Intervertebral disc herniation is currently one of the more common orthopedic diseases, with lumbar intervertebral disc herniation being heard about by many in daily life, and there are also a lot of patients.This disease is very common not only in daily life but also in medical practice.Lumbar intervertebral disc herniation poses great threats to the patients.Often, one wants to avoid the occurrence of such diseases by finding solutions from their root, mainly addressing causes and prevention.

Causes leading to lumbar intervertebral disc herniation

(1) Overloading: Engaging in heavy physical labor or weightlifting can cause early degeneration of the intervertebral discs due to excessive load.When the spine bears a 100Kg load, the normal disc space narrows by 1.0mm and bulges laterally by 0.5mm.However, when the intervertebral disc has degenerated, under the same weight, the disc space narrows by 1.5 to 2mm, and it bulges laterally by 1mm.

(2) Trauma: Acute injuries such as a back strain do not directly cause lumbar intervertebral disc herniation.But without the protection of the back muscles, it is easy for the intervertebral discs to protrude.

(3) Poor posture: When people perform various tasks and change between sitting, standing, lying down, or adopting unnatural postures that cannot be avoided, their spine and intervertebral discs must withstand different external pressures continuously.Exceeding the load capacity of the spinal structures or failing to adapt to the forces can lead to injury or cumulative damage.For example, improper posture when lifting heavy objects is very important; poor postures often trigger this condition.

(4) Long-term vibration: Drivers working in cars and tractors are at a higher risk due to long-term sitting and vibrations; their intervertebral discs bear significant pressure.When the driver steps on the clutch, the disc pressure increases by approximately one fold.Such long-term repetitive increase in intervertebral pressure can accelerate degeneration or herniation of the discs.

How to prevent lumbar intervertebral disc herniation during winter

Prevent cold and keep warm:

Patients with lumbar intervertebral disc herniation should take precautions against cold and ensure proper warmth, especially in areas like the neck, waist, and back.During winter, coughs and sneezes due to a cold increase abdominal pressure, which can exacerbate intra-discal pressure and strain the back muscles, potentially leading to lumbar intervertebral disc herniation.Therefore, appropriately adding clothing and preventing colds are important in avoiding such conditions.Ensure adequate rest and avoid excessive exercise:

Winter is a season for conserving energy; one should maintain sufficient sleep and avoid vigorous or intense sports activities. Moderating sexual activity is also advisable.

If one does not get enough sleep during winter, or frequently engages in strenuous physical activities leading to sweating, it can cause the body's yang qi to dissipate, potentially triggering lumbar intervertebral disc herniation and adversely affecting overall health.Pay attention to diet and nutritional balance:

Winter is an excellent time for dietary supplementation. Patients with lumbar intervertebral disc herniation can consume food that suits their individual constitution, which may help prevent recurrence of the condition; for example, people who are cold-sensitive and often feel cold in their hands and feet should eat warm foods like

longan,mushroom,chestnut,honey,mutton,pork belly,sea shrimp,abalone,etc.Individuals with weak constitutions, who are often fatigued and have aching backs and poor sleep, should consume foods that replenish their blood and boost energy, such assweet potato,yam,black bean,mushroom,pig liver,chicken breast,beef,etc.Sweet potato,Yam,Black soybeans,Mushroom,Liver,Chicken meat,Beef, etc.