Conservative treatment methods for lumbar disc herniation

Written by Wang Cheng Lin
Orthopedics
Updated on February 28, 2025
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The conservative treatment methods for lumbar disc herniation primarily include the following approaches. First, absolute rest is essential, and one should sleep on a hard bed rather than a soft one. Second, traction is used to alleviate pain symptoms. Third, massage and acupuncture are employed to relieve lower back pain and restricted mobility. Fourth, oral administration of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving drugs, as well as drugs that promote blood circulation and remove blood stasis, are used to alleviate local pain. These drugs primarily function by reducing local inflammatory responses and decreasing the release of inflammatory factors, thereby easing pain. Fifth, electotherapy and magnetotherapy can also be used to relieve local pain. These are the conservative treatment methods for lumbar disc herniation.

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Written by Nie Lei Sheng
Orthopedics
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What role does embedding therapy play in lumbar disc herniation?

Thread embedding therapy for lumbar disc herniation is a category of Traditional Chinese Medicine treatment. Its function is similar to acupressure, acupuncture, and moxibustion, primarily involving the insertion of absorbable threads into specific acupoints or meridians to continuously stimulate and regulate these areas. This treatment is based on Traditional Chinese Medicine theory. Some patients may achieve good results, but others may not find it effective. It is advised that patients with lumbar disc herniation should seek treatment at a legitimate hospital. While thread embedding therapy can be attempted, it does not guarantee good results for all patients. Oral medication may be necessary, and in severe cases, surgical intervention might be required.

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Written by Li Jin
Orthopedics
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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 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 as a part of conservative treatment, massage is a very important method with generally good effects. Its role is to relieve muscle spasms, expand blood vessels, increase local blood circulation, and promote cellular metabolism of soft tissues. The techniques primarily include rolling and rubbing, supplemented by grasping and grinding methods. The main acupuncture point targeted is the Jiaji point, centered on the lesion between the two vertebral bodies. Other auxiliary acupuncture points include Yaoyangguan, Mingmen, Shenshu, Bahui, Huanjiao, Yinmen, Fucheng, Weizhong, Chengshan, and Yanglingquan.

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Written by Guan Jing Tao
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Can lumbar disc herniation sleep on a latex mattress?

Generally speaking, for lumbar disc herniation, it is recommended to use a firm bed and avoid exposure to cold conditions, which helps alleviate symptoms and prevents further aggravation. Latex mattresses, as advertised and if of good quality, can also be used. Firstly, a quality latex mattress can conform well to the natural physiological curvature of the entire spine. This means that the latex mattress can accommodate the normal curvature of the waist without exacerbating issues, unlike overly soft mattresses which can lead to increased back pain and other symptoms. However, it is still necessary to use qualified products and assess them carefully.