Is lumbar disc herniation difficult to treat?

Written by Li Jin
Orthopedics
Updated on February 06, 2025
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Patients with lumbar disc herniation, after standard and regulated treatment, can mostly effectively alleviate symptoms, and even achieve clinical recovery. The treatment for lumbar disc herniation mainly includes non-surgical treatment and surgical treatment. The specific method of treatment to be used should be comprehensively considered based on symptoms, physical examination, imaging studies, and other factors. For non-surgical treatment of lumbar disc herniation, it is recommended that patients protect their lower back in daily life, develop correct habits of using the lower back, and avoid lifting heavy objects partially and other heavy physical activities involving the lower back. During stable periods of the condition, some exercises to strengthen the lower back and spinal functions can be performed. At the same time, when symptoms occur, anti-inflammatory analgesics, neuro-nutritional drugs, and other medications can be used. Treatments can also be combined with hot compresses, physical therapy, massage, and acupuncture. These conservative treatment methods generally can achieve good results. When conservative treatment is ineffective or functional impairment occurs, surgical treatment can also be considered. (Specific medication use should be guided by a doctor.)

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Written by Lv Yao
Orthopedics
42sec home-news-image

Is running good for lumbar disc herniation?

Lumbar disc herniation is due to the degeneration of the lumbar spine. It results in symptoms from the herniation pressing down on the nerve roots, or the spinal cord, through a rupture in the fibrous ring. The disc mainly serves to cushion and absorb shock in the lumbar region. During running, the load on the lumbar spine and the compression are significantly greater compared to normal walking. Running might exacerbate the condition of herniated discs. Therefore, it is not recommended to engage in running, jumping or similar activities if suffering from a disc herniation. Swimming can be a preferable form of exercise that lessens the load on the lumbar spine.

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Written by Wang Cheng Lin
Orthopedics
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What are the symptoms of lumbar disc herniation?

The early symptoms of lumbar disc herniation mainly include back pain and limited mobility. With appropriate conservative treatment at this stage, the symptoms will not worsen. For example, sleeping on a hard bed, resting adequately, and using some physical therapy methods can help alleviate back pain and restricted mobility. If back pain and mobility limitations occur and are not treated correctly, it may lead to mid-to-late-stage symptoms. The patient will typically experience sciatica, with radiating pain and numbness in both lower limbs, caused by the herniated disc compressing the nerve root, leading to impaired nerve function and symptoms of numbness and pain in the lower limbs.

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Written by Li Jin
Orthopedics
1min 19sec home-news-image

Is lumbar disc herniation difficult to treat?

Patients with lumbar disc herniation, after standard and regulated treatment, can mostly effectively alleviate symptoms, and even achieve clinical recovery. The treatment for lumbar disc herniation mainly includes non-surgical treatment and surgical treatment. The specific method of treatment to be used should be comprehensively considered based on symptoms, physical examination, imaging studies, and other factors. For non-surgical treatment of lumbar disc herniation, it is recommended that patients protect their lower back in daily life, develop correct habits of using the lower back, and avoid lifting heavy objects partially and other heavy physical activities involving the lower back. During stable periods of the condition, some exercises to strengthen the lower back and spinal functions can be performed. At the same time, when symptoms occur, anti-inflammatory analgesics, neuro-nutritional drugs, and other medications can be used. Treatments can also be combined with hot compresses, physical therapy, massage, and acupuncture. These conservative treatment methods generally can achieve good results. When conservative treatment is ineffective or functional impairment occurs, surgical treatment can also be considered. (Specific medication use should be guided by a doctor.)

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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 Nie Lei Sheng
Orthopedics
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What role does embedding therapy play in lumbar disc herniation?

Thread embedding therapy for lumbar disc herniation is a category of Traditional Chinese Medicine treatment. Its function is similar to acupressure, acupuncture, and moxibustion, primarily involving the insertion of absorbable threads into specific acupoints or meridians to continuously stimulate and regulate these areas. This treatment is based on Traditional Chinese Medicine theory. Some patients may achieve good results, but others may not find it effective. It is advised that patients with lumbar disc herniation should seek treatment at a legitimate hospital. While thread embedding therapy can be attempted, it does not guarantee good results for all patients. Oral medication may be necessary, and in severe cases, surgical intervention might be required.