Back Pain in Traditional Chinese Medicine

Understanding different back pain patterns according to TCM theory

Educational content Consult qualified practitioners for medical advice

Overview
What causes it 13 TCM patterns documented
How to recognize Symptoms specific to each back pain pattern
Classical remedies 78 herbal formulas documented

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) perceives back pain not merely as a physical symptom but as a sign of disharmony within the body's energy systems. In TCM, pain is often a manifestation of blocked or unbalanced Qi (vital energy) and Blood flow.

TCM identifies various patterns of disharmony causing back pain, such as Yin or Yang Deficiencies, Qi Stagnation, or external pathogenic factors like Cold or Dampness. Treatment focuses on restoring balance and smooth flow of Qi and Blood.

TCM Patterns for Back Pain

Yin Deficiency

Causes: Back pain, Sore back, Lower back pain, Soreness and weakness in the lower back

10 variations documented
Heart Yin Deficiency
How it presents with back pain

Back pain

Along with: Night sweats, Feeling of uneasiness, Feeling of heat, Heat sensation in palms, Hysteria, Neurasthenia

Traditional Herbal Formulas
Kidney Yin Deficiency
How it presents with back pain

Back pain, Sore back, Lower back pain

Along with: Excessive sweating, Hearing loss, Dry mouth and throat at night, Constipation, Scanty and dark urine, Infertility,

Kidney and Liver Yin Deficiency
How it presents with back pain

Sore back, Lower back pain, Soreness and weakness in the lower back

Along with: Dizziness, Tinnitus, Hearing loss, Vertical headaches, Occipital headache, Insomnia,

Kidney and Lung Yin Deficiency
How it presents with back pain

Lower back pain

Along with: Dizziness, Tinnitus, Night dry coughing, Dry throat, Dry mouth, Emaciation,

Traditional Herbal Formulas
Kidney Yin Deficiency With Empty-Heat Blazing
How it presents with back pain

Lower back pain

Along with: Flushed cheekbones, Restlessness, Insomnia, Night sweats, Low grade fever in the afternoon, Heat sensation in palms,

Kidney and Liver Yin Deficiency causing Heat in the Blood
How it presents with back pain

Back pain

Along with: Dizziness, Tinnitus, Night sweats, Dark urine, Bleeding between periods

Deficiency of both the Kidney Yin and Yang
How it presents with back pain

Back pain

Along with: Menopausal symptoms, Hypertension, Irregular periods, Menopausal hot flashes, Excessive sweating, Irritability,

Traditional Herbal Formulas
Kidney-Deficiency
How it presents with back pain

Back pain, Sore back

Along with: Scanty menstruation, Pale menstrual flow, Knee pain, Dizziness, Tinnitus, Frequent urination,

Disharmony between Heart and Kidneys
How it presents with back pain

Soreness and weakness in the lower back

Along with: Dizziness, Tinnitus, Insomnia, Palpitations, Poor memory, Lower back pain,

Deficiency of the Liver and Kidney Yin
How it presents with back pain

Soreness and weakness in the lower back

Along with: Sore knees, Lower back pain, Knee weakness, Dry mouth, Dry tongue, Dizziness,

Traditional Herbal Formulas

Qi Deficiency

Causes: Back pain, Sore lower back, Sore back, Lower back pain

6 variations documented
Kidney Qi Deficiency
How it presents with back pain

Back pain

Along with: Hearing loss, Dizziness, Tinnitus, Frequent urination, Nocturia, Premature ejaculation,

Traditional Herbal Formulas
Kidney Qi not Firm
How it presents with back pain

Back pain, Sore lower back

Along with: Lower back pain, Lower back weakness, Polyuria, Weak urine stream, Enuresis, Nocturnal emission,

Qi and Blood Deficiency
How it presents with back pain

Sore back

Along with: General weakness, Generalized fatigue, Weak voice, Pale face, Shortness of breath, Palpitations,

Traditional Herbal Formulas
Bladder Deficient and Cold
How it presents with back pain

Lower back pain

Along with: Frequent urination, Pale and abudant urination, Urinary or fecal incontinence, Enuresis, Dizziness, Nocturia,

Traditional Herbal Formulas
Spleen Deficiency
How it presents with back pain

Sore back

Along with: Sticky vaginal discharge, Generalized fatigue, Depression, Cold extremities, Diarrhea, White vaginal discharge,

Spleen or Kidney Qi Deficiency
How it presents with back pain

Lower back pain

Along with: Early menstruation, Pale menstrual flow, Dizziness, Chills, Nocturia, Thin menstrual blood,

Yang Deficiency

Causes: Back pain, Sore back, Lower back pain, Sore lower back, Soreness and weakness in the lower back, Soreness of the lower back

6 variations documented
Kidney Yang Deficiency
How it presents with back pain

Back pain, Sore back, Lower back pain, Sore lower back, Soreness and weakness in the lower back

Along with: Dizziness, Tinnitus, Weak and cold knees, Lower back coldness, Chills, Weak legs,

