🌿 Folk Prescriptions

Lumbar disc herniation occurs when degeneration of the intervertebral disc or developmental defects lead to partial or complete rupture of the annulus fibrosus, causing the nucleus pulposus to bulge outward, compressing nerve roots or spinal cord (cauda equina), resulting in low back pain and various neurological symptoms. Also known as lumbar disc annular rupture or lumbar nucleus pulposus herniation. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, it is referred to as “lumbago and leg pain” or “lumbago radiating to the knee.”
Prevention Before Illness
When lifting heavy objects, maintain proper posture so that back muscles are adequately prepared, balance is maintained, and excessive force is avoided. Avoid lifting excessively heavy items. After prolonged bending, do not suddenly straighten the back.
Avoid excessive mental stress; maintain regular lifestyle; avoid prolonged sitting; engage in moderate physical exercise such as disco dancing to help muscles relax and reduce pressure on intervertebral discs.
Prevent invasion of wind-cold-damp pathogens; adapt to seasonal changes; protect against cold, rain, and dampness; avoid sleeping on damp ground. This reduces constriction and spasms of small blood vessels and muscles.
Prevention After Onset
Once diagnosed, actively and thoroughly treat the condition, otherwise mobility issues may affect normal life and potentially lead to muscle atrophy in the affected limb.
Currently, many treatment methods exist for lumbar disc herniation. Appropriate therapy must be selected based on individual conditions to achieve satisfactory results. During acute phase, bed rest on a firm mattress, pelvic traction, and massage are primary treatments to promote retraction of the nucleus or elimination of compression. Epidural blockades also show good outcomes. If conservative treatment fails and symptoms persist long-term, surgical intervention may be considered to relieve pain.
Based on TCM theory and etiology/symptoms, three types of treatment are distinguished:
(1) Herbal Treatment
1. Trauma-induced injury to tendons and meridians, stagnation of qi and blood, obstructed channels, severe waist pain, restricted movement, radiating pain down limbs, worsened by coughing, dark purple tongue, wiry or rapid pulse. Treatment principle: activate blood circulation, resolve stasis, unblock meridians. Select modified Shentong Zhuyu Tang: Gentiana 10g, Ligusticum 10g, Persica 10g, Carthamus 10g, Myrrh 10g, Zedoary 10g, Cyperus 10g, Achyranthes 15g, Earthworm 10g, Notopterygium 10g, Angelica 10g, Licorice 6g.
2. Warm and tonify kidneys, dispel cold, resolve stasis, promote circulation. Patient has no history of trauma, gradual onset of waist pain, difficulty turning, worsening with weather changes, white greasy coating, deep slow pulse. Treatment principle: modify Duhuo Jisheng Tang: Red Peony 10g, Duhuo 10g, Taxillus 10g, Gentiana 10g, Asarum 3g, Windproof 10g, Ligusticum 10g, Angelica 10g, Prepared Rehmannia 20g, Dogspine 10g, Cinnamon 6g, Achyranthes 10g.
3. Patient has constitutional weakness or long-standing chronic illness, leading to deficiency of liver and kidney essence and blood, persistent waist and leg pain, heaviness, weakness, recurring for years, fluctuating in severity. Treatment principle: tonify kidney yin, invigorate kidney yang. Use: Prepared Aconite 10g, Cinnamon 10g, Cornus 10g, Eucommia 10g, Carthamus 10g, Earthworm 10g, Cistanche 12g, Dodder 10g, Epimedium 10g, Tortoise Plastron 10g, Ophiopogon 10g, Deer Horn Gelatin 10g.
(2) Other Therapies
1. Acupuncture, cupping, physiotherapy; local or acupoint injection with dexamethasone; intramuscular injection of vitamin B1 (100mg) and vitamin B12 (500mcg), once daily.
2. Apply Zhenjiang dogskin plaster to the waist; during sleep, place a hot water bottle on the waist.
<Lumbar Disc Herniation>