What is lumbar disc herniation?

Written by Lv Yao
Orthopedics
Updated on September 28, 2024
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Lumbar disc herniation is a condition caused by the rupture of the fibrous ring of the intervertebral disc, protrusion of the central nucleus pulposus, which compresses the nerve roots or the spinal cord, resulting in a series of symptoms. For example, it can cause pain in the lower limbs and instability in the lumbar spine, leading to pain in the waist, as well as pain in the waist when walking or standing, and even sensations of numbness and tingling in the lower limbs. In severe cases, it can cause symptoms affecting urination and defecation.

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Written by Na Hong Wei
Orthopedics
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Where to apply moxibustion for lumbar disc herniation

If moxibustion is used to treat a lumbar disc herniation, the main acupoint is the Jiaji acupoint located on both sides of the herniated disc, along with the Jiaji acupoints immediately above and below it. For example, if you have a herniation between the 3rd and 4th lumbar discs, you should moxibust the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th Jiaji acupoints, and so on. In addition to the main acupoint, there are auxiliary acupoints chosen based on the different symptoms of different patients. Generally, if there is significant back pain, the acupoint on the affected side is the Yaoyan. If there is muscle tension and tenderness in the buttocks, match with Huanjiao and Yibian. If there is muscle tension on the back of the thigh, match with Chengfu, Yinmen, and Weizhong. If there is numbness on the outer side of the thigh, match with Fengshi, and for calf numbness, match with Weiyang, Chengshan, and Yanglingquan. If there is numbness on the top of the foot, followed by weakness in the foot or toe region, match with Taixi, Jiexi, and Xiexi.

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Written by Na Hong Wei
Orthopedics
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Can a herniated lumbar disc be massaged?

Lumbar disc herniation can be treated with massage, and as a part of conservative treatment, massage is a very important method with generally good effects. Its role is to relieve muscle spasms, expand blood vessels, increase local blood circulation, and promote cellular metabolism of soft tissues. The techniques primarily include rolling and rubbing, supplemented by grasping and grinding methods. The main acupuncture point targeted is the Jiaji point, centered on the lesion between the two vertebral bodies. Other auxiliary acupuncture points include Yaoyangguan, Mingmen, Shenshu, Bahui, Huanjiao, Yinmen, Fucheng, Weizhong, Chengshan, and Yanglingquan.

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Written by Na Hong Wei
Orthopedics
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Where to press for lumbar disc herniation

Massage for lumbar disc herniation involves main and auxiliary acupoints. The main acupoint is the Jiaji acupoint at the affected disc side, followed by the Jiaji acupoints immediately above and below it. Auxiliary acupoints are chosen based on the patient's specific symptoms. Typically, if there is significant lower back pain, the affected side's Yaoyan acupoint is used. For tense gluteal muscles with tenderness, the Huanjiao acupoint is selected. If there is muscle tension on the back of the thigh, the Yinmen and Hebei acupoints are advisable. If numbness occurs on the outer side of the thigh, the Fengsi acupoint should be used. For numbness in the lower legs, the Yanglingquan acupoint is suitable. If numbness affects the foot, the Taixi and Yibian acupoints are recommended.

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Written by Na Hong Wei
Orthopedics
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Which department is for lumbar disc herniation?

The meaning is which department to visit for lumbar disc herniation. If going to a hospital for lumbar disc herniation and if there is a spinal surgery department, the first choice should be the spinal surgery department. If there is no spinal surgery department, then you can visit the general orthopedics department. If it's an acute episode of severe pain due to lumbar disc herniation, and you want to address the pain issue, you can visit the pain management department. The pain management department has unique methods for treating sciatica caused by lumbar disc herniation, and the treatment results are very good. If it's a chronic lumbar disc herniation, and you need some rehabilitative treatment or physiotherapy, you can also visit the rehabilitation department or the physiotherapy department. In summary, for lumbar disc herniation, you should first visit the spinal surgery department, then the general orthopedics, visit the pain management department if addressing pain, and go to rehabilitation if seeking recovery.

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Written by Lv Yao
Orthopedics
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Lumbar disc herniation nursing measures

Herniated lumbar discs require attention to several aspects during treatment, First, it is important to advise patients to sleep on a hard bed as much as possible, avoiding soft beds to facilitate the exercise of the lower back muscles; Second, try to minimize sitting and actions such as bending over and picking things up, as these can reduce the load on the lumbar spine, thus alleviating the condition caused by the disc herniation; Third, appropriate functional exercises can be performed, such as the small bird flying exercise and lower back muscle training; Fourth, in terms of diet, opt for plain and less stimulating foods, avoiding the consumption of high-protein, highly nutritious foods, which can increase body weight and thus increase the load on the waist, aggravating the herniated disc situation.