Lumbar Disc Diseaseaccording to TCM
Symptom family: Lumbar Concerns
What is Lumbar Disc Disease?
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.
How does TCM view Lumbar Disc Disease?
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.
Causes of Lumbar Disc Disease According to TCM
In TCM, lumbar disc disease is often attributed to a combination of internal weaknesses and external factors. One common cause is Kidney Deficiency, believed to weaken the bones and lower back. This Deficiency can stem from aging, hereditary factors, or chronic illness.
Another cause is the invasion of external pathogenic factors like Dampness and Cold, which obstruct the flow of Qi and Blood in the lumbar region, leading to pain and stiffness. TCM emphasizes that identifying the correct pattern of disharmony is crucial for effective treatment.
TCM Herbal Formulas for Lumbar Disc Disease
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), lumbar disc disease is often treated with specific formulas. Fu Zi Tang is used to warm the body and transform dampness, targeting the Heart, Kidney, and Spleen, especially when Cold-Dampness obstructs the meridians.
For cases stemming from Kidney and Spleen Yang Deficiency, Zhen Wu Tang is beneficial, aiding in warming the body and dispelling dampness to alleviate lumbar pain. Additionally, Du Huo Ji Sheng Tang targets chronic pain by dispelling Wind-Damp and supporting the Bladder and Kidney meridians. The selection of these formulas is based on individual TCM diagnoses, aiming to restore balance in the body's systems.
Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address lumbar disc disease, organized by formula type.
- By Formula Type
- Formulas that warm and transform water and dampness
- Formulas that warm and purge
- Formulas that dispel wind-Damp
- Formulas that promote urination and leach out dampness
- Formulas that clear wind-Cold
Formulas that warm and transform water and Dampness
Lumbar disc disease 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.
Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.
All "formulas that warm and transform water and dampness" recommended for lumbar disc disease
| Formula | Key herbs |
|---|---|
| Fu Zi Tang | Prepared Aconite (Zhi Fu Zi) |
| Zhen Wu Tang | Prepared Aconite (Zhi Fu Zi) |
Formulas that warm and purge
Lumbar disc disease can be treated by these formulas if it stems from cold accumulation coupled with excess conditions, necessitating warming and purging actions.
One such formula is Da Huang Fu Zi Tang, with prepared aconite as a key herb.
Formulas that dispel Wind-Damp
Lumbar disc disease can be treated by these formulas when it arises from a pathogenic influence of wind combined with dampness, which often obstructs the flow of Qi and Blood.
One such formula is Du Huo Ji Sheng Tang, with pubescent angelica root as a key herb.
Formulas that promote urination and leach out Dampness
Lumbar disc disease can be treated by these formulas when it is caused by an accumulation of dampness in the body, requiring diuretic actions to promote fluid balance.
One such formula is Fang Ji Huang Qi Tang, with stephania root as a key herb.
Formulas that clear Wind-Cold
Lumbar disc disease 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.
TCM Herbs for Lumbar Disc Disease
Explore below some TCM herbs used to address lumbar disc disease, organized by herb category.
- By Herb Category
- Herbs that warm the interior and/or expel cold
- Herbs that dispel wind and dampness
- Herbs that clear heat and dry dampness
- Tonic herbs for qi deficiency
- Cool/Acrid herbs that release the exterior
Herbs that warm the Interior and/or expel Cold
Lumbar disc disease 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 lumbar disc disease, like Da Huang Fu Zi Tang.
Herbs that dispel Wind and Dampness
Lumbar disc disease can be treated by these herbs when it is due to the invasion or accumulation of wind and dampness, which often affects the muscles and joints.
One such herb is Pubescent Angelica Roots (Du Huo), a key herb in some formulas recommended for lumbar disc disease, like Du Huo Ji Sheng Tang.
Herbs that clear Heat and dry Dampness
Lumbar disc disease can be treated by these herbs when caused by excessive dampness and heat within the body, aiming to restore balance by drying dampness and clearing heat.
One such herb is Stephania Roots (Fang Ji), a key herb in some formulas recommended for lumbar disc disease, like Fang Ji Huang Qi Tang.
Tonic herbs for Qi Deficiency
Lumbar disc disease 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 lumbar disc disease, like Fang Ji Huang Qi Tang.
Cool/Acrid herbs that release the Exterior
Lumbar disc disease 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 lumbar disc disease, like Ge Gen Tang.