MMP2 and lumbar disc herniation: In this study, it was found that the levels of inflammatory factors IL-6, IL-10, TNF-α, and MMP-2 in peripheral blood of patients in the observation group were decreased more significantly after acupuncture and acupotomy treatment, indicating that acupuncture and acupotomy combined with acupotomy treatment can help reduce inflammatory factors in patients with lumbar disc herniation.