How to treat lumbar disc bulge
Disease description:
I have been experiencing frequent lower back pain recently, especially after standing or sitting for long periods. My legs also feel slightly numb. After visiting the hospital, I was diagnosed with lumbar disc bulging. I'm very worried and don't know what to do. Are there any effective treatment options available?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Chen Jian
Lumbar disc bulge is one of the common spinal disorders, mainly presenting with symptoms such as low back pain and radiating pain in the lower limbs. Its treatment generally includes the following aspects:
1. Medication: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen capsules and celecoxib tablets, are used to relieve pain and inflammation.
2. Physical therapy: Treatments such as ultrashort wave therapy and microwave therapy can help reduce inflammation and nerve edema in the lumbar spinal canal.
3. Traction therapy: Continuous lumbar traction can promote the recovery of the physiological curvature of the lumbar spine and possibly allow partial retraction of the bulging nucleus pulposus.
4. Manipulation, acupuncture, and massage: These methods can relieve muscle spasms, reduce pressure on the nerve roots, and help alleviate symptoms.
5. Bed rest: During acute episodes, bed rest can effectively relieve symptoms.
6. Rehabilitation exercises: Strengthening core muscles can improve lumbar muscle strength, enhance spinal stability, and reduce pressure on the intervertebral discs. Avoid maintaining the same posture for prolonged periods and regularly change positions to reduce strain on the lumbar spine.
7. Interventional therapy: For patients who do not respond well to conservative treatment, interventional procedures such as discography-guided intradiscal injection or radiofrequency ablation may be considered to alleviate symptoms.
