Where to apply moxibustion for lumbar disc herniation

Written by Na Hong Wei
Orthopedics
Updated on August 31, 2024
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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.

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Written by Li Jin
Orthopedics
1min 19sec home-news-image

Is lumbar disc herniation difficult to treat?

Patients with lumbar disc herniation, after standard and regulated treatment, can mostly effectively alleviate symptoms, and even achieve clinical recovery. The treatment for lumbar disc herniation mainly includes non-surgical treatment and surgical treatment. The specific method of treatment to be used should be comprehensively considered based on symptoms, physical examination, imaging studies, and other factors. For non-surgical treatment of lumbar disc herniation, it is recommended that patients protect their lower back in daily life, develop correct habits of using the lower back, and avoid lifting heavy objects partially and other heavy physical activities involving the lower back. During stable periods of the condition, some exercises to strengthen the lower back and spinal functions can be performed. At the same time, when symptoms occur, anti-inflammatory analgesics, neuro-nutritional drugs, and other medications can be used. Treatments can also be combined with hot compresses, physical therapy, massage, and acupuncture. These conservative treatment methods generally can achieve good results. When conservative treatment is ineffective or functional impairment occurs, surgical treatment can also be considered. (Specific medication use should be guided by a doctor.)

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Written by Lv Yao
Orthopedics
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Lumbar disc herniation nursing measures

Herniated lumbar discs require attention to several aspects during treatment, First, it is important to advise patients to sleep on a hard bed as much as possible, avoiding soft beds to facilitate the exercise of the lower back muscles; Second, try to minimize sitting and actions such as bending over and picking things up, as these can reduce the load on the lumbar spine, thus alleviating the condition caused by the disc herniation; Third, appropriate functional exercises can be performed, such as the small bird flying exercise and lower back muscle training; Fourth, in terms of diet, opt for plain and less stimulating foods, avoiding the consumption of high-protein, highly nutritious foods, which can increase body weight and thus increase the load on the waist, aggravating the herniated disc situation.

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Written by Su Zhen Bo
Orthopedics
1min 2sec home-news-image

How to perform traction for lumbar disc herniation?

In clinical practice, patients with lumbar disc herniation undergo traction as a common treatment method. During traction, patients should be instructed to lie on their back and then use a pelvic belt for traction. By pulling the lumbar vertebrae, this can reduce the pressure within the spinal canal, alleviate nerve root bleeding and edema, and allow the lumbar muscles and muscle groups to fully relax, thereby relieving the clinical symptoms of the patient. The specific traction weight should be determined according to the patient's body weight and the correct direction of traction should be chosen. For mild lumbar disc herniation, traction can be performed twice a day. For severe cases, continuous traction should be adopted, along with lumbar electrotherapy, physiotherapy, the external application of plasters that activate blood circulation and remove blood stasis, and the intravenous administration of drugs with dehydrating and blood pressure lowering effects.

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Written by Su Zhen Bo
Orthopedics
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Is a grade two lumbar disc herniation serious?

Lumbar disc herniation level II is a moderate condition, primarily characterized by self-perceived pain in the lower back and legs, numbness in the skin of the lower limbs, and weakened muscle strength. Clinically, positive findings include tenderness in the lower back, percussion pain, and a positive straight leg raise test. Some may experience weakened dorsiflexor muscles of the big toe. Diagnosis can be confirmed through electromyography, CT scans, and MRI of the lumbar region. Treatment options include conservative care, lying on a hard bed, wearing lumbar support, using pelvic traction, and applying therapies such as lumbar massage, physiotherapy, diathermy, and acupuncture.

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Written by Na Hong Wei
Orthopedics
1min 32sec home-news-image

Is a herniated lumbar disc serious?

Lumbar disc herniation is primarily due to degeneration of the lumbar disc or secondary pathological changes caused by this degeneration, which then stimulate blood vessels, nerve roots, and the spinal cord, leading to a series of clinical symptoms. Lumbar disc herniation is categorized into four types. The mildest type is the bulging type, followed by the protruding type, the more severe extrusion type, and finally the most severe, the sequestration type. Generally, lumbar disc bulging is relatively mild and conservative treatment is usually effective. Depending on the site and degree of compression, lumbar disc herniation may be treated conservatively, but some cases require surgical intervention. Most cases of disc extrusion require surgery because the extrusion leads to spinal stenosis, compressing all or part of the blood vessels, and it can also compress the spine and nerve roots, causing irreversible damage, and medications or massages can't reverse the condition. The fourth point concerns lumbar disc prolapse, meaning the nucleus pulposus falls into the spinal canal through the tear. This is one of the few emergencies seen in spinal surgery. If this occurs, immediate surgical treatment is necessary. Therefore, the severity of lumbar disc herniation mainly depends on the type and degree of the herniation, as well as the location and direction of the herniation, and which treatment method needs to be used.