What should be noted about traction for lumbar disc herniation?

Written by Cheng Bin
Orthopedics
Updated on March 16, 2025
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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 Lv Yao
Orthopedics
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Can a lumbar disc herniation heal by itself?

Lumbar disc herniation cannot heal on its own. The protrusion of the disc is due to degeneration of the nucleus pulposus, which herniates through a ruptured annulus fibrosus, compressing the nerves behind it and causing symptoms such as pain, numbness, and weakness when walking. In the early stages or upon the first occurrence of lumbar disc herniation, symptoms can be alleviated through conservative treatment, such as strengthening the muscles in the lower back, appropriately applying traction, and wearing a lumbar support to reduce symptoms and prevent the herniated disc from further compressing the nerves. If the herniation is severe and it is not the first occurrence of this condition, surgical treatment is recommended. Therefore, lumbar disc herniation cannot heal on its own.

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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 Wang Cheng Lin
Orthopedics
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Conservative treatment methods for lumbar disc herniation

The conservative treatment methods for lumbar disc herniation primarily include the following approaches. First, absolute rest is essential, and one should sleep on a hard bed rather than a soft one. Second, traction is used to alleviate pain symptoms. Third, massage and acupuncture are employed to relieve lower back pain and restricted mobility. Fourth, oral administration of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving drugs, as well as drugs that promote blood circulation and remove blood stasis, are used to alleviate local pain. These drugs primarily function by reducing local inflammatory responses and decreasing the release of inflammatory factors, thereby easing pain. Fifth, electotherapy and magnetotherapy can also be used to relieve local pain. These are the conservative treatment methods for lumbar disc herniation.

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Written by Na Hong Wei
Orthopedics
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How to exercise with lumbar disc herniation

For patients with lumbar disc herniation, self-exercise is a very important and effective treatment method. First, it is important to maintain the correct sitting posture, sit up straight without leaning sideways, and avoid sitting for extended periods. It is also necessary to keep the waist warm to prevent catching cold. Second, it is necessary to strengthen the exercise of the back muscles, especially the erector spinae and multifidus, with exercises such as single-leg bridges, double-leg bridges, and the "little swallow" exercise. Third, maintain the correct posture in daily life, such as when lifting or holding objects, to avoid increasing tension in the waist and causing unnecessary damage. Fourth, regarding rest, it is crucial to lie on a firm bed and possibly add a thin pad under the waist to keep the hips and knees in a certain alignment, ensuring the waist muscles can fully relax. Fifth, always wear a waist belt during exercise. The waist belt is one of the most important orthopedic supports, serving to immobilize and protect the waist, limiting movement during activity to solidify the effects of earlier treatments. Therefore, patients with lumbar disc herniation must develop a complete and reasonable treatment plan at a regular medical institution and normal physiotherapy institution.

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Written by Na Hong Wei
Orthopedics
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Can a herniated lumbar disc be massaged?

Lumbar disc herniation can be treated with massage, and as a part of conservative treatment, massage is a very important method with generally good effects. Its role is to relieve muscle spasms, expand blood vessels, increase local blood circulation, and promote cellular metabolism of soft tissues. The techniques primarily include rolling and rubbing, supplemented by grasping and grinding methods. The main acupuncture point targeted is the Jiaji point, centered on the lesion between the two vertebral bodies. Other auxiliary acupuncture points include Yaoyangguan, Mingmen, Shenshu, Bahui, Huanjiao, Yinmen, Fucheng, Weizhong, Chengshan, and Yanglingquan.