Non-surgical treatment methods for lumbar disc herniation

Written by Wang Cheng Lin
Orthopedics
Updated on May 19, 2025
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Methods for non-surgical treatment of lumbar disc herniation currently include the following in clinical practice:

The first is traction therapy, which can relieve pain and numbness in the lower back, though the effectiveness in alleviating numbness may not be very significant;

The second is massage, which can also relieve symptoms of pain in the lower back;

The third involves the use of topical plasters, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory and analgesic plasters, as well as plasters that activate blood circulation and dissipate blood stasis, to relieve localized pain;

The fourth can be achieved through electrotherapy or magnetotherapy;

The fifth is acupuncture. Currently, the application of acupuncture to relieve symptoms of lumbar disc herniation in clinical practice is quite evident; it has a better effect than traction. Additionally, oral medications that nourish the nerves are required because patients with lumbar disc herniation might have a protruded disc compressing the nerve roots, possibly causing nerve root damage. Therefore, it is also necessary to take certain nerve-nourishing medications orally to alleviate these symptoms.

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Written by Na Hong Wei
Orthopedics
1min 35sec home-news-image

How to treat a lumbar disc herniation?

Clinically, the treatment of lumbar disc herniation usually involves the following three aspects. The first is conservative treatment, which is mainly for those patients whose lumbar disc herniation is not very severe and does not cause substantial compression of the nerve roots and spinal cord. The first step includes general treatment, that is, after developing a lumbar disc herniation, one needs to lie flat in bed, rest on a hard bed, and then rest. The second is treatment with Chinese herbal medicine, the third with Western medicine, and the fourth is traditional Chinese medicine rehabilitation treatment, which includes traction, massage, acupuncture, and others. There is also physical therapy, which includes treatments like shockwave thermotherapy and microwave therapy. Often, some patients experience symptom relief after conservative treatment. There are also some patients whose symptoms do not improve during treatment, and even worsen, at which point surgical treatment is needed. Surgical treatment has its strict indications. However, once within the range of these indications, surgical treatment should be considered. Surgical treatment now is divided into minimally invasive therapy and conventional surgical treatment. The third is other treatments, which are also numerous, including ozone therapy, sacral canal treatment, intradiscal injections, and so on. Therefore, the treatment of lumbar disc herniation mainly depends on the degree of protrusion and clinical symptoms, which are analyzed comprehensively to select a suitable treatment method.

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Written by Na Hong Wei
Orthopedics
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Which department should I visit for a lumbar disc herniation?

Lumbar disc herniation can be treated in five different departments. First, since lumbar disc herniation is a spinal surgical disease, the primary choice is to consult the Department of Spinal Surgery. Second, lumbar disc herniation is also a common orthopedic condition, and almost all orthopedic doctors are familiar with this disease, so you can also consult the Department of Orthopedics. Third, current traditional Chinese medicine has very good conservative treatment effects for lumbar disc herniation, so you can also consult the Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Fourth, lumbar disc herniation is a long-term chronic disease, and its treatment process often involves rehabilitation, so the Department of Rehabilitation can also be considered. Finally, since the main symptoms of lumbar disc herniation are pain and limited mobility, many hospitals have established pain clinics or even specialized pain departments to address the pain issues associated with lumbar disc herniation. Therefore, you can also consult the Department of Pain Management. Thus, lumbar disc herniation can be treated in these five departments, with Spinal Surgery being the primary choice.

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Written by Na Hong Wei
Orthopedics
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Is moxibustion effective for lumbar disc herniation?

As an important treatment method in traditional Chinese medicine, moxibustion has very good therapeutic effects for treating lumbar disc herniation. As long as the acupuncture points are correctly selected, the treatment effect is very good. Specifically, if you choose to use moxibustion for treatment, the main point would be the Jiaji points, and this should include the two adjacent vertebrae. For example, for a L4-L5 disc herniation, you should select points L1 to L5. Auxiliary points should be chosen based on different symptoms of the patient, in combination with different acupoints. For example, if the waist pain is significant, combine with the affected side's Yaoyan point. If the buttock muscles are tense, combine with Huanjiao and Yibian points. If the posterior thigh muscles are tense, combine with Chengfu, Yinmen, and Weizhong points. If there is numbness on the lateral thigh, combine with Fengshi. For numbness in the calf, combine with Weiyang, Chengshan, Yanglingquan, Zusanli, and Xuanzhong points. If the dorsum of the foot is numb, combine with Taixi, Jiexi, and Xiexi.

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Written by Wang Cheng Lin
Orthopedics
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Is it okay to swim every day with lumbar disc herniation?

Patients with lumbar disc herniation can swim because swimming is a non-weight-bearing exercise. While swimming, it appropriately exercises the muscles in the lower back area, thereby alleviating symptoms of lower back pain caused by lumbar disc herniation. It is crucial for all patients with lumbar disc herniation to avoid exercises that load the lower back, such as playing ball, running, marathon running, and weightlifting in the gym. These activities create vertical pressure that can exacerbate lumbar disc herniation, leading to nerve root damage and eventually requiring surgical intervention to alleviate the pain.

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Written by Guan Yu Hua
Orthopedic Surgery
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Contraindications of Lumbar Disc Herniation

Patients with lumbar disc herniation mainly exhibit symptoms such as discomfort in the lower back, numbness in the lower limbs, and pain. These are primarily symptoms of sciatica, such as numbness and pain along the back and outer sides of the thighs, calves, and dorsum of the foot. Patients may find it difficult to put on shoes and socks in the morning, and sometimes they may feel as if their tendons are short when walking. It is generally recommended that patients strictly rest on a hard bed and warm up the lumbar region. They can also take some blood-activating and pain-relieving medications. The main precautions include avoiding bending over to lift heavy objects, carrying heavy items, and bearing heavy loads. Patients should avoid sitting or squatting for long periods and should try to lie flat or walk upright instead. If conservative treatment for lumbar disc herniation is ineffective, interventional surgical treatment may be sought.