Can lumbar disc herniation be relieved through physical therapy?

Feb 26, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Chen Jian

Introduction

Physical therapy acts on the human body through various physical agents, such as heat therapy, electrical stimulation, and ultrasound therapy. It can help alleviate pain, improve blood circulation, relax muscles, and reduce inflammatory responses. Ultrasound therapy can promote tissue repair and further relieve discomfort in the lower back. For patients with mild to moderate lumbar disc herniation, physical therapy can help alleviate symptoms to some extent.

Lumbar disc herniation usually refers to lumbar disc herniation syndrome. This condition generally can be relieved through physical therapy, but if the condition is severe, the effectiveness of physical therapy may be limited. If the body experiences discomfort symptoms, it is recommended to seek medical attention at a hospital as soon as possible and then follow medical advice for treatment.

Physical therapy works through various physical agents acting on the human body, such as heat therapy, electrotherapy, ultrasound therapy, etc., which can help alleviate pain, improve blood circulation, relax muscles, and reduce inflammatory responses. Ultrasound therapy can promote tissue repair and further relieve discomfort in the lower back. For patients with mild to moderate lumbar disc herniation, physical therapy can alleviate symptoms and improve function to some extent.

However, it should be noted that for severe cases of lumbar disc herniation, especially those accompanied by nerve root compression or cauda equina syndrome, relying solely on physical therapy may not achieve the desired therapeutic effect. These patients may require more aggressive treatment options, such as pharmacological therapy, injection therapy, or surgery when necessary. In such cases, physical therapy can serve as an adjunctive treatment to help alleviate some symptoms and improve quality of life but may not resolve the underlying issues.

During the course of physical therapy, patients should also pay attention to rest, maintain correct posture, avoid excessive fatigue and heavy lifting, to promote recovery.

View All

Is a physical therapy device effective for treating lumbar muscle strain?

In general, physical therapy devices can be helpful in treating lumbar muscle strain, but their effectiveness depends on the specific condition and proper usage; they should not be relied upon exclusively. In daily life, it is important to maintain correct sitting and standing postures, avoid prolonged sitting or standing, and perform appropriate back and core muscle exercises, such as back extensions. Reducing strain on the lower back muscles can enhance the effectiveness of physical therapy devices and help maintain overall spinal health.

View Full Answer

How to manage postherpetic neuralgia after shingles

In general, the treatment of postherpetic neuralgia mainly includes routine care, physical therapy, medication, traditional Chinese medicine, and nerve block therapy. In addition, patients should follow medical advice for standardized treatment during the course of therapy, attend regular follow-up visits, and avoid adjusting medications on their own. If symptoms such as increased pain or expanded affected areas occur, timely medical consultation is necessary to adjust the treatment plan.