Objective To investigate the effect of self-made Bugan Yishen Zhuangyao decoction combined with spinal massage and traction on electromyography and lumbar function and clinical efficacy in patients with lumbar disc herniation (LDH). Methods A total of 106 patients with LDH were randomly divided into observation group and control group. The control group was treated with spinal massage and traction, and the observation group was treated with self-made Bugan Yishen Zhuangyao decoction on this basis. The degree of lumbar spine function [Oswestry disability index (ODI)], electromyography [mean power frequency (MPF), median frequency slope (MFS), average EMG amplitude (AEMG)], the degree of motor dysfunction [Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score] and the degree of pain [visual analog scale (VAS)] before and 3 months after treatment were recorded and compared. Results After 3 months of treatment, JOA score, VAS score and EMG parameters (MPF, MFS and AEMG) in the two groups were significantly higher than those before treatment, and those in the observation group were higher (P<0.05); ODI score was significantly lower than that before treatment (all P<0.05), and the observation group was significantly lower than the control group (P<0.05). Conclusions The self-made Bugan Yishen Zhuangyao decoction combined with spinal massage and traction can significantly improve the lumbar function of patients with LDH, promote the recovery of muscle strength, relieve muscle fatigue and pain, and with high clinical practical value.