What is Back Pain?

Back pain, a common medical complaint, encompasses various forms of discomfort occurring along the spine. Ranging from chronic lower back pain to acute upper back soreness, it's a symptom that affects people of all ages, often impeding daily activities.

Causes can be diverse, including muscular strain, disc problems, or spinal misalignments. Chronicity and severity can vary, making it a complex condition to manage.

How Does TCM View Back Pain?

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) perceives back pain not merely as a physical symptom but as a sign of disharmony within the body's energy systems. In TCM, pain is often a manifestation of blocked or unbalanced Qi (vital energy) and Blood flow.

TCM identifies various patterns of disharmony causing back pain, such as Yin or Yang Deficiencies, Qi Stagnation, or external pathogenic factors like Cold or Dampness. Treatment focuses on restoring balance and smooth flow of Qi and Blood.

Root Causes of Back Pain in TCM

TCM attributes back pain to several causes, with Yin Deficiency and Yang Deficiency being prominent ones.

Heart Yin Deficiency, for instance, may present with back pain alongside symptoms like night sweats and a feeling of uneasiness.

Kidney Yin Deficiency could manifest as back pain with additional symptoms like hearing loss and dry mouth at night. In contrast, Kidney Yang Deficiency may cause back pain with coldness in the lower back and fatigue. Each of these patterns requires a different treatment approach in TCM, targeting the specific imbalance causing the pain.

Explore below more details about what might cause Back pain according to TCM.

  • By Syndrome
  • By Organ
  • Yin Deficiency
  • Yang Deficiency
  • Heat
Detailed description of the cause

Yin Deficiency

Yin deficiency in TCM is a pattern of disharmony characterized by a depletion of the body's Yin energy, which represents the cooling, moistening, and nurturing aspects of our physiology. This condition often arises from factors like chronic stress, overwork, insufficient rest, or prolonged illness. Symptoms of Yin deficiency can include a sensation of heat, especially in the afternoon or evening, night sweats, insomnia, a dry mouth or throat, and a red tongue with little coating. There might also be a general feeling of restlessness or irritability. Since Yin is essential for balancing the body's active and warm Yang energy, its deficiency leads to a relative excess of Yang, manifesting as heat or dryness symptoms.... see more

Yin Deficiency Patterns That Can Lead to Back Pain

Common Symptoms: Dizziness Night Sweats Tinnitus Dry Throat Insomnia Dry Mouth Lower Back Pain Flushed Cheekbones

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Heart Yin Deficiency Back pain, Night sweats, Feeling of uneasiness, Feeling of heat, Heat sensation in palms, Hysteria, Neurasthenia... see more Tian Wang Bu Xin Dan
Kidney Yin Deficiency Back pain, Sore back, Lower back pain, Excessive sweating, Hearing loss, Dry mouth and throat at night, Constipation, Scanty and dark urine, Infertility, Premature ejaculation, Generalized fatigue, General weakness, Depression, Anxiety, Heat sensation in palms, Evening heat sensation, Flushed cheekbones, Menopausal hot flashes, Preference for sipping, Evening anxiety... see more Qi Ju Di Huang Wan | Liu Wei Di Huang Wan | Zuo Gui Wan | Zhi Bo Di Huang Wan | Bai Zi Yang Xin Tang | Qi Bao Mei Ran Dan | Zuo Gui Yin | Dang Gui Di Huang Yin | Dan Zhi Xiao Yao San
Kidney and Liver Yin Deficiency Sore back, Lower back pain, Soreness and weakness in the lower back, Dizziness, Tinnitus, Hearing loss, Vertical headaches, Occipital headache, Insomnia, Limb numbness, Tingling of limbs, Dry eyes, Blurry vision, Dry throat, Dry hair, Skin dryness, Withered and brittle nails, Vaginal dryness, Night sweats, Dry stools, Nocturnal emission, Scanty menstruation, Amenorrhea, Late menstruation, Infertility... see more Qi Ju Di Huang Wan | Zhen Gan Xi Feng Tang | Si Wu Tang | Liu Wei Di Huang Wan | Zuo Gui Wan | Zhi Bo Di Huang Wan | Zuo Gui Yin | Gui Shao Di Huang Tang | He Che Da Zao Wan | Tiao Gan Tang | Qing Gu San | Yi Guan Jian | Ming Mu Di Huang Wan
Kidney and Lung Yin Deficiency Lower back pain, Dizziness, Tinnitus, Night dry coughing, Dry throat, Dry mouth, Emaciation, Exertional dyspnea, Night sweats, Hearing loss, Oliguria... see more Ba Xian Chang Shou Wan
Kidney Yin Deficiency With Empty-Heat Blazing Lower back pain, Flushed cheekbones, Restlessness, Insomnia, Night sweats, Low grade fever in the afternoon, Heat sensation in palms, Afternoon heat sensation, Evening heat sensation, Scanty and dark urine, Hematuria, Dry throat, Preference for sipping, Dizziness, Tinnitus, Hearing loss, Nocturnal emission, Hypersexuality, Dry stools... see more Liu Wei Di Huang Wan | Zhi Bo Di Huang Wan
Kidney and Liver Yin Deficiency causing Heat in the Blood Back pain, Dizziness, Tinnitus, Night sweats, Dark urine, Bleeding between periods Liang Di Tang | Er Zhi Wan | Liu Wei Di Huang Wan | Zuo Gui Wan
Deficiency of both the Kidney Yin and Yang Back pain, Menopausal symptoms, Hypertension, Irregular periods, Menopausal hot flashes, Excessive sweating, Irritability, Generalized fatigue, General weakness, Depression, Palpitations... see more Er Zhi Wan | Er Xian Tang
Kidney-Deficiency Back pain, Sore back, Scanty menstruation, Pale menstrual flow, Knee pain, Dizziness, Tinnitus, Frequent urination, Late menstruation, Chills, Cold extremities, Pale face... see more Liang Di Tang | Er Zhi Wan | Zuo Gui Wan | You Gui Wan | Dang Gui Di Huang Yin | Shi Quan Da Bu Tang | He Che Da Zao Wan
Disharmony between Heart and Kidneys Soreness and weakness in the lower back, Dizziness, Tinnitus, Insomnia, Palpitations, Poor memory, Lower back pain, Knee pain, Night sweats, Constipation, Menopausal hot flashes... see more Tian Wang Bu Xin Dan | Liu Wei Di Huang Wan
Deficiency of the Liver and Kidney Yin Soreness and weakness in the lower back, Sore knees, Lower back pain, Knee weakness, Dry mouth, Dry tongue, Dizziness, Blurry vision, Insomnia, Vivid dreaming, Hair graying... see more Er Zhi Wan

