What should I do about a lumbar disc herniation?
Disease description:
I have been suffering from severe lower back pain recently, and sometimes my legs also feel numb. After an examination, I was told that I have a lumbar disc herniation. Now, it's difficult for me to bend over, and my mobility is also affected. Are there any methods to help relieve the pain?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Chen Jian
Lumbar disc herniation is one of the common spinal disorders, mainly manifested as low back pain, radiating pain or numbness in the lower limbs. Treatment should be comprehensively considered based on the severity of the condition and individual health status, generally including the following options:
1. Lifestyle modifications: Improve daily habits, avoid maintaining a single posture for prolonged periods, especially bending forward and lifting heavy objects. Arrange work and rest appropriately, maintain good sitting and standing postures to reduce strain on the lower back.
2. Maintain healthy lifestyle habits: Such as correct sitting and standing postures, avoiding prolonged sitting or bending during work, and minimizing twisting movements of the waist.
3. Conservative treatment: The first choice for patients with mild or early-stage disease, including rest, heat application, electrotherapy, ultrasound, massage, acupuncture, and appropriate medication to relieve pain and inflammation. Additionally, targeted rehabilitation exercises can be performed to strengthen the muscles around the lower back and improve spinal stability.
4. Surgical treatment: Patients for whom conservative treatments are ineffective, those with significant neurological impairment, or those experiencing rapid progression of the condition may need to consider surgical intervention.
