How to treat lumbar disc osteophyte formation
Disease description:
I have been experiencing persistent lower back pain recently, sometimes accompanied by numbness. After visiting the hospital, I was diagnosed with lumbar disc osteophyte formation. Now my mobility is somewhat limited, and it's really troubling. What are the effective treatment options for lumbar disc osteophytes?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Chen Jian
Lumbar disc osteophyte formation is usually a manifestation of lumbar degeneration and is commonly seen in middle-aged and elderly individuals. Below are common treatment options:
1. Physical therapy: Includes heat therapy, magnetic therapy, massage, etc., which can effectively improve blood circulation in the lumbar muscles and relieve low back pain, soreness, and stiffness.
2. Medication: Commonly used non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as naproxen tablets, ibuprofen sustained-release capsules, etc., have anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects. Additionally, neurotrophic medications such as mecobalamin tablets and vitamin B1 tablets may be used to promote recovery of nerve function.
3. Lifestyle modifications: Maintain good sitting and standing posture, avoid staying in the same position for prolonged periods, change positions regularly, strengthen lumbar muscle exercises, and control body weight to reduce the burden on the lumbar spine.
4. Surgical treatment: When conservative treatments are ineffective and symptoms severely impact quality of life, surgical treatment may need to be considered.
Osteophyte formation itself does not necessarily require treatment; the key factor is whether it is causing symptoms such as pain, numbness in the lower limbs, or functional impairment. If severe pain occurs, a medical evaluation at a hospital is necessary.
