EVALUATING THE EFFICACY OF TRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICINE NON-DRUG THERAPIES IN MANAGING LUMBAR DISC HERNIATION AMONG ATHLETES

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) non-drug therapies in treating lumbar disc herniation among athletes, focusing on symptom relief and functional recovery. Methods: From January 2021 to January 2023, 80 patients with lumbar disc herniation were divided into two groups: one receiving standard lumbar traction therapy (control group, n=40) and the other receiving lumbar traction combined with TCM non-drug therapies (study group, n=40). A retrospective analysis of clinical data was conducted, comparing pre-therapy and post-therapy outcomes including symptom scores, serum inflammatory markers, lumbar spine motion, and assessments of lumbar function, comfort, psychological well-being, sleep quality, and overall life quality. Results: Post-treatment, the study group showed a significantly higher total effective rate (P<0.05). Improvements in symptoms such as low back pain and sciatica were more pronounced in the study group, with lower symptom scores and inflammatory markers (CRP, PCT, TNF-α) than the control group (all P<0.05). Additionally, the study group demonstrated greater enhancements in lumbar spine mobility across all movements and scored higher in lumbar function and comfort levels (all P<0.05). Psychological scores and sleep quality indices also improved more substantially in the study group, with better outcomes in sleep latency and actual sleep duration (all P<0.05). Quality of life scores post-treatment were higher in the study group compared to the control group (P<0.05). Conclusion: TCM non-drug therapies significantly enhance the treatment of lumbar disc herniation, particularly beneficial for athletes by not only alleviating symptoms and reducing inflammation but also by improving lumbar function, comfort, psychological health, sleep quality, and overall life quality. This holistic approach supports athletes' recovery and their ability to maintain high-performance levels.