Low Back Pain and Chinese Medicine

One of the most common reasons why people go see the doctor is for low back pain. In fact around 65% of people may have low back pain sometime within their lives. It is also a common reason why people may miss work. Low back pain is a major health care problem within our society.

What causes low back pain? There are many different reasons why people may have low back pain. Some of the reasons include trauma, degeneration of the discs, osteoporosis, herniated discs, and spondylosis. Some people may also get low back pain from just everyday activities such as standing too long or sitting too long. Pain in the back can also manifest in many different ways. Some pain may be acute and sharp and will radiate down the legs. This type of pain is more commonly referred to sciatica pain. Other types of pain may also be dull and localized pain. There are different ways that the pain may manifest. In many instances, the way it manifests will help the physician to diagnose the pain and give proper treatment.

Chinese medical theory of low back pain

In Chinese medical theory, low back pain is usually considered a problem with the kidneys. Not meaning that the kidneys organs themselves are bad, but means that the energy of the kidneys may be out of balance. Chinese medical theory has a saying that the lower back houses the kidneys. So when there is low back pain usually there may be some sort of kidney involvement.

There are many reasons why there would be low back pain in Chinese medicine. Some of the reasons include invasion of exterior pathogens, qi and blood stagnation, and kidney essence deficiency. Some of the exterior pathogens include dampness and cold. This happens when the pain in the back is worse with weather. The dampness and cold will impede the energy flow in the back resulting in pain. When there is trauma there will be qi and blood stagnation. Any type of trauma will cause qi and blood stagnation. When the qi and blood is stagnated pain and aches will result. Kidney essence deficiency is another reason why there will be low back pain. There is not any nutrient substance nourishing the kidneys resulting in pain.

The four main patterns of disharmony for low back pain include cold-dampness , damp-heat, blood stasis, and kidney essence deficiency. All of these patterns have specific signs and symptoms. Each pattern of disharmony has a specific method of treatment.

Chinese medicine methods of treatment

The main methods of treatment for low back pain in Chinese medicine are acupuncture, herbs, tuina, and Tai Chi. We can use a combination all methods or we can choose one. There has been much research in the United States for low back pain and acupuncture. The results of a lot of studies have been possible. In our own clinical experience, we have around a 90% success rate for treating back pain. Back pain is very treatable in Chinese medicine.

We welcome all those who may be experiencing back pain to give our office a call and make an appointment. The combination of acupuncture, herbs, and exercise can definitely help with your low back pain.

Visit our website at www.luhealthcenter.com or call Master Lu's Health Center at (801) 463-1101