Lumbar disc herniation and left leg pain massage

When lumbar disc herniation causes left leg pain, massage can be used to relieve the symptoms, but it should be done with caution and combined with other treatments such as medication, physical therapy, etc. If the condition is serious, you should seek medical attention in time to avoid delaying the condition.

1. Causes of left leg pain caused by lumbar disc herniation

Lumbar disc herniation is caused by the rupture of the intervertebral disc annulus fibrosus, which leads to the protrusion of the nucleus pulposus. This protruding nucleus pulposus will compress the peripheral nerve roots, especially the sciatic nerve, and then cause radiating pain, numbness or weakness in the left leg. Trauma, long-term bad posture, excessive load on the waist, obesity and age-related degenerative changes in the intervertebral disc may all induce the occurrence of lumbar disc herniation.

2. Effects and precautions of massage therapy

Tuina is a common auxiliary method of TCM in treating lumbar disc herniation, which aims to relax muscles, relieve local inflammation and nerve compression, and help improve pain and muscle tension. However, Tuina is only suitable for mild to moderate patients and those without acute nerve compression symptoms.

Massage points:

1. Choose a professional masseur to perform the operation to avoid aggravating nerve compression.

2 During the acute phase when pain is obvious, direct massage is not recommended to avoid secondary injury.

3. Combining with physical therapy such as hot compress and traction will have better effect.

Massage for left leg pain:

1-point massage: focus on relaxing the muscles in the lumbar sacral region and buttocks, such as the piriformis muscle and iliopsoas muscle.

2. Rolling and kneading method: Properly relax the thigh muscles on the affected side to reduce nerve tension.

3. Shaking method: helps to clear the blood and lymph circulation around the compressed nerves.

3. Comprehensive treatment and daily care

In addition to massage, other treatments can further relieve symptoms:

Drug treatment:

Take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen to reduce inflammation and pain; if necessary, use neuroprotective drugs or muscle relaxants under the guidance of a doctor.

Physical therapy:

Traction therapy can be used to relieve intervertebral pressure, or electrical stimulation therapy can be performed to regulate nerve function.

Daily health care:

1 Pay attention to your sleeping posture and choose a mattress with good support.

2 Avoid sitting for long periods of time, and do appropriate exercises to relax your waist and core muscles, such as flying swallows and plank support.

3. Lose weight to reduce pressure on the lumbar spine.

If severe or even progressive symptoms occur, such as weakened left leg strength and bowel and bladder dysfunction, you should seek medical attention immediately and consider minimally invasive or open surgery if necessary.

Left leg pain caused by lumbar disc herniation can be relieved by massage and other non-surgical methods in the early stage, but it is necessary to choose the appropriate treatment method according to the specific condition, and avoid blind massage to prevent the condition from getting worse. During the treatment, scientific care should be taken, exercise should be insisted, and regular medical treatment should be sought. A multi-pronged approach can better relieve discomfort and improve the quality of life.