Can a herniated lumbar disc be massaged?

Written by Na Hong Wei
Orthopedics
Updated on January 25, 2025
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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
55sec home-news-image

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 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.

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Written by Na Hong Wei
Orthopedics
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What are the methods for diagnosing lumbar disc herniation?

The diagnostic methods for lumbar disc herniation are essentially three-dimensional; that is, clinical symptoms plus physical examination combined with auxiliary examinations. First, let's talk about clinical manifestations, which include pain, functional impairment, and local sensory abnormalities in cases of lumbar disc herniation. Second, in the physical examination of lumbar disc herniation, the intervertebral disc often shows some deformation, and the most common is a reduction or disappearance of the lumbar spine's forward physiological curvature, referred to colloquially as "flatback," where the back appears flat like a board. Other findings may include spinal scoliosis and specific tender points, usually located next to the protruding vertebrae. Percussing these tender points may induce radiating pain to the buttocks or lower limbs. Additional examinations might reveal abnormalities in the strength or sensation of lower limb muscles at different stages, as various muscles and sensory areas are affected differently. Special tests such as the straight leg raise test, femoral nerve stretch test, and neck flexion test are generally positive. The most routine auxiliary examination involves taking x-ray images, followed by CT scans, which can directly visualize the location and extent of the disc herniation. Currently, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is also used, which has significant advantages. MRI provides three-dimensional images, showing the sagittal, coronal, and axial planes, which helps in better assessing the condition of herniated discs. Therefore, these are the areas covered in diagnosing lumbar disc herniation.

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Written by Lv Yao
Orthopedics
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Lumbar disc herniation symptom diagram

The herniation of the lumbar disc occurs due to degeneration of the disc, causing the nucleus pulposus to protrude backwards from the ruptured annulus fibrosus, compressing the spinal cord and nerve roots, thus leading to a series of symptoms. There will be pain in the lumbar region, and restricted flexion and extension movements of the waist. Symptoms may include numbness in the lateral calf and dorsum of the foot, weakness in walking, decreased muscle strength in the dorsiflexion of the big toe and ankle. In severe cases, there may be loss of control over urination and defecation. Therefore, when a disc herniation occurs, it is important to diagnose and treat it early to avoid worsening of symptoms.

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Written by Na Hong Wei
Orthopedics
1min 40sec home-news-image

Lumbar disc herniation has what manifestations?

Lumbar disc herniation has the following clinical manifestations. First, lower back pain accompanied by unilateral radiating pain in the lower limbs. Second, numbness in the localized area. Third, weakness in the toes. Fourth, decreased temperature in the affected limb. Upon examination, the first finding is a reduced natural anterior curve of the lumbar spine, which we refer to as a flat or board-like back. Second, it can also cause the lumbar spine to bend to one side, possibly toward the affected side or the healthy side, depending on the location of the herniation. Third, there is a fixed tender point beside the lumbar spine, which plays an active role in diagnosis and treatment. Fourth, due to pain, there is a limitation in the movement of the lower back; normally, the lumbar spine can flex 45 degrees forward, extend 20 degrees backward, and bend 30 degrees to each side. If these ranges of motion are not achievable, it indicates a significant limitation in lumbar activity. Fifth is the neurological localization examination, which primarily involves different sensory disturbances, motor disturbances, or muscle atrophy depending on the site of compression. There are also some special tests, like the straight leg raise test, reinforcement test, healthy side leg raise test, as well as the neck flexion test and femoral nerve stretch test. Lastly, additional diagnostic tests like CT or MRI can provide specific information on the location and stage of the lumbar disc herniation.