TCM Approaches to Slipped Disc Treatment

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) offers a holistic approach to address this debilitating issue, aiming to restore balance and promote healing through natural means.

Slipped discs, also known as herniated discs or discs prolapse, occur when the tough outer layer of intervertebral discs weakens, allowing the gel-like inner core to protrude and compress nerves. This can occur in any part of the spine, most often occurs in the lower back, leading to lower back pain and numbness, or weakness in the legs.

TCM Approach to Disc Realignment

In TCM, slipped discs are viewed as stemming from imbalances in Qi (vital energy) and blood circulation, often related to weaknesses in the Kidney or Liver systems. TCM focuses on restoring bodily harmony and addressing underlying causes rather than just symptoms.

TCM diagnoses herniated disc pain as stemming from spinal injury or invasion of Wind-Cold or Dampness. TCM believes that external factors like Wind, Cold, and Dampness can invade the body and settle in weakened areas, such as the spine. This leads to stiffness, pain, and reduced mobility. Cold makes the muscles tight, Wind causes moving pain, and Dampness leads to a heavy, aching sensation. These are often linked to deficiencies in the Kidney or Liver systems. The Liver system, associated with ligaments and tendons, and the Kidney system, connected to bones, govern the nourishment and flexibility of the spine. Deficiencies in these two systems may result in higher occurrence of slipped discs.

Unlike manual therapies in Western medicine which physically move discs back into place, TCM focuses on:

• Body Strengthening: Utilising treatments like herbal medicine and acupuncture to strengthen muscles, tendons, and bones, indirectly supporting spinal health and reducing the likelihood of future disc issues.
• Restoring Balance: Addressing underlying imbalances in Qi and blood circulation to facilitate healing and prevent recurrence of slipped discs

Acute & Stable Phases

The treatment of a slipped disc is divided into two key phases: the acute phase and the stable phase. Each phase has different treatment goals based on the patient's condition.

• The Acute Phase is when herniated disc symptoms are at their peak, causing intense pain, inflammation, muscle stiffness, and sometimes limited mobility.
• The Stable Phase begins once the intense pain and inflammation have subsided. This phase focuses on recovery, strengthening, and preventing future flare-ups. The patient may still experience some discomfort but generally has improved mobility

TCM Treatment for Slipped Disc

Acupuncture

During the acute phase of a slipped disc, acupuncture plays a crucial role by:

• Pain Relief: Studies have shown that acupuncture can stimulate the release of endorphins, which are natural painkillers. Research published in the Journal of Pain[1] indicates that acupuncture significantly reduces pain levels in patients with chronic low back pain.
• Reducing Inflammation: Research has demonstrated that acupuncture can reduce inflammation by modulating inflammatory markers. A study in the Journal of Acupuncture and Meridian Studies[2] found that acupuncture reduced levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines in patients with chronic pain conditions.
• Improving Circulation: Acupuncture has been found to improve microcirculation and blood flow. A study published in Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine[3] showed that acupuncture improved peripheral blood flow, which supports tissue healing and enhances range of motion.

Frequency of Acupuncture Treatment

The frequency of acupuncture treatments for a slipped disc varies depending on whether the condition is in the acute or stable phase:

Acute Phase:

• Frequency: Typically, 2 times per week.
• Duration: This frequency is usually maintained for 2-4 weeks until the acute pain and inflammation significantly reduce.
• Rationale: Frequent sessions help to manage pain, reduce inflammation, and prevent muscle spasms during the initial phase of injury.

Stable Phase:

• Frequency: Once a week or bi-weekly.
• Duration: This can continue for several weeks to months, depending on the patient's progress and overall health.
• Rationale: Regular maintenance sessions help to support ongoing healing, improve circulation, and maintain spinal flexibility.

Herbal Medicine Treatment for Slipped Disc

Tailored to individual TCM diagnoses, herbal remedies such as Du Huo 独活, Sang Ji Sheng桑寄生, and Chuan Xiong川芎  aim to invigorate blood, strengthen tendons and bones, and reduce pain.

5 Natural Tips to Heal a Slipped Disc

1. Holistic Treatments: Combine acupuncture with herbal medication, moxibustion, and infrared heater therapy for pain reduction and accelerated healing.
2. Heat and Cold Therapy: Apply heat to affected area to increase blood flow and reduce inflammation. Alternatively, use ice packs to alleviate stiffness and pain during the initial acute phase.
3. Stay Active: Engage in low-impact activities like walking, biking, or swimming to maintain back muscle strength and alleviate nerve pain. As with all exercises, do work with your healthcare provider to ensure that the exercises are appropriate for your condition.
4. Optimise Sleeping Position: Support the lower spine with knee pillows and maintain proper neck alignment with a firm orthopedic pillow.
5. Focus on Nutrition: Incorporate vitamins B-6, B-12, Vitamin E, Omega-3, and Omega-6 fatty acids into your diet through nuts, fish, and healthy plant-based oils to support nerve health and overall healing.

Consult with our physicians today to effectively manage pain and support your journey to recovery!

References:

¹ Vickers, A. J., et al. (2018). "Acupuncture for Chronic Pain: Individual Patient Data Meta-analysis." Journal of Pain

²Zijlstra, F. J., et al. (2003). "The Anti-inflammatory Effect of Acupuncture and its Mediators." Journal of Acupuncture and Meridian Studies

³Lee, H., et al. (2016). "Effects of Acupuncture on Microcirculation and Peripheral Blood Flow: A Systematic Review." Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine