How long does conservative treatment for lumbar disc herniation take?

Written by Guan Yu Hua
Orthopedic Surgery
Updated on February 21, 2025
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The main issue in lumbar disc herniation is that the nucleus pulposus ruptures through the annulus fibrosus, causing compression of the nerve roots. These nerve roots at lumbar 4 and sacral 3 form the sciatic nerve, leading to numbness and pain on the posterolateral side of the thigh and the dorsum of the foot. This is a distinctive manifestation of lumbar disc herniation, most commonly seen at the L4-5 and L5-S1 intervertebral spaces, accounting for over 95% of cases in outpatient settings. Conservative treatment primarily involves strict bed rest, local application of heat, sleeping on a firm mattress, pre-warming the lower back, and taking medications to promote blood circulation, relieve pain, and nourish nerves. Generally, symptoms will gradually abate and disappear within approximately 10 to 14 days, with noticeable symptom reduction after about 7 days. For cases where conservative treatment is ineffective and symptoms recur, interventional surgery such as ozone nucleolysis can be sought. Ozone therapy can help reduce the pressure on the intervertebral discs, increase their volume, and relieve nerve compression. Surgical trauma is relatively minor, the procedure is currently well-practiced, and the side effects are relatively low. It may be worthwhile to consult a local hospital for more information.

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Written by Guan Jing Tao
Orthopedics
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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 Cheng Bin
Orthopedics
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What should be noted about traction for lumbar disc herniation?

The main points are reflected in the following two aspects: First, during traction, it is essential to pay attention to the force and duration of the traction. Second, it is best to undergo traction at the acupuncture and massage department of a formal hospital. Formal hospitals are more professional, have a better grasp of indications, and the effects should be more satisfactory. You must not undergo traction in outside massage parlors. Sometimes, excessive force or prolonged duration can cause lumbar spine injuries in patients. For patients with lumbar disc herniation, besides traction, combining acupuncture, massage, electrical therapy, and cupping can effectively alleviate the clinical symptoms of lumbar disc herniation.

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Written by Na Hong Wei
Orthopedics
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Is massage useful for lumbar disc herniation?

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 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 Guan Jing Tao
Orthopedics
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Can lumbar disc herniation sleep on a latex mattress?

Generally speaking, for lumbar disc herniation, it is recommended to use a firm bed and avoid exposure to cold conditions, which helps alleviate symptoms and prevents further aggravation. Latex mattresses, as advertised and if of good quality, can also be used. Firstly, a quality latex mattress can conform well to the natural physiological curvature of the entire spine. This means that the latex mattress can accommodate the normal curvature of the waist without exacerbating issues, unlike overly soft mattresses which can lead to increased back pain and other symptoms. However, it is still necessary to use qualified products and assess them carefully.