How to care for lumbar disc herniation

Written by Chen Hui
Orthopedic Surgery
Updated on September 22, 2024
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The intervertebral discs of a normal human body, according to related evidence-based medical research, begin to degenerate around the age of twenty-five. How should we maintain them in daily life? First, when lifting heavy objects in everyday life, it is necessary to do so by squatting partially and then lifting the weight with the strength of your knees and hips when standing up. Do not bend at the waist with straight knees and hips to lift heavy objects, as this can cause severe loading on the lumbar spine, leading to herniated discs. If symptoms are already present, maintenance measures include wearing a lumbar support, sleeping on a hard bed, and undergoing relevant physical therapy, among others.

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Written by Na Hong Wei
Orthopedics
1min home-news-image

Lumbar disc herniation is where?

Where does lumbar disc herniation occur? Let's first discuss what a lumbar disc is. A lumbar disc is a fibrous pad located between the upper and lower vertebrae, which can be understood as a joint between the two vertebrae. Its outer layer is made up of a dense fibrous ring, formed in different combinations and arrangements, with a nucleus pulposus in the middle, which primarily functions to bear pressure from various directions and disperse it. Lumbar disc herniation occurs when, for various reasons such as aging, trauma, or pathological changes, the lumbar disc protrudes. If the protrusion does not break through the fibrous ring, it is called bulging. If it compresses and causes the fibrous ring to rupture, it is called herniation. Thus, the herniation can protrude backward, upward, or forward; however, it is mostly the backward protrusion that can cause symptoms by compressing nearby tissues, such as the spinal cord, blood vessels, and nerve roots.

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Written by Guan Jing Tao
Orthopedics
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Lumbar disc herniation X-ray manifestations

For auxiliary examination of lumbar disc herniation, it is recommended to perform CT or MRI of the lumbar spine. Currently, X-ray films are only suitable for examining fractures or abnormal bone structures. Lumbar disc herniation is currently diagnosed based on lumbar spine CT or MRI, which can provide a clearer understanding of the extent of the lesion and its relative position to surrounding tissues. Therefore, lumbar disc herniation should not be examined or diagnosed using X-rays, so do not use X-ray films for the relevant examinations.

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Written by Guan Yu Hua
Orthopedic Surgery
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Contraindications of Lumbar Disc Herniation

Patients with lumbar disc herniation mainly exhibit symptoms such as discomfort in the lower back, numbness in the lower limbs, and pain. These are primarily symptoms of sciatica, such as numbness and pain along the back and outer sides of the thighs, calves, and dorsum of the foot. Patients may find it difficult to put on shoes and socks in the morning, and sometimes they may feel as if their tendons are short when walking. It is generally recommended that patients strictly rest on a hard bed and warm up the lumbar region. They can also take some blood-activating and pain-relieving medications. The main precautions include avoiding bending over to lift heavy objects, carrying heavy items, and bearing heavy loads. Patients should avoid sitting or squatting for long periods and should try to lie flat or walk upright instead. If conservative treatment for lumbar disc herniation is ineffective, interventional surgical treatment may be sought.

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Written by Lv Yao
Orthopedics
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Is running good for lumbar disc herniation?

Lumbar disc herniation is due to the degeneration of the lumbar spine. It results in symptoms from the herniation pressing down on the nerve roots, or the spinal cord, through a rupture in the fibrous ring. The disc mainly serves to cushion and absorb shock in the lumbar region. During running, the load on the lumbar spine and the compression are significantly greater compared to normal walking. Running might exacerbate the condition of herniated discs. Therefore, it is not recommended to engage in running, jumping or similar activities if suffering from a disc herniation. Swimming can be a preferable form of exercise that lessens the load on the lumbar spine.

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Written by Lv Yao
Orthopedics
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Lumbar disc herniation symptom diagram

The herniation of the lumbar disc occurs due to degeneration of the disc, causing the nucleus pulposus to protrude backwards from the ruptured annulus fibrosus, compressing the spinal cord and nerve roots, thus leading to a series of symptoms. There will be pain in the lumbar region, and restricted flexion and extension movements of the waist. Symptoms may include numbness in the lateral calf and dorsum of the foot, weakness in walking, decreased muscle strength in the dorsiflexion of the big toe and ankle. In severe cases, there may be loss of control over urination and defecation. Therefore, when a disc herniation occurs, it is important to diagnose and treat it early to avoid worsening of symptoms.