Spontaneous Resorption of Prolapsed Lumbar Disc Herniation Facilitated by Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy: A Case Report

Background While conservative management often improves lumbar disc herniation (LDH) symptoms and promotes spontaneous resorption over time, the clinical value of extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) in accelerating this process remains underexplored. Observation We present a 36-year-old female with an acute, massive right-sided L5/S1 disc prolapse. Following a staged conservative regimen and the subsequent introduction of ESWT combined with acupuncture. Lastly her radicular pain and numbness almost completely resolved. Lessons Staged conservative intervention is highly effective for prolapsed LDH. The timely application of ESWT provides a novel, non-invasive strategy that promotes neovascularization and immune phagocytosis, strongly supporting the conservative management of massive disc herniations.