Chronic Lower Back Painaccording to TCM
Symptom family: Back and Neck Pain
Parent symptom: Lower Back Pain
What is Chronic Lower Back Pain?
Chronic lower back pain is a pervasive ailment that affects a significant portion of the population, characterized by pain that persists in the lower back region for more than three months.
It can vary in intensity and may be accompanied by stiffness and reduced mobility. This condition can greatly impact an individual's daily life, often requiring long-term management and intervention.
How Does TCM View Chronic Lower Back Pain?
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), chronic lower back pain is often seen as a symptom of imbalances within the body's fundamental systems. TCM identifies various patterns of disharmony that could lead to pain, such as Stagnation of Qi and Blood or invasion of external pathogenic factors like Cold and Dampness.
TCM practitioners prioritize diagnosing the specific underlying pattern, which is key to tailoring an effective treatment strategy.
Causes of Chronic Lower Back Pain According to TCM
TCM recognizes several potential causes for chronic lower back pain, but among the most common are Qi And Blood Stagnation and the invasion of Wind-Damp. Such conditions lead to blockages in the body's meridians, the pathways through which Qi flows, resulting in pain and heaviness.
Another pattern involves Kidney Qi Deficiency, which in TCM is said to govern the strength and health of the lower back. Addressing these imbalances through TCM involves not just relieving pain but also strengthening the body's Qi and dispelling pathogenic influences.
TCM Herbal Formulas for Chronic Lower Back Pain
To alleviate chronic lower back pain, TCM suggests formulas like Du Huo Ji Sheng Tang, which dispels Wind-Dampness and targets the Bladder and Kidney Channels, areas often associated with lower back issues.
The key herb in this formula, Pubescent Angelica Roots (Du Huo), is known for its properties that relieve pain by addressing the root causes of Qi Stagnation and Damp accumulation. Such formulas are integral to TCM's approach to pain management, which seeks to restore balance and strengthen the body's natural defenses.
See more details below about Du Huo Ji Sheng Tang, a herbal formula used to address chronic lower back pain.
- By Formula Type
- Formulas that dispel wind-Damp
Formulas that dispel Wind-Damp
Chronic lower back pain can be treated by these formulas when it arises from a pathogenic influence of wind combined with dampness, which often obstructs the flow of Qi and Blood.
One such formula is Du Huo Ji Sheng Tang, with pubescent angelica root as a key herb.
Acupoints for Chronic Lower Back Pain
Acupuncture is a cornerstone of TCM treatment for chronic lower back pain. Points such as Zhishi BL-52 on the Bladder Channel are emphasized for their ability to tonify the Kidneys and Essence, which are essential for lower back strength.
By targeting these acupoints, TCM practitioners aim to enhance the flow of Qi, strengthen the willpower, and support the underlying organ systems to provide lasting relief from chronic lower back pain.
See more details below about Zhishi BL-52, an acupoint used to address chronic lower back pain.
- By Meridian
- Bladder Channel
Zhishi BL-52
3 cun lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the 2nd lumber vertebra (L2).
TCM Herbs for Chronic Lower Back Pain
Explore below some TCM herbs used to address chronic lower back pain, organized by herb category.
- By Herb Category
- Tonic herbs for yang deficiency
- Herbs that drain dampness
- Herbs for external application
- Tonic herbs for yin deficiency
- Herbs that dispel wind and dampness
Tonic herbs for Yang Deficiency
Chronic lower back pain can be treated by these herbs in situations of diminished Yang energy, aiming to warm and activate the body's functions.
One such herb is Curculigo Rhizomes (Xian Mao), which is directly recommended for chronic lower back pain.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Tonic herbs for Yang Deficiency" recommended for chronic lower back pain
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Curculigo Rhizomes (Xian Mao) | Not applicable |
| Human Placentas (Zi He Che) | Not applicable |
| Milkvetch Seeds (Sha Yuan Zi) | Not applicable |
Herbs that drain Dampness
Chronic lower back pain can be treated by these herbs when caused by excessive dampness in the body, aiding in eliminating damp through diuretic action.
One such herb is Fish-Poison Yam (Bi Xie), which is directly recommended for chronic lower back pain.
Herbs for external application
Chronic lower back pain can be treated by these herbs when the condition is external or superficial, requiring topical treatment to alleviate symptoms or heal the affected area.
One such herb is Sulfur (Liu Huang), which is directly recommended for chronic lower back pain.
Tonic herbs for Yin Deficiency
Chronic lower back pain can be treated by these herbs when caused by a lack of Yin, which is essential for cooling and moistening the body, thereby restoring balance.
One such herb is Tortoise Plastrons (Gui Ban), which is directly recommended for chronic lower back pain.
Herbs that dispel Wind and Dampness
Chronic lower back pain can be treated by these herbs when it is due to the invasion or accumulation of wind and dampness, which often affects the muscles and joints.
One such herb is Pubescent Angelica Roots (Du Huo), a key herb in some formulas recommended for chronic lower back pain, like Du Huo Ji Sheng Tang.