What should be noted about traction for lumbar disc herniation?

Written by Cheng Bin
Orthopedics
Updated on March 16, 2025
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The main points are reflected in the following two aspects: First, during traction, it is essential to pay attention to the force and duration of the traction. Second, it is best to undergo traction at the acupuncture and massage department of a formal hospital. Formal hospitals are more professional, have a better grasp of indications, and the effects should be more satisfactory. You must not undergo traction in outside massage parlors. Sometimes, excessive force or prolonged duration can cause lumbar spine injuries in patients. For patients with lumbar disc herniation, besides traction, combining acupuncture, massage, electrical therapy, and cupping can effectively alleviate the clinical symptoms of lumbar disc herniation.

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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 Na Hong Wei
Orthopedics
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Where to apply moxibustion for lumbar disc herniation?

Where to apply moxibustion for lumbar disc herniation. The main acupoint is the Hua Tuo Jia Ji acupoint at the affected intervertebral disc, along with the adjacent Jia Ji acupoints above and below. Additional acupoints are chosen based on different conditions. If there is significant lower back pain, add the acupoint at the affected side's Yaoyan. If there is muscle tension and tenderness in the buttocks, add Huan Tiao and Yi Bian. If there is tension in the hamstring muscles, add Cheng Fu, Yin Men, and Wei Zhong. If there is numbness on the outer side of the thigh, add Feng Shi; if there is numbness in the lower leg, add Wei Yang, Cheng Shan, Yang Ling Quan, Zu San Li, and Xuan Zhong. If there is numbness in the foot and weakness in dorsiflexion, add Tai Xi, Jie Xi, and Xia Xi.

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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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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 Cheng Bin
Orthopedics
47sec home-news-image

What should be noted about traction for lumbar disc herniation?

The main points are reflected in the following two aspects: First, during traction, it is essential to pay attention to the force and duration of the traction. Second, it is best to undergo traction at the acupuncture and massage department of a formal hospital. Formal hospitals are more professional, have a better grasp of indications, and the effects should be more satisfactory. You must not undergo traction in outside massage parlors. Sometimes, excessive force or prolonged duration can cause lumbar spine injuries in patients. For patients with lumbar disc herniation, besides traction, combining acupuncture, massage, electrical therapy, and cupping can effectively alleviate the clinical symptoms of lumbar disc herniation.