A meta-analysis systematically evaluated the efficacy and safety of tuina massage combined with traction in the treatment of lumbar disc herniation (LDH). A comprehensive search was conducted in databases such as CNKI, Wanfang, PubMed and Web of Science from January 2010 to December 2024. Twelve studies were included. Tuina with traction significantly improved JOA score (OR = 4.56, 95% CI: 2.76–6.36, p < 0.00001), VAS score (OR = −1.47, 95% CI: −2.55 to −0.02, p = 0.03; OR = −12.73, 95% CI: −2.88 to −2.88, p = 0.03). −1.59, p = 0.03) and lumbar posterior extension score (OR = 6.51, 95% CI: 3.57–9.46, p < 0.0001). No significant difference was observed in the forward bending motion score. Sensitivity analysis confirmed the robustness of the results, funnel plots indicated potential publication bias. Combining tuin with lumbar traction improves lumbar function and reduces pain in patients with LDH.