Kidney and Spleen Yang Deficiency
How it presents with back pain

Lower back pain

Along with: Weak and cold knees, Back cold sensation, Chills, Weak legs, Bright pale face, Erectile dysfunction,

Traditional Herbal Formulas
Wind-Cold invading with Yang Deficiency
How it presents with back pain

Soreness of the lower back, Lower back pain

Along with: Low grade fever, Severe chills, Exhaustion, Hypersomnia, Cold extremities, Lumbar pain,

Kidney Yang Deficiency with Water overflowing
How it presents with back pain

Soreness of the lower back

Along with: Edema of the lower extremities, Cold sensation in legs and back, Abdominal distention, Lumbar pain, Chills, Scanty clear urination,

Traditional Herbal Formulas
Spleen or Kidney Yang Deficiency
How it presents with back pain

Back pain

Along with: Abdominal pain that worsens with cold, Urinary dysfunction, Deep pain and heaviness in limbs, Dizziness, Heavy sensation in the head, Edema,

Traditional Herbal Formulas
Deficiency of both the Kidney Yin and Yang
How it presents with back pain

Back pain

Along with: Menopausal symptoms, Hypertension, Irregular periods, Menopausal hot flashes, Excessive sweating, Irritability,

Traditional Herbal Formulas

Heat

Causes: Lower back pain, Sore lower back, Back pain, Soreness and weakness in the lower back

6 variations documented
Toxic-Heat
How it presents with back pain

Lower back pain

Along with: Fever, Edema, Pus and discharge, Boils, Carbuncles, Pustule,

Traditional Herbal Formulas
Kidney Yin Deficiency With Empty-Heat Blazing
How it presents with back pain

Lower back pain

Along with: Flushed cheekbones, Restlessness, Insomnia, Night sweats, Low grade fever in the afternoon, Heat sensation in palms,

Damp-Heat
How it presents with back pain

Sore lower back

Along with: Fever, Neck gland swelling, Headaches, Tight feeling in chest and stomach, Sticky taste in the mouth, Absence of thirst,

Kidney and Liver Yin Deficiency causing Heat in the Blood
How it presents with back pain

Back pain

Along with: Dizziness, Tinnitus, Night sweats, Dark urine, Bleeding between periods

Damp-Heat in the Lower Burner
How it presents with back pain

Lower back pain

Along with: Scanty and yellow urine, Weakness of lower extremities, Red and swollen feet, Swollen knee, Thick greasy vaginal secretions, Ulcers on the lower limbs,

Traditional Herbal Formulas
Disharmony between Heart and Kidneys
How it presents with back pain

Soreness and weakness in the lower back

Along with: Dizziness, Tinnitus, Insomnia, Palpitations, Poor memory, Lower back pain,

Cold

Causes: Back pain, Sore back, Lower back pain, Soreness of the lower back

5 variations documented
Damp-Cold
How it presents with back pain

Back pain

Along with: Mouth ulcers, White and watery sputum, Nasal discharge, Sneezing, Chills, Abdominal pain,

Traditional Herbal Formulas
Cold in the Uterus
How it presents with back pain

Sore back

Along with: Diarrhea, Loss of appetite, Generalized fatigue, General weakness, Thin vaginal discharge

Bladder Deficient and Cold
How it presents with back pain

Lower back pain

Along with: Frequent urination, Pale and abudant urination, Urinary or fecal incontinence, Enuresis, Dizziness, Nocturia,

Traditional Herbal Formulas
Wind-Cold invading with Yang Deficiency
How it presents with back pain

Soreness of the lower back, Lower back pain

Along with: Low grade fever, Severe chills, Exhaustion, Hypersomnia, Cold extremities, Lumbar pain,

Blood Stagnation in the Lower Burner caused by Cold
How it presents with back pain

Lower back pain

Along with: Abdominal masses, Lower abdominal pain, Lower abdominal distension, Abnormal uterine bleeding, Menstrual cramps, Dark menstrual clots,

Traditional Herbal Formulas

Dampness

Causes: Back pain, Sore back, Soreness of the lower back, Sore lower back, Lower back pain

5 variations documented
Damp-Cold
How it presents with back pain

Back pain

Along with: Mouth ulcers, White and watery sputum, Nasal discharge, Sneezing, Chills, Abdominal pain,

Traditional Herbal Formulas
Oedema
How it presents with back pain

Sore back

Along with: Abdominal edema, Ankle edema, Facial edema, Foot edema, Oedema of hands, Leg edema,

Kidney Yang Deficiency with Water overflowing
How it presents with back pain

Soreness of the lower back

Along with: Edema of the lower extremities, Cold sensation in legs and back, Abdominal distention, Lumbar pain, Chills, Scanty clear urination,

Traditional Herbal Formulas
Damp-Heat
How it presents with back pain

Sore lower back

Along with: Fever, Neck gland swelling, Headaches, Tight feeling in chest and stomach, Sticky taste in the mouth, Absence of thirst,

