Back Pain: Understanding Disc Herniation;

By Dr Luke McPherson (CM)

Acupuncture, TCM, Crows Nest

Back Pain: Understanding Disc Herniation; A TCM and Biomedical Perspective

Disc herniation, a common spinal condition, affects millions of people worldwide, causing pain, discomfort, and reduced mobility. Both Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and biomedicine provide explanations for this condition, offering unique insights into its causes and treatment options. Let’s explore how these two disciplines view disc herniation.

Biomedical Explanation of Disc Herniation

In biomedical terms, a herniated disc occurs when the soft, gel-like center (nucleus pulposus) of an intervertebral disc pushes through a tear in the tough outer layer (annulus fibrosus). This often compresses nearby nerves, causing symptoms like pain, numbness, and weakness, particularly in the lower back (lumbar region) or neck (cervical region).

Causes and Risk Factors

Age-related degeneration: As people age, their spinal discs lose hydration and elasticity, making them more prone to rupture.
Trauma: A sudden injury from lifting heavy objects or an accident can cause herniation.
Repetitive stress: Repetitive movements or prolonged poor posture can place undue stress on the discs.
Genetics: A family history of disc degeneration may increase the risk.
Lifestyle factors: Sedentary behavior, obesity, and smoking are common contributors to disc herniation.

Symptoms

Localized pain in the back or neck.
Radiating pain into the arms or legs, depending on the disc’s location.
Numbness or tingling in the extremities.
Muscle weakness, indicating nerve impingement.

Biomedical Treatments

Conservative treatments: Physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, and epidural steroid injections.
Surgical intervention: In severe cases, procedures like a microdiscectomy or spinal fusion may be necessary.

Disc Herniation from a TCM Perspective

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, disc herniation is understood through the lens of Qi, Blood, and the flow of energy along the body’s meridians. It is often associated with imbalances and blockages in the flow of Qi and Blood, particularly affecting the Kidney, Liver, and Bladder meridians, which are related to the spine and musculoskeletal system.

Causes According to TCM

Deficiency of Kidney Qi: The Kidneys are considered the foundation of the body’s vitality and bones in TCM. A deficiency in Kidney Qi can lead to a weakening of the spine and intervertebral discs, making them prone to injury and degeneration.
Qi Stagnation: When the flow of Qi is disrupted, especially in the lower back or neck region, it can cause pain, stiffness, and inflammation. This stagnation is often the result of overexertion, poor posture, or prolonged periods of inactivity.
Blood Stasis: Similar to Qi stagnation, Blood stasis occurs when circulation is impaired, leading to pain and inflammation. This is often observed in cases of trauma or chronic strain on the spine.
Invasion of Cold-Dampness: In TCM, environmental factors like cold and damp weather can invade the body, obstructing the meridians and contributing to disc herniation symptoms. This can exacerbate pain, especially during cold or rainy weather.

Symptoms in TCM Terms

Stiffness and pain along the Bladder meridian (which runs along the spine).
Weakness in the lower limbs due to Kidney deficiency.
Localized pain often described as a sensation of heaviness or blockage, especially in areas where Qi and Blood flow are disrupted.

TCM Treatments

Acupuncture: Helps to restore the smooth flow of Qi and Blood, reducing inflammation and alleviating pain by targeting points along the Kidney, Liver, and Bladder meridians.
Herbal medicine: Formulas like Du Huo Ji Sheng Tang (Angelica Pubescentis and Sangjisheng Decoction) or Shen Tong Zhu Yu Tang (Drive Out Stasis from a Painful Body Decoction) are often prescribed to tonify Kidney Qi, move Blood, and clear Dampness.
Moxibustion: The application of heat using moxa (mugwort) can help expel Cold and Dampness, soothing the affected area.
Tui Na: This form of therapeutic massage works to relieve tension, promote circulation, and realign the spine.

Integrating TCM and Biomedicine for Disc Herniation

For many, combining TCM and biomedical treatments offers a more holistic approach to managing disc herniation. While biomedical treatments focus on physical rehabilitation and nerve decompression, TCM emphasizes restoring energetic balance and addressing underlying weaknesses, such as Kidney Qi deficiency.

Example Treatment Plan

Physical therapy and acupuncture to manage pain and improve mobility.
TCM herbal formulas to tonify the Kidneys and improve blood circulation.
Postural adjustments through ergonomic interventions and Qi Gong exercises to strengthen the back.
Lifestyle modifications in both approaches, such as maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding excessive strain, and incorporating stress-reducing practices like meditation or Tai Chi.

To Sum things up...

Disc herniation is a multifaceted condition that benefits from the wisdom of both Traditional Chinese Medicine and modern biomedicine. By understanding the root causes, whether from a biomedical or energetic standpoint, individuals can pursue a tailored treatment plan that combines the best of both worlds. Whether focusing on spinal integrity and nerve health or balancing Qi and Blood, a comprehensive approach can promote healing, alleviate pain, and restore function.

All content, including but not limited to text, images, and ideas, presented in this blog are the intellectual property of the author, Dr Luke McPherson(TCM), and are protected by copyright law. Unauthorised use, reproduction, or distribution of this material without explicit permission from the author is strictly prohibited.