have been experiencing occasional soreness in my left eye for about one to two weeks. I went for a consultation, and the doctor said my eyes are fatigued. After exam...

Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: 1. The symptoms in your upper arm/lower leg are likely caused by nerve compression from the cervical/lumbar spine. 2. It is not uncommon for symptoms on the left side to switch to the right side, depending on the location of the nerve compression. It is recommended to cons...

Understanding Nerve Pain: Can Cervical Disc Issues Affect Your Feet?

Mild tingling sensation in the right foot and big toe? I would like to ask, as I have been experiencing pain and numbness between my left index finger and thumb for an entire day, along with upper arm pain. I often feel a sensation like an electric shock extending from my upper a...

Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: Generally speaking, cervical nerve compression typically presents with symptoms in the shoulders, neck, and upper limbs, and it is rare to have symptoms in a single leg (though it is still possible). Wishing you a speedy recovery. By Dr. Lai Chao-Kang, Neurosurgery, Changh...

Understanding Cervical Disc Herniation: Symptoms and Treatment Options

Cervical intervertebral disc herniation I would like to ask about my condition. I have been experiencing pain and numbness between my left index finger and thumb for an entire day, along with pain in the outer upper arm. I often feel a sensation like an electric shock extending f...

Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: 1. Nerve compression in the cervical spine rarely presents with unilateral symptoms (rare, but not absent). 2. MRI shows nerve compression at cervical levels 5-6 and 6-7, particularly pronounced at 5-6. If conservative treatment does not yield satisfactory results, it meet...

Recovery and Rehab After Microdiscectomy for L5-S1 Disc Herniation

Microdiscectomy for L5-S1 Disc Herniation in Athletes Hello Doctor, I had a microdiscectomy for an L5-S1 herniated disc at the end of June. Since the herniated portion was quite large, I would like to ask you: 1. How long will it take before I can engage in intense exercise? 2. W...

Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
1. Approximately three months, depending on the condition. 2. Please consult a rehabilitation specialist.

Understanding Thoracic Disc Herniation and Scoliosis: What You Need to Know

Thoracic disc herniation and scoliosis? Hello Doctor, three years ago I was diagnosed with a tumor in my thoracic spine during examinations for another specialty, which was confirmed as a benign hemangioma through MRI. Recently, a follow-up MRI showed no changes in the hemangioma...

Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: 1. As we age, natural aging will occur. 2. Avoid slouching, bending over to lift heavy objects, keep your head up and chest out, engage in more stretching exercises, or consider activities like hanging from a pull-up bar or swimming, or consult a physical therapist for per...

Understanding Recovery Time After Cervical Disc Replacement Surgery

Questions about cervical spine surgery and artificial discs? I would like to ask about my recent cervical disc herniation. I am considering undergoing a self-funded artificial disc replacement surgery. Considering the recovery time, I would like to know, doctor, how long it typic...

Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: If your preoperative symptoms do not include walking issues, but rather pain and numbness in the shoulders and upper limbs, as my postoperative patients, you can attempt to get out of bed and walk on the same day. Once the wound is clean (approximately one week), you can r...

Returning to Intense Sports After Lumbar Disc Surgery: Key Considerations

Lumbar disc herniation surgery Hello, doctor. I underwent a microdiscectomy for L5-S1 herniated disc at the end of June this year. I am an athlete, and I would like to know how long after the surgery I can engage in intense physical activity. Should I give up my specialty to avoi...

Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello, the usual duration is three months. Even afterwards, it is important to avoid bending and lifting heavy objects. However, adjustments should be made based on the patient's objective pathology and subjective willingness. Wishing you a speedy recovery. By Dr. Lai Chao-K...

Post-Surgery Concerns: Is Abdominal Swelling Normal After Umbilical Hernia Repair?

After traditional surgery for umbilical hernia, the lower abdomen has become enlarged! Hello Doctor: I underwent surgery on June 20th to address an umbilical hernia (0.5 cm) caused by childbirth. During my follow-up appointment one week post-surgery, the doctor mentioned that my ...

Dr. Chen Jiaming Reply:
After umbilical hernia surgery, the lower abdomen will not become larger; this is a subjective feeling. Within one to two months post-surgery, the muscle and fascia layers at the incision site are still healing, and exerting pressure on the abdomen can cause pain. The doctor advi...

Returning to Intense Sports After Lumbar Disc Surgery: Key Considerations

Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello, the usual duration is three months. Even afterwards, it is important to avoid bending and lifting heavy objects. However, adjustments may be made based on the individual’s objective pathology and subjective willingness. Wishing you a speedy recovery. By Dr. Lai Chao-Kang, ...

Managing Recurrence After Laparoscopic Inguinal Hernia Repair: What to Expect

Postoperative care for inguinal hernia repair? About three years ago, I had surgery for a right inguinal hernia using laparoscopic extraperitoneal surgery with a synthetic mesh. About a year after the surgery, I noticed a bulge on the right side of my groin again, which has becom...

Dr. Xu Kaixi Reply:
If a recurrent hernia repair is performed using laparoscopic extraperitoneal surgery, consideration may be given to using traditional methods for subsequent surgery. Theoretically, the original mesh would remain in place, and the procedure would follow traditional techniques. The...

Understanding Lumbar Disc Rupture and Its Impact on Disability Claims

Lumbar intervertebral disc herniation at L3, L4, and L5 - surgery was performed to install a lumbar stabilizer? Hello, doctor. I have a question. I underwent surgery for a herniated disc at the lumbar levels L3, L4, and L5 due to a car accident (it has been a year and a half sinc...

Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: 1. After your injury and surgery, your recovery has not been ideal. This may be due to the severity of the injury prior to surgery. If you wish to reassess whether there is room for adjustment in your treatment, you can obtain copies of your medical records and MRI/X-ray i...

Post-Surgery Back Pain: Understanding Ongoing Discomfort After Disc Surgery

Postoperative back pain persists for one to two years? Hello, doctor! My mother is 59 years old. Two years ago, she suffered from severe lower back and leg pain, and no pain medication was effective. The doctor diagnosed her with a herniated disc compressing the nerves, and after...

Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: 1. The report you provided indicates: L3-4 and L4-5 lumbar disc bulging, and L5-S1 disc herniation with compression of the dural sac... this suggests the presence of nerve compression. 2. I recommend that you copy the disc and bring the MRI images (not just the text) for t...

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