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 Su Zhen Bo

Orthopedics

56sec

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Can a herniated lumbar disc cause leg pain?

Patients with lumbar disc herniation can experience leg pain, which is a typical clinical manifestation. After the nucleus pulposus protrudes, it can stimulate the dura mater and nerve roots, causing pain in the leg areas innervated by the nerves, or localized skin numbness, and decreased muscle strength in the lower limbs. Some patients may also experience difficulties bending over or walking normally. Additionally, some may have abnormal bowel and bladder function, and exhibit changes in reflexes like hyperactive or absent knee and Achilles reflexes. Diagnostic confirmation can be achieved through electromyography, as well as CT scans and MRI of the lumbar spine. For treatment, patients may be advised to lie flat on a hard bed, use lumbar support, and employ pelvic traction. Additionally, treatments such as massage and manipulation may be recommended.

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Written by Na Hong Wei

Orthopedics

1min 53sec

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What are the methods for diagnosing lumbar disc herniation?

The diagnostic methods for lumbar disc herniation are essentially three-dimensional; that is, clinical symptoms plus physical examination combined with auxiliary examinations. First, let's talk about clinical manifestations, which include pain, functional impairment, and local sensory abnormalities in cases of lumbar disc herniation. Second, in the physical examination of lumbar disc herniation, the intervertebral disc often shows some deformation, and the most common is a reduction or disappearance of the lumbar spine's forward physiological curvature, referred to colloquially as "flatback," where the back appears flat like a board. Other findings may include spinal scoliosis and specific tender points, usually located next to the protruding vertebrae. Percussing these tender points may induce radiating pain to the buttocks or lower limbs. Additional examinations might reveal abnormalities in the strength or sensation of lower limb muscles at different stages, as various muscles and sensory areas are affected differently. Special tests such as the straight leg raise test, femoral nerve stretch test, and neck flexion test are generally positive. The most routine auxiliary examination involves taking x-ray images, followed by CT scans, which can directly visualize the location and extent of the disc herniation. Currently, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is also used, which has significant advantages. MRI provides three-dimensional images, showing the sagittal, coronal, and axial planes, which helps in better assessing the condition of herniated discs. Therefore, these are the areas covered in diagnosing lumbar disc herniation.

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Written by Na Hong Wei

Orthopedics

1min 4sec

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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 Guan Jing Tao

Orthopedics

47sec

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Can people with lumbar disc herniation have sexual intercourse?

Appropriate and occasional sexual activity is permissible. During the acute phase of lumbar disc herniation, it is strictly prohibited to engage in excessive physical activities, including sexual activity, as it may trigger or exacerbate symptoms such as increased herniation, nerve compression, and resultant numbness or painful sensations in the lower limbs. However, during the chronic phase of disc herniation, after systematic treatment and significant symptom improvement, sexual activity can be resumed appropriately and occasionally, such as once every two to three weeks, or adjusted according to different age groups to a normal frequency. Additionally, it is important to avoid excessive bending and heavy lifting to prevent worsening the pain and discomfort associated with lumbar disc herniation.

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Written by Su Zhen Bo

Orthopedics

1min 2sec

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How to perform traction for lumbar disc herniation?

In clinical practice, patients with lumbar disc herniation undergo traction as a common treatment method. During traction, patients should be instructed to lie on their back and then use a pelvic belt for traction. By pulling the lumbar vertebrae, this can reduce the pressure within the spinal canal, alleviate nerve root bleeding and edema, and allow the lumbar muscles and muscle groups to fully relax, thereby relieving the clinical symptoms of the patient. The specific traction weight should be determined according to the patient's body weight and the correct direction of traction should be chosen. For mild lumbar disc herniation, traction can be performed twice a day. For severe cases, continuous traction should be adopted, along with lumbar electrotherapy, physiotherapy, the external application of plasters that activate blood circulation and remove blood stasis, and the intravenous administration of drugs with dehydrating and blood pressure lowering effects.