Damp-Heat in the Lower Burner
How it presents with back pain

Lower back pain

Along with: Scanty and yellow urine, Weakness of lower extremities, Red and swollen feet, Swollen knee, Thick greasy vaginal secretions, Ulcers on the lower limbs,

Traditional Herbal Formulas

Blood Deficiency

Causes: Sore back, Lower back pain, Soreness and weakness in the lower back

3 variations documented
Qi and Blood Deficiency
How it presents with back pain

Sore back

Along with: General weakness, Generalized fatigue, Weak voice, Pale face, Shortness of breath, Palpitations,

Traditional Herbal Formulas
Liver Blood and Kidney Essence Deficiency
How it presents with back pain

Lower back pain

Along with: Primary amenorrhea, Generalized fatigue, Knee pain, Dizziness, Depression, Amenorrhea,

Blood and Qi Deficiency with Blood Stagnation
How it presents with back pain

Soreness and weakness in the lower back

Along with: Loss of appetite, Weak limbs, Lower back pain, Abdominal distention, Irregular periods, Red and white vaginal discharge,

Traditional Herbal Formulas

Wind

Causes: Back pain, Soreness of the lower back, Lower back pain

3 variations documented
Interior Wind
How it presents with back pain

Back pain

Along with: Convulsions, Hand tremor, Dizziness, Paralysis, Coma, Tic disorder,

Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Yang Rising
How it presents with back pain

Back pain

Along with: Tremors, Facial tic, Severe dizziness, Tinnitus, Headaches, Hypertension,

Wind-Cold invading with Yang Deficiency
How it presents with back pain

Soreness of the lower back, Lower back pain

Along with: Low grade fever, Severe chills, Exhaustion, Hypersomnia, Cold extremities, Lumbar pain,

Phlegm

Causes: Back pain, Sore back

2 variations documented
Phlegm in Kidneys or Gallbladder
How it presents with back pain

Back pain

Along with: Frequent and urgent urination, Urinary dysfunction, Hematuria

Traditional Herbal Formulas
Oedema
How it presents with back pain

Sore back

Along with: Abdominal edema, Ankle edema, Facial edema, Foot edema, Oedema of hands, Leg edema,

Essence Deficiency

Causes: Sore back, Lower back pain

2 variations documented
Kidney Essence Deficiency
How it presents with back pain

Sore back, Lower back pain

Along with: Deafness, Decreased mental sharpness, Retardation, Osteomalacia, Hair loss, Infertility,

Liver Blood and Kidney Essence Deficiency
How it presents with back pain

Lower back pain

Along with: Primary amenorrhea, Generalized fatigue, Knee pain, Dizziness, Depression, Amenorrhea,

Blood Stasis

Causes: Lower back pain, Soreness and weakness in the lower back

2 variations documented
Blood Stagnation in the Lower Burner caused by Cold
How it presents with back pain

Lower back pain

Along with: Abdominal masses, Lower abdominal pain, Lower abdominal distension, Abnormal uterine bleeding, Menstrual cramps, Dark menstrual clots,

Traditional Herbal Formulas
Blood and Qi Deficiency with Blood Stagnation
How it presents with back pain

Soreness and weakness in the lower back

Along with: Loss of appetite, Weak limbs, Lower back pain, Abdominal distention, Irregular periods, Red and white vaginal discharge,

Traditional Herbal Formulas

Yang Excess

Causes: Back pain

1 variation documented
Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Yang Rising
How it presents with back pain

Back pain

Along with: Tremors, Facial tic, Severe dizziness, Tinnitus, Headaches, Hypertension,

Qi Stagnation

Causes: Soreness and weakness in the lower back

1 variation documented
Blood and Qi Deficiency with Blood Stagnation
How it presents with back pain

Soreness and weakness in the lower back

Along with: Loss of appetite, Weak limbs, Lower back pain, Abdominal distention, Irregular periods, Red and white vaginal discharge,

Traditional Herbal Formulas

Herbal Formulas for Back Pain

Traditional Chinese Medicine formulas used to address back pain

Liu Wei Di Huang Wan

Addresses these back pain patterns:

Yin Deficiency Heat Wind Yang Excess Blood Deficiency Essence Deficiency

He Che Da Zao Wan

Addresses these back pain patterns:

Yin Deficiency Blood Deficiency Essence Deficiency Qi Deficiency

Ba Zhen Yi Mu Tang

Addresses these back pain patterns:

Qi Deficiency Blood Deficiency Blood Stasis Qi Stagnation

Qi Ju Di Huang Wan

Addresses these back pain patterns:

Wind Yang Excess Yin Deficiency

Er Zhi Wan

Addresses these back pain patterns:

Yin Deficiency Heat Yang Deficiency

You Gui Wan

Addresses these back pain patterns:

Qi Deficiency Yang Deficiency Yin Deficiency

Jin Gui Shen Qi Wan

Addresses these back pain patterns:

Yang Deficiency Dampness Phlegm

Wu Ling San

Addresses these back pain patterns:

Dampness Phlegm Yang Deficiency

Zhen Gan Xi Feng Tang

Addresses these back pain patterns:

Wind Yang Excess Yin Deficiency