How to relieve pain in elderly patients with lumbar disc herniation

Lumbar disc herniation is a common health problem among the elderly. The primary methods of pain relief include medication, physical therapy, and lifestyle adjustments. If the symptoms are severe, surgical intervention may be required. In terms of drug treatment, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (such as ibuprofen), analgesics (such as acetaminophen), or muscle relaxants (such as nilodipine) can be used to relieve pain and inflammation. Physical therapy can relieve pain through thermotherapy, electrotherapy, traction therapy, etc., and enhance the strength and flexibility of the waist muscle groups. Bed rest can help relieve pain pressure, but too much bed rest can cause muscle atrophy, so moderate activity should be used.

The pain of lumbar disc herniation is often caused by the degeneration of disc tissue and the compression of nerve roots by the protrusion of nucleus pulposus. In addition to lower back pain, its symptoms may also be accompanied by leg pain or numbness, which may affect normal life and activities in severe cases. It is very important to maintain good living habits, such as avoiding sitting for long periods of time and maintaining correct sitting and standing postures. Moderate low-intensity aerobic exercise, yoga or Pilates can help strengthen the back and core muscles. Using a waist belt may provide additional support and reduce pressure on the intervertebral disc.

The pain of lumbar disc herniation is often caused by the degeneration of disc tissue and the compression of nerve roots by the protrusion of nucleus pulposus. In addition to lower back pain, its symptoms may also be accompanied by leg pain or numbness, which may affect normal life and activities in severe cases. It is very important to maintain good living habits, such as avoiding sitting for long periods of time and maintaining correct sitting and standing postures. Moderate low-intensity aerobic exercise, yoga or Pilates can help strengthen the back and core muscles. Using a waist belt may provide additional support and reduce pressure on the intervertebral disc.

In addition to medication and physical therapy, attention should also be paid to posture adjustments in daily life. Maintain a good posture when sitting or standing, avoid sitting or standing for long periods of time, and pay attention to activities or stretching every hour. Choose a suitable mattress and pillow to avoid excessive bending or twisting of the waist. In terms of diet, ensure adequate calcium and vitamin D intake to support bone health. If the above methods fail to relieve symptoms or symptoms worsen, consult an orthopedic surgeon to assess whether surgical treatment is needed. Surgical options may include minimally invasive surgery, laminectomy, or discectomy to relieve nerve compression. Timely medical treatment can effectively prevent worsening of the disease and improve the quality of life.