Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Treatment for Lumbar Disc Herniation

May 31, 2022 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Lin Yunfei

Introduction

Oral administration of traditional Chinese herbal decoctions should be selected based on the patient’s syndrome pattern. For lumbar disc herniation, TCM treatment options include either internal administration or external application (e.g., fumigation and washing) of herbal medicines. For internal administration, patients may take either proprietary herbal preparations or customized herbal decoctions. Commonly used oral TCM preparations include Xianling Gubao Capsules, Jintiange Capsules, Guanqi Capsules, and Gusukang Granules—all of which provide analgesic and bone-strengthening effects.

A common condition: The human lumbar spine consists of five lumbar vertebrae. Between each adjacent pair of vertebrae lies a space known as the intervertebral disc space. Lumbar disc herniation can cause severe pain, making it difficult to fall asleep or remain asleep throughout the night. So, what is the traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) treatment for lumbar disc herniation?

Traditional Chinese Medicine Treatment for Lumbar Disc Herniation

Oral administration of TCM decoctions is commonly used; however, treatment must be individualized according to the patient’s specific TCM syndrome pattern. Options include internal herbal therapy (oral administration) or external applications such as herbal fumigation and washing. For internal therapy, patients may take proprietary herbal preparations (e.g., Xian Ling Gu Bao, Jin Tian Ge, Guan Qi, Gu Shu Kang), all of which help relieve pain and strengthen bone health. For the syndrome pattern of Qi stagnation and blood stasis, modified Shentong Zhu Yu Tang may be prescribed; for wind-cold-damp bi syndrome, modified Duhuo Jisheng Tang may be selected.In cases of deficiency—particularly liver-kidney deficiency—modified Zuo Gui Wan or You Gui Wan may be used.

TCM treatment emphasizes syndrome differentiation and pattern-based treatment, with prescriptions tailored to disease stage. During the acute phase or early stage of lumbar disc herniation, modified Shu Ji Huo Xue Tang may be administered to promote blood circulation, relax tendons and muscles, and alleviate acute symptoms. Commonly used herbs include Paeonia lactiflora (Bai Shao), Angelica sinensis root tail (Gui Wei), Curcuma longa rhizome (Pian Jiang Huang), Spatholobus suberectus stem (Shen Jin Cao), Dipsacus asperoides root (Xu Duan), Angelica pubescens root (Du Huo), and Glycyrrhiza uralensis root (Gan Cao). In the chronic phase—or when the condition has persisted for a prolonged period—Bu Shen Zhuang Ji Tang may be prescribed to tonify the liver and kidneys and resolve bi syndrome by invigorating the collaterals. Key herbs include Rehmannia glutinosa (Shu Di), Cornus officinalis fruit (Shan Zhu Yu), Paeonia lactiflora (Bai Shao), Eucommia ulmoides bark (Du Zhong), and Acanthopanax gracilistylus bark (Wu Jia Pi).

When treating lumbar disc herniation with TCM, syndrome differentiation must precede treatment selection; different syndrome patterns require distinct herbal decoctions. We hope this information proves helpful to you!

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Can acupuncture treat lumbar disc herniation?

In general, lumbar disc herniation usually refers to lumbar disc protrusion. Whether acupuncture can treat lumbar disc protrusion depends on the specific circumstances. For mild cases of lumbar disc protrusion, acupuncture is usually effective; however, for moderate to severe cases, the therapeutic effect may be relatively limited. Acupuncture treatment should be performed under the guidance of a qualified physician.