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

Sep 16, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Chen Jian

Introduction

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.

Generally, nerve compression caused by lumbar disc herniation may result from prolonged poor posture, excessive load-bearing strain, degenerative lumbar spine changes, lumbar spinal stenosis, or spondylolisthesis. It is recommended to seek medical attention promptly, identify the underlying cause, and then improve symptoms under a doctor's guidance through conservative treatments, medications, surgery, and other methods. Specific causes are analyzed as follows:

1. Prolonged poor posture: Long-term bending, sitting, or standing places continuous stress on the lumbar spine, damaging the annulus fibrosus of the intervertebral disc and leading to nerve compression. This is often accompanied by lower back soreness and numbness in the lower limbs. Adjust daily postures to avoid slouching; use a lumbar support pillow when sitting for extended periods, and stand up to move around for 5–10 minutes every hour.

2. Excessive load-bearing strain: Regularly lifting heavy objects or sudden forceful lifting can place excessive pressure on the lumbar spine beyond its tolerance, resulting in disc herniation and nerve compression, often causing severe lower back pain. During the acute phase, bed rest for 1–2 weeks is advised, along with avoiding weight-bearing activities. After symptoms ease, wearing a lumbar brace can help protect the lower back.

3. Degenerative lumbar spine changes: With aging, intervertebral discs lose water content and elasticity, making them more prone to protrusion and nerve compression. This condition commonly affects middle-aged and elderly individuals and is often associated with radiating leg pain. Patients should follow medical advice to take medications such as ibuprofen sustained-release capsules, celecoxib capsules, or diclofenac sodium sustained-release tablets to relieve pain.

4. Lumbar spinal stenosis: The lumbar spinal canal narrows due to bone spurs or thickening of the ligamentum flavum, compressing the intervertebral discs and nerves, thereby worsening nerve compression. Symptoms include intermittent claudication and pain in the lower back and legs. Under medical guidance, patients may take medications such as mecobalamin tablets, vitamin B1 tablets, or etoricoxib tablets to nourish nerves and reduce inflammation.

5. Spondylolisthesis: Displacement of a lumbar vertebra alters the position of the intervertebral disc, further compressing nerves. Symptoms include limited腰部 movement, numbness, and weakness in the lower limbs. Mild cases can improve with bed rest, wearing a lumbar brace, and rehabilitation exercises. Severe cases may require surgical intervention—such as reduction and internal fixation for spondylolisthesis—to restore the vertebrae to their normal position, stabilize the spine, and relieve nerve compression.

In daily life, maintaining a healthy weight helps reduce stress on the lumbar spine, and avoiding strenuous exercise and overexertion is essential. Choose a mattress with moderate firmness to support the natural physiological curvature of the spine. Include adequate calcium and vitamin D in the diet to strengthen bones and support recovery of lumbar function, promoting overall spinal health.

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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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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.

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Can lumbar disc herniation be cured?

For most patients with lumbar disc herniation, especially those with mild symptoms and a short disease duration, conservative treatment is the first choice. During the acute phase, strict bed rest helps reduce pressure on the lumbar discs and promotes resolution of inflammation. Patients may also take ibuprofen sustained-release capsules, aspirin enteric-coated tablets, methylcobalamin tablets, or similar medications under a physician's guidance to alleviate pain and promote recovery of nerve function.