Is massage useful for lumbar disc herniation?

Written by Na Hong Wei
Orthopedics
Updated on January 15, 2025
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Can massage be used for lumbar disc herniation? Its clinical effects are quite good. The primary function of massage therapy is to relieve muscle spasms, then dilate blood vessels, increase local blood circulation, and promote peripheral metabolism, thereby achieving the purpose of curing diseases. It mainly uses rolling and pushing techniques, with the main acupoint being the Jiaji acupoint. Auxiliary acupoints generally include Yangguan, Yaoyangguan, Mingmen, Shenshu, Weizhong, Chengshan, and Yanglingquan, among others. Additionally, it includes two board techniques. These board techniques are very effective for minor joint disorders of the lumbar spine. There are two board techniques, one is the slant board technique, and the other is the rotating tube board technique, with the slant board technique being relatively easier to perform. Generally, patients experience varying degrees of symptom relief after proper and effective massage, and many people's symptoms disappear altogether.

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Written by Na Hong Wei
Orthopedics
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Symptoms of lumbar disc herniation

The symptoms of a herniated lumbar disc are 1. back pain 2. leg pain 3. both back and leg pain. The essence of a herniated lumbar disc is that, after the disc protrudes, it compresses the surrounding nerve roots or the spine, leading to a series of clinical symptoms. Depending on the area of compression, different symptoms may occur; some people experience back pain, others leg pain, and in more severe cases, both back and leg pain. Therefore, pain is the primary symptom of a herniated lumbar disc. However, following the pain, there often occurs a restriction of movement. If a certain posture is not correct, it triggers pain. In severe cases, it may cause numbness or weakness in both legs, or result in urinary or bowel dysfunction.

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Written by Guan Jing Tao
Orthopedics
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Lumbar disc herniation L5-S1 symptoms

You may experience abnormal sensations in the buttocks, lower limbs, and soles of the feet, such as numbness, soreness, and even reduced muscle strength. Additionally, mild to moderate lumbar disc herniation can cause soreness and abnormal sensations in the buttocks, and even abnormal sensations in the perineal region. It is recommended that when symptoms of nerve compression in the lower limbs and buttocks occur, strict bed rest should be enforced, especially on a hard bed, and exposure to cold should be avoided. Consider lumbar traction if appropriate, but if symptoms worsen during traction, it should be stopped immediately. Also, if the disc herniation is localized to a single segment, minimally invasive surgery may be considered.

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Written by Na Hong Wei
Orthopedics
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Can a herniated lumbar disc be massaged?

Lumbar disc herniation can be treated with massage and is a very important conservative treatment method. The first benefit of this massage is that it can relieve muscle spasms in the lower back. Secondly, through massage, it can dilate blood vessels, increase the speed of blood circulation, and then promote the metabolism of surrounding soft tissues. The treatment techniques primarily include rolling and pushing-grinding methods, supplemented by grasping and grinding methods, avoiding violent pressure. The main acupoints used are the Jiaji points, along with other matching points such as the Yaoyangguan, Mingmen, Shenshu, Huantiao, Yinmen, Chengfu, Weizhong, Chengshan, and Yanglingquan points, mainly selected according to the different conditions of the patients. Many patients experience significant relief in symptoms of lumbar disc herniation after massage therapy.

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Written by Na Hong Wei
Orthopedics
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Where to press for lumbar disc herniation

Massage for lumbar disc herniation involves main and auxiliary acupoints. The main acupoint is the Jiaji acupoint at the affected disc side, followed by the Jiaji acupoints immediately above and below it. Auxiliary acupoints are chosen based on the patient's specific symptoms. Typically, if there is significant lower back pain, the affected side's Yaoyan acupoint is used. For tense gluteal muscles with tenderness, the Huanjiao acupoint is selected. If there is muscle tension on the back of the thigh, the Yinmen and Hebei acupoints are advisable. If numbness occurs on the outer side of the thigh, the Fengsi acupoint should be used. For numbness in the lower legs, the Yanglingquan acupoint is suitable. If numbness affects the foot, the Taixi and Yibian acupoints are recommended.

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Written by Na Hong Wei
Orthopedics
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What should I do if I have a lumbar disc herniation?

After a lumbar disc herniation, it is essential to first determine the type of herniation you have. Clinically, lumbar disc herniations can be categorized into protrusion, prolapse, extrusion, and sequestration, with protrusion being the most common. Once the type of herniation is identified, treatment can begin. Currently, the treatment methods are diverse and can be broadly classified into six categories. The first is internal treatment with traditional Chinese medicine. Traditional Chinese medicine classifies lumbar disc herniation into four types, each treated with different medications. The second is external treatment with traditional Chinese medicine, such as herbal fumigation and plaster application. The third is traction, which includes bed traction and manual massage. The fourth is acupuncture. The fifth category includes other therapies, starting with resting on a hard board bed for approximately a week, followed by techniques like small needle knife therapy, intradiscal injection, sacral canal injection, and ozone therapy. If conservative treatments prove ineffective, or if symptoms worsen during treatment, surgical intervention may be necessary. Surgical treatment is generally indicated in the following four situations: patients with spinal stenosis, patients who do not respond to conservative treatment or who experience recurrent symptoms after recovery, patients with worsening neurological symptoms, and patients with central lumbar disc herniation causing incontinence. These are the conditions mentioned above.