How to manage lumbar disc herniation
Disease description:
I have been experiencing persistent lower back pain recently, with occasional radiating pain down my legs. Sitting or standing for prolonged periods makes it worse. After visiting the hospital, I was diagnosed with a lumbar disc herniation. I would like to know how lumbar disc herniation can be treated.
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Chen Jian
Lumbar disc herniation is one of the common spinal disorders, mainly characterized by low back pain, radiating pain or numbness in the lower limbs. The following are specific management methods:
1. Rest and activity: Initially, appropriate bed rest is recommended while avoiding strenuous exercise and heavy physical labor. However, prolonged bed rest should be avoided to prevent muscle atrophy. Once the pain improves, gradually increase physical activity, such as walking.
2. Medication: Over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen capsules or aspirin capsules may be used to alleviate pain and reduce inflammation.
3. Physical therapy: Includes heat or cold compresses, massage, and acupuncture, which can promote blood circulation, relieve muscle tension, and reduce pain.
4. Maintain good posture: Avoid prolonged sitting or bending during work; maintain correct sitting and standing postures.
5. Appropriate exercise: Activities such as walking, swimming, and yoga can strengthen the muscles of the lower back and abdomen, improving spinal stability.
6. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) treatments: Traditional methods such as acupuncture, cupping therapy, and herbal steam therapy can help relieve pain and improve local blood circulation.
7. Surgical treatment: When conservative treatments are ineffective, symptoms are severe, or there is an emergency such as cauda equina nerve damage, surgical intervention may be considered, such as discectomy or spinal fusion.
