Can acupuncture cure lumbar disc herniation completely?

Oct 30, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Chen Jian

Introduction

Lumbar disc herniation involves structural changes, specifically physical displacement or damage to the intervertebral disc tissues such as the nucleus pulposus and annulus fibrosus. For patients experiencing their first episode with mild symptoms, acupuncture treatment can effectively relieve pain, improve local blood circulation, and reduce nerve root compression. It may sometimes achieve significant symptom relief and even reach a clinically meaningful state of recovery.

Lumbar disc herniation generally refers to lumbar disc herniation syndrome. Whether acupuncture can completely cure lumbar disc herniation depends on the severity of the condition. Mild or moderate cases can usually be cured, whereas severe herniations or those accompanied by serious complications typically cannot be completely cured. If discomfort occurs, timely medical consultation is recommended. The specific analysis is as follows:

Lumbar disc herniation involves structural changes, meaning physical displacement or damage to tissues such as the nucleus pulposus and annulus fibrosus of the intervertebral disc. For patients experiencing their first episode with mild symptoms, acupuncture treatment can effectively relieve pain, improve local blood circulation, reduce nerve root compression, and sometimes achieve significant symptom relief—even reaching a clinically meaningful state of cure.

For severe lumbar disc herniation, especially in patients with neurological dysfunction, prompt surgical intervention or other more effective treatments are recommended. While acupuncture may help alleviate symptoms, it might not fully meet the overall therapeutic requirements.

Patients are advised to choose appropriate treatment methods based on their individual conditions and physicians' recommendations, and to maintain healthy lifestyle habits and engage in suitable exercise during recovery to promote healing and prevent recurrence.

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How to cure lumbar disc herniation permanently

Lumbar disc herniation usually refers to lumbar disc herniation syndrome. Generally speaking, there is no such thing as a "complete cure for lumbar disc herniation." Treatment methods for lumbar disc herniation mainly include conservative management, physical therapy, medication, traditional Chinese medicine, and surgical treatment. In addition, patients should undergo regular follow-up examinations as directed by their physicians to monitor the condition of the lumbar spine, and pay attention to keeping the lower back warm in daily life.

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What should I do about a herniated lumbar disc compressing a nerve?

In general, nerve compression caused by lumbar disc herniation may result from long-term poor posture, excessive physical strain, degenerative changes in the lumbar spine, lumbar spinal stenosis, spondylolisthesis, or other similar causes. It is recommended to seek timely medical attention, identify the underlying cause, and then improve the condition under a doctor's guidance through conservative treatment, medication, surgical intervention, or other appropriate methods. In daily life, it is important to control body weight and reduce the burden on the lumbar spine.

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How to treat leg pain caused by a herniated lumbar disc compressing a nerve

In the early stages of the disease, patients should remain in bed as much as possible, reduce lumbar activity and avoid bearing weight, allowing the intervertebral discs sufficient rest and recovery. It is generally recommended to stay in bed for about three weeks, after which patients may gradually begin ambulating while wearing a lumbar support. Patients can also consume ingredients that nourish the liver and kidneys, strengthen the bones and muscles, and alleviate fatigue, such as yam, wolfberry, and turtle shell, which have functions of invigorating kidney function, strengthening bones, promoting blood circulation, and relieving pain.

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How to treat leg pain caused by herniated lumbar disc compressing the nerve

In the early stage of the disease, patients should stay in bed as much as possible, reduce lumbar activity and avoid bearing weight, to allow the intervertebral disc to adequately rest and recover. Bed rest for approximately three weeks is generally recommended, after which patients can gradually resume getting out of bed while wearing a lumbar support. Patients may use medications such as ibuprofen sustained-release capsules, mecobalamin tablets, and Yaotongning capsules under the guidance of a physician.