Cervical Spondylosisaccording to TCM
Symptom family: Cervical Disorders
What is Cervical Spondylosis?
Cervical spondylosis, commonly known as cervical disc degeneration or cervical spine disease, is a condition characterized by the wear and tear of the spinal discs in the neck. This degeneration can lead to chronic neck pain, stiffness, and in some cases, nerve compression.
It is often associated with aging but can also result from repetitive strain or previous neck injuries. Cervical spondylosis reflects the gradual deterioration of the spine, affecting the vertebrae, intervertebral discs, and surrounding ligaments.
How does TCM view Cervical Spondylosis?
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), cervical spondylosis is viewed through the lens of energy imbalances and blockages in the body. TCM practitioners believe this condition arises from disruptions in the flow of Qi (vital energy) and Blood, leading to pain and stiffness.
External factors like Wind, Cold, or Dampness invading the neck region, combined with internal factors such as emotional stress or organ dysfunctions, are considered contributing factors. TCM emphasizes restoring harmony and balance in the body's energy systems as a key to treating cervical spondylosis.
Causes of Cervical Spondylosis According to TCM
TCM identifies several potential causes for cervical spondylosis, with Qi And Blood Stagnation being primary concerns. This stagnation can result from emotional stress, physical strain, or injury, leading to pain and stiffness in the neck.
Additionally, the invasion of external pathogenic factors like Wind, Cold, or Dampness can contribute to the condition. These factors can obstruct the smooth flow of Qi and Blood in the neck region, causing discomfort. TCM treatment focuses on identifying and addressing these underlying patterns to alleviate symptoms.
TCM Herbal Formulas for Cervical Spondylosis
TCM offers a variety of herbal formulas for treating cervical spondylosis, tailored to the individual's specific pattern of disharmony. Formulas like Ge Gen Tang, which contains Kudzu Roots, are used to release Wind-Cold from the exterior and alleviate stiffness and pain in the neck.
Another formula, Huang Qi Gui Zhi Wu Wu Tang, featuring Milkvetch Roots, warms the meridians and disperses Cold, helping to improve circulation and reduce pain.
In cases where Dampness is a factor, Fu Zi Tang with Prepared aconite is used to warm and transform water and Dampness, enhancing the flow of Qi and Blood in the affected area. These formulas are selected based on the individual's unique TCM diagnosis to ensure effective treatment.
Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address cervical spondylosis, organized by formula type.
- By Formula Type
- Formulas that clear wind-Cold
- Formulas that warm the meridians and disperse cold
- Formulas that warm and transform water and dampness
- Formulas that release the exterior and clear the interior
Formulas that clear Wind-Cold
Cervical spondylosis can be treated by these formulas when it stems from external pathogenic influences characterized by cold and wind symptoms.
One such formula is Ge Gen Tang, with kudzu root as a key herb.
Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.
All "formulas that clear wind-Cold" recommended for cervical spondylosis
| Formula | Key herbs |
|---|---|
| Ge Gen Tang | Kudzu Roots (Ge Gen) |
| Ma Huang Tang | Ephedra (Ma Huang) |
Formulas that warm the Meridians and disperse Cold
Cervical spondylosis can be treated by these formulas if it results from cold obstructing the meridians, leading to pain or stiffness, requiring warming and dispersing actions.
One such formula is Huang Qi Gui Zhi Wu Wu Tang, with milkvetch root as a key herb.
Formulas that warm and transform water and Dampness
Cervical spondylosis can be treated by these formulas if it is due to cold-dampness obstructing the body's functions, requiring warming and damp-transforming actions.
One such formula is Fu Zi Tang, with prepared aconite as a key herb.
Formulas that Release the Exterior and Clear the Interior
Cervical spondylosis can be treated by these formulas when it arises from external pathogenic factors affecting the body's surface, coupled with internal disharmony.
One such formula is Ge Geng Huang Qin Huang Lian Tang, with kudzu root as a key herb.
TCM Herbs for Cervical Spondylosis
Explore below some TCM herbs used to address cervical spondylosis, organized by herb category.
- By Herb Category
- Warm/Acrid herbs that release the exterior
- Tonic herbs for qi deficiency
- Herbs that warm the interior and/or expel cold
- Cool/Acrid herbs that release the exterior
Warm/Acrid herbs that release the Exterior
Cervical spondylosis can be treated by these herbs when there is a need to dispel external cold and warm the body, especially in cases where there is insufficient Yang energy internally.
One such herb is Cinnamon Twigs (Gui Zhi), a key herb in some formulas recommended for cervical spondylosis, like Huang Qi Gui Zhi Wu Wu Tang.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Warm/Acrid herbs that release the Exterior" recommended for cervical spondylosis
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Cinnamon Twigs (Gui Zhi) | Huang Qi Gui Zhi Wu Wu Tang |
| Ephedra (Ma Huang) | Ma Huang Tang |
Tonic herbs for Qi Deficiency
Cervical spondylosis can be treated by these herbs when stemming from a lack of vital energy or Qi, helping to boost energy and overall vitality.
One such herb is Milkvetch Roots (Huang Qi), a key herb in some formulas recommended for cervical spondylosis, like Huang Qi Gui Zhi Wu Wu Tang.
Herbs that warm the Interior and/or expel Cold
Cervical spondylosis can be treated by these herbs if it is due to internal coldness or deficient Yang energy, working to warm the body and dispel cold.
One such herb is Prepared Aconite (Zhi Fu Zi), a key herb in some formulas recommended for cervical spondylosis, like Fu Zi Tang.
Cool/Acrid herbs that release the Exterior
Cervical spondylosis can be treated by these herbs when the body needs to harmonize with external environmental changes, particularly when there's a need to expel pathogenic factors like wind or cold without overly cooling the body.
One such herb is Kudzu Roots (Ge Gen), a key herb in some formulas recommended for cervical spondylosis, like Ge Gen Tang.