Living with a Lumbar disc Herniation

Aging is inevitable, but lifestyle changes can help prevent lumbar disc disease. Risk factors include poor posture, improper body mechanics, weak lumbar and abdominal muscles, smoking, and obesity.

It is important to emphasize that, despite being diagnosed with a lumbar disc herniation, the pain may not interfere with daily life. Therefore, exercise and daily activities are not contraindicated.

Recommendations

• Prolonged bed rest is not recommended for patients with acute low back pain, as there is no evidence supporting its prescription, and it is contraindicated in subacute and chronic cases.
• Bed rest for 2 to 4 days may be considered in patients with severe pain or sciatica.
• A gradual return to normal activities is more effective than prolonged rest.
• It is uncertain whether specific back exercises provide significant clinical improvement in patients with acute low back pain.
• Aerobic exercise programs with minimal stress on the back (walking, swimming, cycling) can begin during the first two weeks.
• Exercise may be helpful in patients with chronic low back pain to support return to daily activities and work.
• There is no clear evidence of the benefit of physical agents (heat and cold) in treating low back pain.
• Back braces and supports have not been proven effective for treating acute low back pain, but may be useful in preventing recurrences (secondary prevention) in individuals performing physical labor.
• Massage may be beneficial for patients with subacute or chronic nonspecific low back pain, especially when combined with exercise and education, but it only reduces muscle tension and does not address the primary cause.
• Back schools, located in the workplace, offering job-specific education and clinical instruction, may be helpful for patients with acute, chronic, or recurrent low back pain.