What is the difference between lumbar disc herniation and rheumatism?

Lumbar disc herniation and rheumatism are two different diseases, the main difference lies in the cause, symptoms and treatment methods, which are respectively aimed at the problems caused by damaged bone structure and abnormal immune system. The former is mainly characterized by low back pain and radiating leg pain, while the latter is characterized by joint pain, swelling and morning stiffness. Understanding the difference between the two can help better diagnose and treat the disease in the early stage.

1. Differences in etiology

Lumbar disc herniation is caused by lumbar disc degeneration and external factors, which lead to the rupture of the disc annulus and the compression of the nerve root by the protrusion of the nucleus pulposus. The main causes include long-term sitting, heavy physical labor, and incorrect exercise posture.

Rheumatic diseases are a large class of chronic diseases with abnormal immune function as the main cause. For example, rheumatoid arthritis is mainly caused by autoimmune reactions induced by genetics and infections, which causes the body's immune system to attack its own normal tissues, especially the joints.

Recommendation: People with lumbar disc herniation should try to avoid sitting for long periods of time and use ergonomic chairs; patients with rheumatic diseases should pay attention to keeping warm and avoid cold and humid environments.

2. Symptoms

The typical symptoms of lumbar disc herniation are low back pain, accompanied by radiating pain in unilateral or bilateral lower limbs (sciatica), and may include numbness, weakness and other symptoms. In severe cases, it may cause muscle weakness or urinary and bowel dysfunction.

Rheumatic diseases often manifest themselves as joint pain, swelling and morning stiffness (noticeable stiffness when getting up in the morning). In rheumatoid arthritis, multiple joints and even organs, such as the heart and lungs, may be affected.

Recommendation: Lumbar disc herniation can be diagnosed through symptoms and signs combined with imaging examinations (such as MRI); rheumatic disease needs to be diagnosed through blood tests (such as rheumatoid factor, antinuclear antibodies) and medical history analysis.

3. Treatment

The treatment of lumbar disc herniation is mainly conservative, including oral anti-inflammatory analgesics (such as ibuprofen), topical plasters, acupuncture disc release, etc.; for patients with severe nerve compression, minimally invasive surgery (such as endoscopic discectomy) or traditional open surgery can be selected.

The treatment of rheumatic diseases is mainly to control abnormal activity of the immune system, which can be treated with oral nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (such as acetaminophen), antirheumatic drugs (such as methotrexate), or biological agents (such as TNF-α inhibitors). Different conditions require personalized treatment plans.

Recommendation: Patients with lumbar disc herniation can perform appropriate back and waist muscle exercises, such as the "Flying Swallow" movement, in combination with traction therapy; patients with rheumatic disease should avoid high-intensity exercise and choose low-impact activities that cause less joint damage, such as swimming.

4. Recovery and long-term care

Lumbar disc herniation can usually be gradually relieved through good conservative treatment. You need to maintain a correct sitting posture in daily life to avoid prolonged stress on the waist. Rheumatism is a chronic disease and usually requires long-term medication to maintain a stable condition. You need to keep warm in daily life and maintain regular living habits to enhance immunity.

Although lumbar disc herniation and rheumatism overlap in some symptoms, their causes and treatments are significantly different. Scientifically distinguishing between the two diseases and taking corresponding treatment measures under the guidance of professional doctors in the early stages can reduce the risk of worsening of the disease.