TCM Herbal Formulas for Back Pain

For back pain arising from Yin or Yang Deficiency, TCM recommends specific formulas. Tian Wang Bu Xin Dan, useful in Heart Yin Deficiency, nourishes the Heart and calms the Mind, while Liu Wei Di Huang Wan, indicated for Kidney Yin Deficiency, nourishes Yin and tonifies the kidneys.

For Yang Deficiency patterns like Kidney Yang Deficiency, formulas like Wu Zi Yan Zong Wan, which warms Yang, are used. These formulas are tailored to the individual's pattern of disharmony, addressing both the symptoms and the root cause.

Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address back pain, organized by cause and by formula type.

  • By Cause
  • By Formula Type
  • Yin Deficiency
  • Yang Deficiency
  • Heat

All Formulas Recommended for Back Pain Caused by Yin Deficiency

Formula Patterns Suitable For
Liu Wei Di Huang Wan Kidney and Liver Yin Deficiency causing Heat in the Blood, Kidney Yin Deficiency, Kidney and Liver Yin Deficiency, Kidney Yin Deficiency With Empty-Heat Blazing, Disharmony between Heart and Kidneys... see more
Zuo Gui Wan Kidney and Liver Yin Deficiency causing Heat in the Blood, Kidney Yin Deficiency, Kidney and Liver Yin Deficiency, Kidney-Deficiency... see more
Er Zhi Wan Kidney and Liver Yin Deficiency causing Heat in the Blood, Deficiency of both the Kidney Yin and Yang, Kidney-Deficiency, Deficiency of the Liver and Kidney Yin... see more
Zhi Bo Di Huang Wan Kidney Yin Deficiency, Kidney and Liver Yin Deficiency, Kidney Yin Deficiency With Empty-Heat Blazing... see more
Qi Ju Di Huang Wan Kidney Yin Deficiency, Kidney and Liver Yin Deficiency
He Che Da Zao Wan Kidney and Liver Yin Deficiency, Kidney-Deficiency
Tian Wang Bu Xin Dan Heart Yin Deficiency, Disharmony between Heart and Kidneys
Dang Gui Di Huang Yin Kidney Yin Deficiency, Kidney-Deficiency
Liang Di Tang Kidney and Liver Yin Deficiency causing Heat in the Blood, Kidney-Deficiency
Zuo Gui Yin Kidney Yin Deficiency, Kidney and Liver Yin Deficiency
You Gui Wan Kidney-Deficiency
Zhen Gan Xi Feng Tang Kidney and Liver Yin Deficiency
Bai Zi Yang Xin Tang Kidney Yin Deficiency
Qi Bao Mei Ran Dan Kidney Yin Deficiency
Er Xian Tang Deficiency of both the Kidney Yin and Yang
Si Wu Tang Kidney and Liver Yin Deficiency
Gui Shao Di Huang Tang Kidney and Liver Yin Deficiency
Tiao Gan Tang Kidney and Liver Yin Deficiency
Dan Zhi Xiao Yao San Kidney Yin Deficiency
Qing Gu San Kidney and Liver Yin Deficiency
Yi Guan Jian Kidney and Liver Yin Deficiency
Ming Mu Di Huang Wan Kidney and Liver Yin Deficiency
Shi Quan Da Bu Tang Kidney-Deficiency
Ba Xian Chang Shou Wan Kidney and Lung Yin Deficiency

Acupoints for Back Pain

TCM also employs acupuncture for back pain relief. Acupoints like Chengjin BL-56 and Dazhu BL-11 on the Bladder Channel are used to remove obstructions from the Channel and relax sinews. In the Kidney Channel, points like Dahe KID-12 and Fuliu KID-7 are selected for their ability to tonify Kidney Yin and resolve dampness.

