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 Cheng Bin
Orthopedics
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What sleeping position should be used for lumbar disc herniation?

If the patient simply presents primarily with symptoms of back pain, it is advisable to lie on the back and sleep on a firm mattress. It is best to wear a lumbar support belt to protect the lumbar spine. If the patient's lumbar disc herniation is quite severe, causing sciatic nerve pain, it is better to sleep in a lateral position during sleep. When lying on the side, actively flexing the knees and hips can reduce the traction on the sciatic nerve, thereby effectively alleviating the patient's leg pain symptoms. Additionally, for patients with disc herniation, it is necessary to avoid prolonged sitting or standing, avoid excessive bending to lift heavy objects, and avoid lifting heavy items. Actively cooperating with acupuncture, electric therapy, cupping, traction, massage, and other physical therapy methods can further improve the patient’s clinical symptoms.

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Written by Cheng Bin
Orthopedics
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What are the massage techniques for lumbar disc herniation?

In clinical practice for patients with lumbar disc herniation, there are many massage techniques available. For example, active kneading, pinching, and rolling techniques can be used. The primary purpose of the massage is to relax the local muscles and promote local blood circulation, thereby easing the tension in the patient's lower back, protecting the lumbar spine better, and alleviating the clinical symptoms of lumbar disc herniation. It is best to go to the acupuncture and massage department of a formal hospital for treatment, as formal hospitals are more professional, have a better grasp of indications, and the effects are likely to be more satisfactory. Try to avoid getting massages at outside massage parlors, as excessive force or incorrect techniques can sometimes aggravate the patient's clinical symptoms.

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Written by Qiu Xiang Zhong
Orthopedics
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Lumbar disc herniation symptoms

Patients with lumbar disc herniation can exhibit a variety of clinical symptoms which may differ according to age, gender, duration of illness, and the location of the herniation. Among these, back pain is a symptom that occurs in over 90% of the patients. The pain is primarily located in the lower back and the sacral area, most commonly presenting as persistent dull pain. Another common symptom is radiating pain in the lower limbs, which may extend from the lower back and buttocks to the back of the thigh, front or back of the calf, all the way to the heel. The nature of the pain is primarily radiating and piercing. Additionally, there may be reduced sensory and motor functions in the lower limbs as well as cauda equina syndrome symptoms.

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Written by Lv Yao
Orthopedics
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What is lumbar disc herniation?

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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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.