can lumbar disc herniation be cured how should it be rehabilitated?
In the past, we thought that having a herniated disc in your thirties was already quite early, but now there are many people in their twenties or even teens experiencing it, and the numbers are continuously rising!
The reasons are, on one hand, modern people sit for long periods, bend over frequently, and face high work pressure, which makes the lumbar spine stiff and increases the pressure significantly. On the other hand, a lack of exercise leads to weak back muscles and an unstable lumbar spine. Coupled with a decline in physical fitness, the bones, muscles, and discs are all aging. Without enhanced protection, herniated discs become more likely!
Perhaps you experienced back pain due to a period of being extremely busy at work, working overtime, and sitting for long periods;
Or maybe you accidentally twisted your back while moving;
Or perhaps you suddenly injured your back during a workout;
Then you see a doctor, and the doctor suggests you get an MRI, eventually telling you that you have a herniated disc!
At this point, you are definitely shocked! How could I have a herniated disc at such a young age?
At this point, you are surely also concerned about whether a herniated disc can be cured?
Today, let's talk about it.
Our discs are located between the vertebrae of our lumbar spine. Take a look at the image below.
The disc is composed of the nucleus pulposus, annulus fibrosus, and cartilage plate. When we bend over, bear weight, or rotate, or when subjected to external force, the annulus fibrosus of the disc can rupture. After the rupture, the nucleus pulposus tissue protrudes from the ruptured area, which is what we call a herniated disc!
If this protrusion compresses the nerve root, it can cause various symptoms such as back pain and leg numbness!
Most people experience herniation at L4-L5 or L5-S1!
Medically, or according to textbooks, it is believed that a herniated disc cannot be reduced, meaning the protruded nucleus pulposus will not retract after rupture.
However, don't be afraid. In actual clinical rehabilitation cases, many people have experienced disc regeneration and retraction after herniation! This is closely related to personal physical fitness and scientific, proactive rehabilitation!
It is worth noting that a herniated disc itself does not necessarily cause symptoms of back pain or leg numbness. This is greatly related to your personal physical fitness, muscle and skeletal function, posture, and habits. You will find that many people have severe herniated discs but no symptoms, while others have mild herniation but severe symptoms. Even the same person may have symptoms at times and none at other times, which is directly related to their current physical condition.
Therefore, the goal of rehabilitation is to restore your muscle and skeletal function, posture, and physical fitness to a good condition, making the symptoms disappear and remain stable! If you are lucky, the herniation may regenerate and retract!
You also need to know:
More and more rehabilitation experts believe that the vast majority of herniated discs do not require surgery! Even for those advised by doctors to undergo surgery, over 90% do not actually need it! This is because conservative rehabilitation is becoming increasingly effective!
The recurrence rate is also relatively high for those who have undergone surgery!
This is because surgery only removes the protruding part, but does not address the underlying causes of the herniation, such as muscle imbalances, joint misalignment, abnormal posture, and incorrect habits. These unresolved issues can lead to recurring symptoms!
I hope this explanation helps you understand a bit more?
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