Is it okay to do an MRI for lumbar disc herniation?

Magnetic resonance imaging is a method of examining lumbar disc herniation. After suffering from lumbar disc herniation, timely treatment is required. The treatment methods are mainly conservative methods, minimally invasive treatment and surgical treatment. Conservative treatment methods are mainly for patients whose condition is not particularly serious. For patients with more serious conditions, minimally invasive treatment can be used. Minimally invasive treatment has low side effects and has a better effect on the patient's condition.

1. Conservative treatment

The main purpose of conservative treatment is to accelerate the disappearance of inflammatory edema of the protruding part of the intervertebral disc and the irritated nerve root, thereby reducing or relieving the compression of the nerve root and alleviating or eliminating the pain.

1. Rest in bed: This is the simplest treatment method. Biomechanical studies have shown that lying in a semi-elevated upper body position or lying on the side with the hips and knees flexed can significantly relieve pressure on the intervertebral discs and nerve roots. Resting in bed can keep the affected area still and help inflammation subside. Sleep on a hard bed. If you persist in the treatment, you can expect relief within 3-4 weeks.

2. Traction: Traction increases the intervertebral space, stretches the articular process joints, and tightens the posterior longitudinal ligament, which is beneficial to the reduction of the protruding nucleus pulposus. It can also significantly relieve the pressure on the intervertebral space and nerve roots, thereby alleviating symptoms.

3. Tuina, massage and physical therapy: Tuina, massage and physical therapy can relieve muscle spasms, but if used improperly, they can also aggravate the protrusion and worsen the symptoms.

4. Drug treatment: Non-hormonal anti-inflammatory analgesics can also help relieve pain and eliminate inflammation. Appropriate use of diuretics can also reduce nerve root edema and congestion.

5. Application of epidural hormones: Epidural injection of drugs is a good method for treating lumbar disc-induced low back and leg pain, with a 60-80% good short-term effect and a 30-40% long-term effect.

6. Sacral canal perfusion therapy: A liquid prepared with neurotrophic and anti-inflammatory drugs is dripped from the sacral canal to push the compressed nerve roots away from the protruding intervertebral disc, thereby relieving pain and eliminating inflammation. 60-87% of patients have good short-term effects, and long-term effects can reach 30-50%.

7. Paravertebral nerve block: Inject neurotrophic and anti-inflammatory drugs into the paravertebral nerve foramen to relieve pain caused by nerve compression.

Most patients with lumbar disc herniation have their symptoms relieved or disappear after conservative treatment, but about 30-40% of patients still require further treatment.

2. Minimally Invasive Treatment

Minimally invasive therapy is a method of dissolving or removing the protruding nucleus pulposus using physical methods such as radiofrequency, ozone and perforaminal endoscopic discectomy under local anesthesia. This will relieve the pressure of the protruding intervertebral disc on the spinal cord and nerve roots and achieve the treatment goal. It has the characteristics of good effect, less trauma, quick recovery, few complications and low cost.