Is massage useful for lumbar disc herniation?

Written by Na Hong Wei
Orthopedics
Updated on January 15, 2025
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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 Guan Yu Hua
Orthopedic Surgery
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How many days to administer fluids after minimally invasive surgery for lumbar disc herniation?

With the development of medical technology, currently for the treatment of lumbar disc herniation, such as when conservative treatment is ineffective—including lying on a hard bed, pre-heating the waist, taking blood-activating and pain-relieving medication, or drugs that nourish the nerves—some interventional surgeries are chosen if these do not provide relief. The main ones commonly used include ozone ablation, collagenase nucleolysis, percutaneous disc removal, and foraminoscopic technology, etc., all of which carry very low risk. The most commonly used is ozone ablation, which involves instant oxidation of the degenerated protruded nucleus pulposus. This destroys the proteoglycans, thereby making the proteoglycans lose their function. The cells produce proteoglycans, reducing the osmotic pressure of the nucleus tissue, which cannot maintain normal moisture, leading to shrinkage and loss of tissue. This increases the space, thereby reducing the symptoms of nerve compression caused by disc herniation. Usually, antibiotics are used post-surgery to prevent infection, generally for about three days. After the medication is completed, considering discharge and returning home for recovery is possible, followed by oral medication. (Please use medications under the guidance of a physician.)

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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 Na Hong Wei
Orthopedics
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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 Na Hong Wei
Orthopedics
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Lumbar disc herniation has what manifestations?

Lumbar disc herniation has the following clinical manifestations. First, lower back pain accompanied by unilateral radiating pain in the lower limbs. Second, numbness in the localized area. Third, weakness in the toes. Fourth, decreased temperature in the affected limb. Upon examination, the first finding is a reduced natural anterior curve of the lumbar spine, which we refer to as a flat or board-like back. Second, it can also cause the lumbar spine to bend to one side, possibly toward the affected side or the healthy side, depending on the location of the herniation. Third, there is a fixed tender point beside the lumbar spine, which plays an active role in diagnosis and treatment. Fourth, due to pain, there is a limitation in the movement of the lower back; normally, the lumbar spine can flex 45 degrees forward, extend 20 degrees backward, and bend 30 degrees to each side. If these ranges of motion are not achievable, it indicates a significant limitation in lumbar activity. Fifth is the neurological localization examination, which primarily involves different sensory disturbances, motor disturbances, or muscle atrophy depending on the site of compression. There are also some special tests, like the straight leg raise test, reinforcement test, healthy side leg raise test, as well as the neck flexion test and femoral nerve stretch test. Lastly, additional diagnostic tests like CT or MRI can provide specific information on the location and stage of the lumbar disc herniation.

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Written by Cheng Bin
Orthopedics
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Treatment of Chronic Low Back Pain Due to Lumbar Disc Herniation

For the treatment of chronic lower back pain caused by lumbar disc herniation, the following methods need to be applied: 1. It is necessary to strengthen the patient's lower back muscle strength through exercise, which can better protect the lumbar spine and effectively relieve the patient's lower back pain symptoms. For example, exercises like the "small swallow fly", swimming, and lifting the buttocks while lying on the bed can be performed; 2. Avoid sitting or standing for long periods, avoid bending over to lift heavy objects excessively, and it is best to wear a lumbar support belt to protect the lumbar spine, and sleep on a hard bed; 3. Actively perform local hot compresses, and combine them with therapeutic methods such as acupuncture, electrotherapy, cupping, and massage; 4. Apply topical ointments that activate blood circulation and remove blood stasis, and take oral non-steroidal drugs like pain relievers and drugs that improve blood circulation and remove blood stasis for treatment, which can be very effective.