How to treat lumbar disc bulge
Dec 20, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Xu Shuai
Introduction
Lumbar disc bulging can generally be treated through methods such as back muscle exercises, physical therapy, traction therapy, medication, and surgical treatment. If symptoms of lumbar disc bulging occur, prompt medical attention is necessary. Appropriate physical activities like walking and swimming can help strengthen the muscles in the lower back. It's also important to keep the area warm and avoid exposure to cold.
Lumbar disc bulging can generally be treated through methods such as back muscle exercises, physical therapy, traction therapy, medication, and surgical treatment. If symptoms of lumbar disc bulging occur, prompt medical attention is necessary. Specific details are as follows:
1. Back Muscle Exercises
If symptoms such as back pain or leg weakness occur, strengthening the back muscles through exercise can enhance muscular strength in the lower back, improve spinal stability, reduce pressure on the intervertebral discs, and alleviate pain. Commonly used exercises include the "swallow flight" and "five-point support" techniques.
2. Physical Therapy
For discomfort symptoms such as muscle spasms and numbness caused by lumbar disc bulging, treatments such as ultra-short wave therapy, microwave therapy, electrical stimulation, and acupuncture may be used. These methods help reduce inflammation in the spinal canal, relieve nerve edema, improve blood circulation, and reduce pain.
3. Traction Therapy
If patients experience limitations in bending forward or have leg pain and muscle weakness, lumbar traction can stretch the spine, reduce pressure on the intervertebral discs, improve spinal curvature, and relieve pain. Traction therapy can be either continuous or intermittent.
4. Medication
When patients experience significant lower back pain, swelling, or discomfort, medications such as ibuprofen capsules, diclofenac sodium sustained-release tablets, or acetaminophen tablets may be taken under medical guidance to relieve pain.
5. Surgical Treatment
If lumbar disc bulging is severe and symptoms cannot be relieved with the above treatments, surgery may be required under a doctor's guidance. Procedures may include spinal fusion, lumbar disc replacement, or hemilaminectomy.
Appropriate physical activities such as walking and swimming can also be performed to strengthen the back muscles. Attention should be paid to local warmth and avoiding exposure to cold.
