Where to apply moxibustion for lumbar disc herniation

Written by Na Hong Wei
Orthopedics
Updated on August 31, 2024
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After a lumbar disc herniation, if moxibustion treatment is used, there is a concept of main and supplementary acupuncture points. The main point is the Jiaji point at the herniated lumbar disc segment, accompanied by the Jiaji points directly above and below it. For example, for an L4-5 disc herniation, moxibustion would be applied to the Jiaji points of L3-4, L4-5, and L5-S1. Additionally, supplementary points are chosen based on the patient's other symptoms. If there is significant lumbar pain, the Yao Yan (Lumbar Eyes) point on the affected side is used. If there is muscle tension in the buttocks, the Huan Tiao and Yi Bian points are used. If there is tension in the back of the thigh, support would include the Fu Cheng, Yin Men, and Wei Zhong points. If numbness occurs on the outer side of the thigh, the Feng Shi point is used. For numbness in the calf, the Wei Yang, Cheng Shan, Yang Ling Quan, Zu San Li, and Xuan Zhong points are used. For numbness on the dorsum or sole of the foot, the Tai Xi, Jie Xi, and Xia Xi points are included.

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Written by Na Hong Wei
Orthopedics
1min 51sec home-news-image

How to alleviate pain from lumbar disc herniation?

How to alleviate the pain of a herniated lumbar disc. First, once the pain occurs, you should rest initially, lie on a hard bed. You can place a thin pad under your lower back and a soft pillow beneath your knees to keep the knees and hips slightly bent. This helps fully relax the back muscles. Second, take some non-steroidal drugs, specifically non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Third, consider using traditional Chinese medicine and herbs. Traditional Chinese medicine has shown significant effects in treating herniated lumbar discs, containing many components that alleviate pain. Additionally, topical application of Chinese herbal medicines, or their plasters, can improve local blood circulation, reduce the release of inflammatory factors, and thereby relieve pain. Fourth, traction, which can be manual or mechanical, aims to reduce pressure on the lumbar discs by stretching them and enlarging the intervertebral foramen, thus alleviating nerve root irritation. Fifth, consider undergoing some physiotherapy treatments, such as heat therapy, shockwave therapy, microwave therapy, and transdermal drug delivery. These methods usually show good results. Finally, it is crucial to wear a lumbar support belt, as it is very important for patients with herniated discs. It can restrict movement of the lumbar spine, controlling the range of lumbar activity and increasing the stability of the lumbar spine, thus reducing the pressure and irritation on the discs. Generally, following the above treatments should significantly relieve the pain—should the pain persist, consider a nerve root block as a further treatment option.

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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.

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Written by Guan Jing Tao
Orthopedics
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Can lumbar disc herniation sleep on a latex mattress?

Generally speaking, for lumbar disc herniation, it is recommended to use a firm bed and avoid exposure to cold conditions, which helps alleviate symptoms and prevents further aggravation. Latex mattresses, as advertised and if of good quality, can also be used. Firstly, a quality latex mattress can conform well to the natural physiological curvature of the entire spine. This means that the latex mattress can accommodate the normal curvature of the waist without exacerbating issues, unlike overly soft mattresses which can lead to increased back pain and other symptoms. However, it is still necessary to use qualified products and assess them carefully.

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Written by Cheng Bin
Orthopedics
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Can a second surgery be performed for lumbar disc herniation?

Firstly, it should be clarified that for patients with lumbar disc herniation, if the condition recurs after surgery, a second operation is completely feasible. This is because there are many intervertebral discs involved, including L3-L4, L4-L5, and L5-S1, all of which can lead to lumbar disc herniation and subsequently cause symptoms of back and leg pain. Even if the patient has already undergone surgery for L4-L5, it cannot be guaranteed that L3-L4 or L5-S1 will not develop disc herniation. Therefore, it is possible for patients with lumbar disc herniation to undergo a second surgical treatment.

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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.