Lumbar Disc Herniation has become a common ailment troubling modern people. Whether it's sedentary office workers or standing manual laborers, anyone can be "targeted" by it. For this condition, what effective TCM prescriptions are there?
What causes Lumbar Disc Herniation?
"Pain results from obstruction": Qi Stagnation and Blood Stasis are the primary culprits.
"Prolonged sitting strain or acute sprains cause meridian blockage, trapping Qi and Blood like a 'traffic jam' in the lumbosacral spine. Stagnant blood forms a 'thorn' compressing nerves, causing needle-like pain and sleepless nights – this type accounts for over 70% of clinical cases!"
"Pain results from lack of nourishment": Liver and Kidney Deficiency plants the root of trouble.
"The Kidneys govern bones, the Liver governs tendons. Long-term late nights and sexual overexertion deplete Essence and Blood, causing intervertebral discs to degenerate like 'dehydrated sponges'. These patients often experience soreness and weakness in the lower back and knees, worsened by exertion."
"Cold-Dampness locks the waist": Air-conditioning and cold drinks brew major trouble.
"Singapore's humid environment paradoxically encourages craving for coolness. Cold air blowing directly on the back allows Cold-Dampness pathogens to invade the Governor Vessel (Du Mai). The lower back feels wrapped in an 'ice pack', with severe pain on cloudy/rainy days making it hard to straighten up!"
How does TCM treat Lumbar Disc Herniation?
Dr. Que Poh Yuen Albert, a TCM expert at Singapore Gong Fang Tang TCM Department, states: "Low back pain ≠ aging spine! Cold and Stasis wreaking havoc is the real culprit." He shares a combined treatment approach using Shen Tong Zhu Yu Tang (Body Pain Expelling Stasis Decoction) and acupuncture – 'one formula, one needle' working together for doubled effect.
Shen Tong Zhu Yu Tang is a classic formula from the Qing Dynasty physician Wang Qingren, composed of: Qinjiao (Largeleaf Gentian Root), Chuanxiong (Szechuan Lovage Rhizome), Taoren (Peach Seed), Honghua (Safflower), Gancao (Licorice Root), Qianghuo (Notopterygium Root), Moyao (Myrrh), Danggui (Chinese Angelica), Wulingzhi (Faeces Trogopterori), Xiangfu (Nutgrass Galingale Rhizome), Niuxi (Twotoothed Achyranthes Root), Dilong (Earthworm).
Core Stasis-Resolving & Pain-Relieving Herbs: Taoren, Honghua, Chuanxiong, Wulingzhi, Moyao work together to achieve this effect.
Qi-Regulating & Meridian-Dredging Herbs: Xiangfu, Niuxi, Dilong regulate Qi movement and unblock meridians, aiding the dissipation of stagnant blood.
Wind-Dampness Expelling Herbs: Qinjiao, Qianghuo expel Wind-Dampness from meridians, relieving heaviness and numbness in limbs.
Supporting Herbs: Danggui nourishes blood and invigorates blood; Gancao harmonizes the various ingredients, preventing damage from harsh purging.
Modifications:
Cold pain like ice: Add Zhi Chuanwu (Prepared Sichuan aconite root) 10g, Guizhi (Cinnamon Twig) 15g to break cold congelation.
Lower limb numbness: Add Quanxie (Scorpion) 6g, Dilong (Earthworm) 12g to unblock meridians.
Soreness/weakness in lower back and knees: Add Duzhong (Eucommia Bark) 20g, Gusuibu (Drynaria Rhizome) 15g to strengthen bones and tendons.
Acupuncture targets relevant points on the lower back and lower limbs, such as Shenshu (BL23), Dachangshu (BL25), and Weizhong (BL40). Needling regulates the flow of Qi and Blood in the meridians, achieving the goal of dredging meridians and harmonizing Qi and Blood. The combined force of needles and herbs acts like a 'drain cleaner', speeding up stasis resolution and tissue renewal by 3 times!
Medical Case
Patient: Mr. Zhu, 42 years old.
Chief Complaint: Low back pain radiating to the right leg for 2 years due to long-term manual labor. MRI showed L4/L5 disc herniation of 8mm. Western medication ineffective.
Initial Consultation: Lower back stiff as stone, woken by pain 3-4 times nightly, numbness in right big toe, straight leg raise only 30°. Tongue dark purple with white greasy coating; pulse wiry (Xian) and choppy (Se).
Treatment Plan:
Internal: Modified Shen Tong Zhu Yu Tang (added Zhi Chuanwu, Quanxie)
Acupuncture: Every other day, focusing stimulation on Yaoyangguan (GV3) + Huantiao (GB30) points.
Result: Night pain disappeared by day 7; straight leg raise improved to 60°. Right leg numbness subsided by day 14; able to resume prolonged sitting in office. Follow-up MRI on day 28 showed herniation reduced to 3mm.
