Lumbar disc herniation is a common spinal problem, with the main symptom being lower back pain. For patients with lumbar disc herniation, relieving pain is an important and critical task. In addition to receiving medical treatment from doctors, patients can also try some self-care methods and home therapies to alleviate the pain of lumbar disc herniation. This article will introduce some common methods and therapies to help patients better control and relieve pain.
1、 Self care methods
1. Rest: Adequate rest is the key to relieving pain from lumbar disc herniation. Patients should try to avoid maintaining the same posture for a long time, such as sitting or standing for a long time. They can choose an appropriate time to rest to reduce pressure on their lower back.
2. Hot compress and cold compress: For acute pain, patients can relieve the pain through hot compress and cold compress. Hot compress can promote blood circulation and relax muscles; Cold compress can reduce inflammation and swelling. Patients can choose appropriate hot or cold compress methods based on their own feelings.
3. Maintain appropriate posture: Avoid prolonged bending or twisting of the waist, maintain correct sitting and standing posture, and avoid excessive force or stretching of the waist.
4. Moderate exercise: Moderate exercise can enhance the strength of the core muscle group, stabilize the spine, and reduce the burden on the lumbar spine. Patients can choose some suitable exercises, such as swimming, yoga, Tai Chi, etc., but should avoid vigorous exercise or excessive force.
5. Use lumbar support: Patients can use belts or lumbar supports to support their waist and reduce pressure on the lumbar intervertebral disc during prolonged sitting or heavy physical activity.
2、 Family therapy
1. Traditional Chinese medicine therapy: Traditional Chinese medicine has a certain effect on relieving pain and improving symptoms of lumbar disc herniation. Common traditional Chinese medicines include mulberry leaves, Gentiana macrophylla, and Notopterygii. They can be consumed by decoction or soaking in water, but attention should be paid to the dosage and duration of use.
2. Traction therapy: Traction therapy at home can improve the symptoms of patients with lumbar disc herniation by using traction devices such as traction frames, color bars, suspension devices, etc. But before undergoing traction therapy, patients should consult with their doctors for advice and ensure proper use of the traction device.
3. Massage: Massage can promote blood circulation, relieve muscle tension and pain. You can choose a professional masseur for treatment, or learn some simple massage techniques on your own to relieve symptoms.
4. Yoga and Pilates: Yoga and Pilates exercises can help improve body posture and spinal stability, reducing pain from lumbar disc herniation. But be careful to choose exercises that are suitable for your own situation and conduct them under professional guidance.
5. Moxibustion therapy: Moxibustion can promote local blood circulation and relieve pain through its warm and stimulating effect. After igniting the moxa stick, perform warm fumigation near the affected area for 10-15 minutes each time, 1-2 times a day.
6. Alkaline foods and diet: Patients with lumbar disc herniation can consume more alkaline foods, such as vegetables, fruits, beans, etc., to maintain the alkaline balance of body fluids and reduce the stimulation of acidic substances on the lumbar spine. In addition, patients should avoid consuming spicy, greasy, and irritating foods, as well as excessive caffeine and alcohol.
7. Environmental regulation: In the home, patients should maintain a suitable indoor temperature and avoid humid and cold environments, which can help reduce pain and muscle stiffness and improve patient comfort.
Self care methods and home therapy can play a certain role in relieving pain caused by lumbar disc herniation. Patients can alleviate pain by taking appropriate rest, applying hot and cold compresses, maintaining proper posture, exercising moderately, and using lumbar support. In terms of family therapy, methods such as traditional Chinese medicine therapy, traction therapy, alkaline food and dietary regulation, and environmental regulation can be tried. However, it should be noted that before attempting these methods, patients should consult with their doctors for advice and ensure proper use. In addition, if the pain worsens or does not improve significantly, patients should also consult a doctor in a timely manner to seek professional treatment and advice.