Lumbar Disc Disease in Traditional Chinese Medicine
Understanding different lumbar disc disease patterns according to TCM theory
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Condition Categories
Condition Categories
Lumbar disc disease refers to a range of conditions affecting the discs in the lower back. These discs act as cushions between the vertebrae and are crucial for spinal flexibility and shock absorption.
The disease manifests when these discs degenerate or become damaged, often leading to pain, numbness, or weakness in the lower back and legs. This condition is a common cause of lower back pain and can range from mild discomfort to severe, debilitating pain.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) approaches lumbar disc disease from a holistic perspective, focusing on the balance of bodily energies. TCM identifies the condition as a consequence of imbalances in the body's fundamental substances – Qi, Blood, Yin, and Yang.
It emphasizes the significance of harmonizing these elements and enhancing the flow of Qi along the meridians to alleviate symptoms. TCM recognizes that each individual's condition is unique and tailors treatments to address specific patterns of disharmony.
TCM Patterns for Lumbar Disc Disease
Wind-Damp
Causes: Sweating, General sensation of heaviness, Edema, Urinary difficulty
Yang Deficiency
Causes: Abdominal pain that worsens with cold, Urinary difficulty, Deep aching and heaviness in the extremities, Dizziness, Heavy sensation in the head, Edema, Loose stools, Palpitations, Coughing, Vomiting, Generalized body pain, Aching bones and joints, Cold extremities, No thirst, Aversion to cold - especially at the back, Heavy and painful sensations in the lower back and lower extremities, Weakness and stiffness, Aversion to cold, Attraction to warmth, Shortness of breath, Slight abdominal distension after eating, Lassitude, Desire to lie down curled up, Pale complexion, Cold limbs, Chills, Undigested food in the stools, Gas, Bloating, Abdominal pain and distension relieved by pressure and warmth, Sallow complexion
Exterior Cold invading the Interior
Causes: Abdominal pain, Constipation, Hypochondriac pain, Chills, Low-grade fever, Cold hands and feet, Sweating that doesn't reduce fever, Palpitations in the epigastrium, Dizziness, Generalized twitching, Unsteadiness
Herbal Formulas for Lumbar Disc Disease
Traditional Chinese Medicine formulas used to address lumbar disc disease