Traditional Chinese Medicine Treatment Methods for Lumbar Intervertebral Disc Herniation

Lumbar disc herniation can be treated by taking Chinese medicine orally, acupuncture and moxibustion therapy, massage manipulation, cupping therapy, functional exercise, etc. Lumbar disc herniation is usually associated with long-term strain, trauma, degenerative changes, invasion of cold and dampness, liver and kidney insufficiency, and other factors.

1. Oral administration of traditional Chinese medicine

Traditional Chinese medicine is commonly used for the treatment of lumbar disc herniation based on syndrome differentiation and classification, such as Duhuo Parasitic Decoction and Shengtong Zhuyu Decoction. For kidney deficiency type, Jin Kui Shen Qi Wan can be used. For cold dampness type, Qiang Huo Sheng Shi Tang can be used. For blood stasis type, Tao Hong Si Wu Tang is recommended. Traditional Chinese medicine should be prescribed by a physician based on tongue and pulse differentiation. Common medications include Eucommia ulmoides, Mulberry Parasite, Angelica sinensis, etc., which have the effects of promoting blood circulation, removing blood stasis, strengthening tendons and bones. During medication, avoid cold and greasy foods. Pregnant women and those with allergies should use with caution.

2. acupuncture and moxibustion therapy

Acupuncture points are mainly Jiaji, Weizhong and Huantiao, and local points are selected together with Ashi. Enhanced stimulation such as electroacupuncture and warm needling can be used, with the needle retained for 20-30 minutes each time. Moxibustion is suitable for patients with cold and dampness type, and often chooses to use ginger separated moxibustion at the Kidney Yu acupoint and the Mingmen acupoint. During the acute phase, treatment is given once a day, and during the remission phase, treatment is given once every other day. A course of treatment consists of 10 sessions. Skin infections and bleeding tendencies are prohibited.

3. Tuina techniques

use rolling, pressing, kneading, and other methods to relax the waist muscles, combined with oblique manipulation to adjust small joint disorders. In the acute phase, light manual dexterity is the main technique, while in the chronic phase, manual dexterity can be increased. It should be operated by a professional physician to avoid violent twisting. Patients with severe osteoporosis and spinal stenosis should use caution and rest on a hard bed for 2 hours after the manipulation.

4. Cupping therapy

can improve local blood circulation by walking the bladder through the waist, leaving the bladder for 5-10 minutes. Acupuncture and cupping are suitable for patients with blood stasis type. First, use a plum blossom needle to prick and then cupping. The treatment interval is 2-3 days, and it is contraindicated for patients with skin damage or high fever. Pay attention to keeping warm after cupping and avoid taking a shower for 8 hours.

5. Functional exercise

During the relief period, isosceles dorsalis muscle training in the form of flying swallows and arch bridges can be performed, with 2 groups per day, 10-15 times per group. Inverted walking exercise helps restore the physiological curvature of the lumbar spine, 10 minutes each time. During the acute phase, bed rest and immobilization are required, and the five point support method gradually begins after the symptoms alleviate. All exercises should be gradual and stopped immediately if pain worsens. During traditional Chinese medicine treatment, it is necessary to sleep on a hard bed and avoid prolonged sitting, standing, and carrying weight on the waist. Pay attention to keeping the waist warm and use coarse salt hot compress. Diet should be warm and nourish the liver and kidneys, and consume more black sesame seeds, walnuts, etc. If lower limb numbness worsens or urinary and fecal dysfunction occurs, timely imaging examination should be performed. It is recommended to develop personalized plans under the guidance of professional traditional Chinese medicine practitioners and comprehensively use multiple therapies for better results.