Additionally, points in the Governing Vessel like Lingtai DU-10 and Mingmen DU-4 are employed for their heat-clearing and kidney-tonifying actions. These acupoints are strategically chosen to alleviate pain and correct underlying imbalances in the body's energy flow.

Explore below some acupoints used to address back pain, organized by meridian.

  • By Meridian
  • Bladder Channel
  • Kidney Channel
  • Gall Bladder Channel
Tianzhu BL-10

Tianzhu BL-10

1.3 cun lateral to Yamen DU-15 on the posterior midline, 0.5 cun above the posterior hairline, on the lateral side of trapezius muscle.

Dazhu BL-11

Dazhu BL-11

On the level of the lower border of the spinous process of the 1st thoracic vertebra (T1), 1.5 cun (about 2 finger-breadths) lateral to the posterior midline.

Shenshu BL-23

Shenshu BL-23

1.5 cun lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the 2nd lumber vertebra (L2).

Qihaishu BL-24

Qihaishu BL-24

1.5 cun lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the 3rd lumber vertebra (L3).

Dachangshu BL-25

Dachangshu BL-25

1.5 cun lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the 4th lumber vertebra (L4).

Guanyuanshu BL-26

Guanyuanshu BL-26

1.5 cun lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the 5th lumber vertebra (L5).

Pangguangshu BL-28

Pangguangshu BL-28

At the level of the 2nd posterior sacral foramen, 1.5 cun lateral to the posterior midline, in the depression between the medial border of the posterior superior iliac spine (PSIS) and the sacrum.

Baihuanshu BL-30

Baihuanshu BL-30

At the level of the 4th posterior sacral foramen, 1.5 cun lateral to the posterior midline.

Shangliao BL-31

Shangliao BL-31

In the 1st posterior sacral foramen, about midway between the posterior superior iliac spine (PSIS) and the midline.

Ciliao BL-32

Ciliao BL-32

In the 2nd posterior sacral foramen, about midway between the posterior superior iliac spine (PSIS) and the midline.

Chengfu BL-36

Chengfu BL-36

In the middle of the gluteal crease. Locate the point in prone position.

Yinmen BL-37

Yinmen BL-37

6 cun below Chenfu BL-36, on the line joing Chengfu BL-36 and Weizhong BL-40.

Weizhong BL-40

Weizhong BL-40

At the midpoint of the popliteal crease, between the tendons of biceps femoris and semitendinosus muscle.

Fufen BL-41

Fufen BL-41

3 cun (about 4 finger-breadths) lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the 2nd thoracic vertebra (T2).

Pohu BL-42

Pohu BL-42

3 cun (about 4 finger-breadths) lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the 3rd thoracic vertebra (T3).

Yixi BL-45

Yixi BL-45

3 cun (about 4 finger-breadths) lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the 6th thoracic vertebra (T6).

Geguan BL-46

Geguan BL-46

3 cun (about 4 finger-breadths) lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the 7th thoracic vertebra (T7).

Weicang BL-50

Weicang BL-50

3 cun lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the 12th thoracic vertebra (T12).

Zhishi BL-52

Zhishi BL-52

3 cun lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the 2nd lumber vertebra (L2).

Zhibian BL-54

Zhibian BL-54

At the level of the 4th posterior sacral foramen, 3 cun lateral to the posterior midline.

Heyang BL-55

Heyang BL-55

2 cun directly below Weizhong BL-40, between the medial and lateral bellies of gastrocnemius muscle, on the line joining Weizhong BL-40 and Chengshan BL-57.

Chengjin BL-56

Chengjin BL-56

5 cun inferior to Weizhong BL-40 which is the midpoint of the popliteal crease. In the center of the belly of gastrocnemius muscle, midway between Heyang BL-55 and Chengshan BL-57.

Chengshan BL-57

Chengshan BL-57

Directly below the belly of the gastrocnemius muscle and between the two heads of the muscle, on the line connecting Weizhong BL-40 and Kunlun BL-60, about 8 cun below Weizhong BL-40.

Feiyang BL-58

Feiyang BL-58

On the posterior border of fibula, about 1 cun inferior and lateral to Chengshan BL-57, 7 cun directly above Kunlun BL-60.

Fuyang BL-59

Fuyang BL-59

On the lateral aspect of the lower leg, 3 cun above Kunlun BL-60.

Kunlun BL-60

Kunlun BL-60

In the depression between the tip of the lateral malleolus and the Achilles tendon.

Shenmai BL-62

Shenmai BL-62

In the depression directly below the lateral malleolus tip.

Jinmen BL-63

Jinmen BL-63

Anterior and inferior to Shenmai BL-62, in the depression lateral to the cuboid bone.

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