How to exercise with lumbar disc herniation

Written by Na Hong Wei
Orthopedics
Updated on September 27, 2024
00:00
00:00

For patients with lumbar disc herniation, self-exercise is a very important and effective treatment method. First, it is important to maintain the correct sitting posture, sit up straight without leaning sideways, and avoid sitting for extended periods. It is also necessary to keep the waist warm to prevent catching cold. Second, it is necessary to strengthen the exercise of the back muscles, especially the erector spinae and multifidus, with exercises such as single-leg bridges, double-leg bridges, and the "little swallow" exercise. Third, maintain the correct posture in daily life, such as when lifting or holding objects, to avoid increasing tension in the waist and causing unnecessary damage. Fourth, regarding rest, it is crucial to lie on a firm bed and possibly add a thin pad under the waist to keep the hips and knees in a certain alignment, ensuring the waist muscles can fully relax. Fifth, always wear a waist belt during exercise. The waist belt is one of the most important orthopedic supports, serving to immobilize and protect the waist, limiting movement during activity to solidify the effects of earlier treatments. Therefore, patients with lumbar disc herniation must develop a complete and reasonable treatment plan at a regular medical institution and normal physiotherapy institution.

Other Voices

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Lv Yao
Orthopedics
42sec home-news-image

Is running good for lumbar disc herniation?

Lumbar disc herniation is due to the degeneration of the lumbar spine. It results in symptoms from the herniation pressing down on the nerve roots, or the spinal cord, through a rupture in the fibrous ring. The disc mainly serves to cushion and absorb shock in the lumbar region. During running, the load on the lumbar spine and the compression are significantly greater compared to normal walking. Running might exacerbate the condition of herniated discs. Therefore, it is not recommended to engage in running, jumping or similar activities if suffering from a disc herniation. Swimming can be a preferable form of exercise that lessens the load on the lumbar spine.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Su Zhen Bo
Orthopedics
56sec home-news-image

Can a herniated lumbar disc cause leg pain?

Patients with lumbar disc herniation can experience leg pain, which is a typical clinical manifestation. After the nucleus pulposus protrudes, it can stimulate the dura mater and nerve roots, causing pain in the leg areas innervated by the nerves, or localized skin numbness, and decreased muscle strength in the lower limbs. Some patients may also experience difficulties bending over or walking normally. Additionally, some may have abnormal bowel and bladder function, and exhibit changes in reflexes like hyperactive or absent knee and Achilles reflexes. Diagnostic confirmation can be achieved through electromyography, as well as CT scans and MRI of the lumbar spine. For treatment, patients may be advised to lie flat on a hard bed, use lumbar support, and employ pelvic traction. Additionally, treatments such as massage and manipulation may be recommended.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Wang Cheng Lin
Orthopedics
51sec home-news-image

How is a herniated lumbar disc treated?

The treatment methods for lumbar disc herniation currently fall into two categories in clinical practice. The first is conservative treatment, which primarily involves methods like massage, acupuncture, electrotherapy, magnetic therapy, and traction to alleviate symptoms of pain and restricted movement in the lower back. If conservative treatment proves ineffective and the patient's condition worsens, accompanied by radiating pain and numbness in both legs, it indicates that the herniated disc has severely compressed the nerve roots. At this point, the effectiveness of conservative treatment becomes very poor, and the only option may be to undergo surgical treatment. The primary goal of surgery is to remove the herniated disc, and if the patient has spinal instability, it also involves the use of screws and plates to restore spinal stability.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Na Hong Wei
Orthopedics
1min 12sec home-news-image

Where to apply moxibustion for lumbar disc herniation

After a lumbar disc herniation, if moxibustion treatment is used, there is a concept of main and supplementary acupuncture points. The main point is the Jiaji point at the herniated lumbar disc segment, accompanied by the Jiaji points directly above and below it. For example, for an L4-5 disc herniation, moxibustion would be applied to the Jiaji points of L3-4, L4-5, and L5-S1. Additionally, supplementary points are chosen based on the patient's other symptoms. If there is significant lumbar pain, the Yao Yan (Lumbar Eyes) point on the affected side is used. If there is muscle tension in the buttocks, the Huan Tiao and Yi Bian points are used. If there is tension in the back of the thigh, support would include the Fu Cheng, Yin Men, and Wei Zhong points. If numbness occurs on the outer side of the thigh, the Feng Shi point is used. For numbness in the calf, the Wei Yang, Cheng Shan, Yang Ling Quan, Zu San Li, and Xuan Zhong points are used. For numbness on the dorsum or sole of the foot, the Tai Xi, Jie Xi, and Xia Xi points are included.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Cheng Bin
Orthopedics
55sec home-news-image

Lumbar disc herniation symptom exercise

There are many exercises for lumbar disc herniation, such as the "little swallow" exercise, practicing lifting the buttocks while lying in bed, performing the bridge pose, supporting your body with three and a half points, and actively engaging in swimming. These exercises can strengthen the patient's lower back muscles, thereby better protecting the lumbar spine and alleviating symptoms of lumbar disc herniation. Additionally, for patients with lumbar disc herniation, besides exercise, it is important to keep warm. Avoid prolonged sitting or standing, avoid excessive bending to pick up heavy objects or lifting heavy weights. It is best to use a lumbar support belt, protect the lumbar spine, sleep on a firm bed. Also, locally apply heat actively, combined with acupuncture, electric heating, cupping, massage, traction, and other physical therapies.