Is it good for people with lumbar spine problems to eat wild onions?

Apr 30, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yang Ziqi
Introduction
People with lumbar spine issues can consume wild garlic (Allium fistulosum), but it should not be eaten in excessive amounts. Wild garlic is pungent and may trigger gastroesophageal reflux, causing stomach acid to irritate the diaphragm when lying flat at night, which could indirectly worsen referred pain in the lower back. Patients with concurrent gastric ulcers or duodenitis should be cautious, as consumption may lead to discomfort in both the "stomach and lower back." Wild garlic contains Allium-specific proteins that may cause allergic reactions.

Generally speaking, people with lumbar spine problems can consume wild garlic, but it should not be consumed in excessive amounts. A detailed explanation is as follows:

Wild garlic contains components such as sulfide sulfoxylates, which theoretically may inhibit inflammatory factors. However, the concentration in food is far lower than that found in medications, and a large quantity would need to be consumed to reach an anti-inflammatory dose, making its actual effectiveness limited and not sufficient to replace anti-inflammatory analgesics. The volatile oil in wild garlic can dilate capillaries and may provide some auxiliary benefit for lumbar muscle strain caused by prolonged sitting. However, it has no direct therapeutic value for organic lesions such as lumbar spinal stenosis or vertebral slippage.

Wild garlic is spicy and may trigger gastroesophageal reflux, causing gastric acid to irritate the diaphragm when lying flat at night, indirectly worsening referred pain in the lower back. Patients with concurrent gastric ulcers or duodenitis may experience discomfort in both the "stomach and lower back" after consumption. Wild garlic contains Allium-specific proteins, and some patients may experience allergic reactions such as rashes, throat swelling, and even spasms of the back muscles, which can worsen pain.

For individuals with lumbar spine problems, it is more advisable to consume foods rich in calcium, vitamin D, protein, and other nutrients, such as milk, eggs, soy products, fish and shrimp, and lean meats. These foods help maintain the strength of the lumbar spine bones and enhance the power of the lumbar muscles, thereby reducing pressure on the lumbar spine and improving lumbar discomfort.