Symptoms of lumbar disc herniation

Written by Na Hong Wei
Orthopedics
Updated on September 08, 2024
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The symptoms of a herniated lumbar disc are 1. back pain 2. leg pain 3. both back and leg pain. The essence of a herniated lumbar disc is that, after the disc protrudes, it compresses the surrounding nerve roots or the spine, leading to a series of clinical symptoms. Depending on the area of compression, different symptoms may occur; some people experience back pain, others leg pain, and in more severe cases, both back and leg pain. Therefore, pain is the primary symptom of a herniated lumbar disc. However, following the pain, there often occurs a restriction of movement. If a certain posture is not correct, it triggers pain. In severe cases, it may cause numbness or weakness in both legs, or result in urinary or bowel dysfunction.

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Written by Na Hong Wei
Orthopedics
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Is massage useful for lumbar disc herniation?

Can massage be used for lumbar disc herniation? Its clinical effects are quite good. The primary function of massage therapy is to relieve muscle spasms, then dilate blood vessels, increase local blood circulation, and promote peripheral metabolism, thereby achieving the purpose of curing diseases. It mainly uses rolling and pushing techniques, with the main acupoint being the Jiaji acupoint. Auxiliary acupoints generally include Yangguan, Yaoyangguan, Mingmen, Shenshu, Weizhong, Chengshan, and Yanglingquan, among others. Additionally, it includes two board techniques. These board techniques are very effective for minor joint disorders of the lumbar spine. There are two board techniques, one is the slant board technique, and the other is the rotating tube board technique, with the slant board technique being relatively easier to perform. Generally, patients experience varying degrees of symptom relief after proper and effective massage, and many people's symptoms disappear altogether.

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Written by Cheng Bin
Orthopedics
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Lumbar disc herniation symptom exercise

There are many exercises for lumbar disc herniation, such as the "little swallow" exercise, practicing lifting the buttocks while lying in bed, performing the bridge pose, supporting your body with three and a half points, and actively engaging in swimming. These exercises can strengthen the patient's lower back muscles, thereby better protecting the lumbar spine and alleviating symptoms of lumbar disc herniation. Additionally, for patients with lumbar disc herniation, besides exercise, it is important to keep warm. Avoid prolonged sitting or standing, avoid excessive bending to pick up heavy objects or lifting heavy weights. It is best to use a lumbar support belt, protect the lumbar spine, sleep on a firm bed. Also, locally apply heat actively, combined with acupuncture, electric heating, cupping, massage, traction, and other physical therapies.

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Written by Na Hong Wei
Orthopedics
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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 Lv Yao
Orthopedics
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Can a lumbar disc herniation heal by itself?

Lumbar disc herniation cannot heal on its own. The protrusion of the disc is due to degeneration of the nucleus pulposus, which herniates through a ruptured annulus fibrosus, compressing the nerves behind it and causing symptoms such as pain, numbness, and weakness when walking. In the early stages or upon the first occurrence of lumbar disc herniation, symptoms can be alleviated through conservative treatment, such as strengthening the muscles in the lower back, appropriately applying traction, and wearing a lumbar support to reduce symptoms and prevent the herniated disc from further compressing the nerves. If the herniation is severe and it is not the first occurrence of this condition, surgical treatment is recommended. Therefore, lumbar disc herniation cannot heal on its own.

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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 is a very important conservative treatment method. The first benefit of this massage is that it can relieve muscle spasms in the lower back. Secondly, through massage, it can dilate blood vessels, increase the speed of blood circulation, and then promote the metabolism of surrounding soft tissues. The treatment techniques primarily include rolling and pushing-grinding methods, supplemented by grasping and grinding methods, avoiding violent pressure. The main acupoints used are the Jiaji points, along with other matching points such as the Yaoyangguan, Mingmen, Shenshu, Huantiao, Yinmen, Chengfu, Weizhong, Chengshan, and Yanglingquan points, mainly selected according to the different conditions of the patients. Many patients experience significant relief in symptoms of lumbar disc herniation after massage therapy.