How should a herniated lumbar disc be treated?

1, Risk factors for lumbar disc herniation include physical labor, prolonged driving, and a low back that is often in flexion or torsion. 2.Medication can consider NSAIDs, neuromodulatory drugs, muscle relaxants, gabapentin, and steroid hormones, but tumor necrosis factor-alpha and antibiotics are generally not recommended. 3. Regarding epidural injection, there is clear evidence to support trans-intervertebral foramen injection; however, the evidence for intra-discal electrothermal therapy (IDETT) and myeloplasty is not sufficient. In addition to transforaminal epidural injections, there is also evidence of good short-term efficacy of spinal thrusts. If surgery can be avoided, the efficacy ratio of injection therapy is promising. There is insufficient evidence for other treatments such as physical therapy or traction. 4. In conclusion, the strategy of conservative treatment should be as follows: Preferred medications (NSAIDs, muscle relaxants) and transcatheter epidural injections, with spinal manipulation as appropriate. If neurological symptoms, muscle weakness still progresses significantly, or if pain persists for more than 6 – 12 weeks, it means that non-surgical treatment has failed. 5. What are the indications for surgical treatment if conservative treatment is not effective? The indications for surgery include: (1) failure after at least 6 weeks of non-surgical treatment; (2) recurrence of sciatica after successful non-surgical treatment; (3) loss of muscle strength with positive pull test; (4) lumbar spinal stenosis with herniation; (5) large herniation; (6) intractable pain.