How to treat leg pain caused by a herniated lumbar disc compressing a nerve
Dec 21, 2024
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Chen Jian
Introduction
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.
Generally, lumbar disc herniation compressing the nerves leads to leg pain. Patients are advised to undergo treatment through bed rest, dietary regulation, traditional Chinese medicine therapy, drug therapy, surgical therapy, etc. It is recommended to seek timely medical examination at a hospital and receive symptomatic treatment under the guidance of a physician. The analysis is as follows:
1. Bed Rest
During the early stages of the condition, patients should尽量 remain in bed rest, minimizing lumbar activity and load-bearing to allow adequate rest and recovery for the intervertebral discs. It is generally recommended to rest in bed for about three weeks, after which patients can gradually resume ambulation while wearing a lumbar support.
2. Dietary Regulation
If symptoms are relatively mild, patients can consume certain ingredients that nourish the kidneys, strengthen bones, promote blood circulation and relieve pain, such as yam, wolfberry, and tortoise shell, to benefit the liver and kidneys, nourish tendons and bones, and alleviate fatigue.
3. Traditional Chinese Medicine Therapy
Such as acupuncture and massage. Acupuncture regulates meridian qi and blood circulation by stimulating acupoints in the waist and legs, alleviating pain and numbness symptoms. Massage techniques can relax lumbar muscles, adjust lumbar facet joint disorders, improve the positional relationship between the lumbar disc and nerve roots, and reduce nerve compression.
4. Drug Therapy
Patients can use medications such as ibuprofen sustained-release capsules, mecobalamin tablets, and Yaotongning capsules under the guidance of a physician. Ibuprofen sustained-release capsules have anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects, effectively relieving leg pain symptoms. Mecobalamin tablets help repair damaged nerves and improve nerve function.
5. Surgical Treatment
Surgical treatment is suitable for patients who do not respond to conservative treatment or experience recurrent episodes with severe symptoms, as well as those with evident nerve root damage or cauda equina compression symptoms. Minimally invasive procedures, such as transforaminal endoscopic discectomy and disc radiofrequency ablation, are commonly used. These minimally invasive surgeries offer advantages of less trauma and faster recovery, although their application range is relatively limited.
After pain relief, patients can engage in lumbar muscle functional exercises, such as the "swallow flight," plank support, and five-point support exercises, to enhance lumbar spine stability and prevent recurrence.
