Can I take calcium tablets for lumbar disc herniation?

Written by Wang Fei

Orthopedics

Updated on February 22, 2025

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Lumbar disc herniation is a very common clinical disease, often affecting the lower back and causing discomfort. It frequently presents with numbness, swelling, pain, and even muscle atrophy in one leg. In the elderly, lumbar disc herniation may be associated with osteoporosis, as bone changes following osteoporosis can lead to poor vertebral stability, ultimately causing disc herniation. Elderly patients with both lumbar disc herniation and osteoporosis should take calcium supplements. However, for young and middle-aged adults who do not have accompanying osteoporosis, taking calcium supplements is not particularly beneficial.

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Written by Na Hong Wei

Orthopedics

1min 40sec

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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 Wang Fei

Orthopedics

48sec

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How to relieve stiffness in the lower back caused by lumbar disc herniation?

Lumbar disc herniation is very common in clinical settings. The peak incidence age is around forty, typically in middle-aged adults, though some cases occur in the elderly due to degenerative lumbar changes, bone proliferation, or osteoporosis-induced herniation. Patients with lumbar disc herniation usually experience discomfort in the lower back, muscle spasms, and sometimes numbness and soreness in the legs. If such stiffness and discomfort occur, one approach is to rest in bed. Additionally, applying heat, gentle massage, and treatments to relieve muscle spasms can be beneficial. Treatments such as acupuncture and physiotherapy can also help alleviate muscle spasms in the lumbar region, thus easing the stiffness.

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Written by Lv Yao

Orthopedics

42sec

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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 Su Zhen Bo

Orthopedics

44sec

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Is a grade two lumbar disc herniation serious?

Lumbar disc herniation level II is a moderate condition, primarily characterized by self-perceived pain in the lower back and legs, numbness in the skin of the lower limbs, and weakened muscle strength. Clinically, positive findings include tenderness in the lower back, percussion pain, and a positive straight leg raise test. Some may experience weakened dorsiflexor muscles of the big toe. Diagnosis can be confirmed through electromyography, CT scans, and MRI of the lumbar region. Treatment options include conservative care, lying on a hard bed, wearing lumbar support, using pelvic traction, and applying therapies such as lumbar massage, physiotherapy, diathermy, and acupuncture.

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Written by Li Jin

Orthopedics

1min 19sec

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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.)