Back pain in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is often associated with poor circulation of qi and blood, obstruction of meridians, invasion by cold-dampness, overuse, or internal organ dysfunction. The following provides TCM treatment ideas and daily adjustment suggestions from the perspective of syndrome differentiation and treatment:
--- ### I. External Treatments (Priority Recommended)
1. Acupuncture Therapy
Acupoints: Focus on the Bladder Meridian points (such as BL11 Dazhu, BL12 Fengmen, BL13 Feishu, BL15 Xinshu, BL17 Geshu, BL18 Ganshu, BL23 Shenshu), combined with BL40 Weizhong (for lower back and back pain) and Ashi points (painful areas).
Function: Unblocks meridians, relieves muscle spasms, and is particularly suitable for acute onset or cold-dampness type pain.
2. Tui Na and Bone Setting
Use kneading, pressing, and rolling techniques to relax the erector spinae muscles, combined with thoracic vertebrae joint repositioning to adjust spinal mechanical imbalance (requires professional physician operation).
3. Cupping and Sliding Cupping
Sliding cupping along the Bladder Meridian can dispel deep cold-dampness, and retaining cups on BL23 Shenshu and BL25 Dachangshu is suitable for chronic overuse injuries.
4. Moxibustion Therapy
Ginger-separated moxibustion at GV4 Mingmen and GV3 Yaoyangguan, or holding an ignited moxa stick over the painful area, is highly effective for yang deficiency and cold congealing type pain.
--- ### II. Internal Treatments (Requires Syndrome Differentiation and Medication)
#### Common Syndromes and Prescriptions:
1. Cold-Dampness Obstruction - Symptoms: Pain worsens with cold exposure, white greasy tongue coating.
- Prescription: Ganjiang Lingzhi Tang (Kidney Attachment Decoction) modified, or Qianghuo Shengshi Tang.
2. Qi Stagnation and Blood Stasis
- Symptoms: Piercing pain that resists pressure, limited movement, dark spots on the tongue.
- Prescription: Shentong Zhuoyu Tang combined with Fuyuan Huoxue Tang, taken with Sanqi powder.
3. Liver and Kidney Deficiency
- Symptoms: Weakness and soreness, worsened by exertion, accompanied by tinnitus and weak knees.
- Prescription: Duhuo Jisheng Tang (for yang deficiency) or Zuogui Wan (for yin deficiency).
4. Internal Organ-Related Syndromes - For angina radiating to the back, use Guallu Xiebai Banxia Tang; for back pain caused by cholecystitis, use Dachaihu Tang.
--- ### III. Special Therapies
- Herbal Heat Packs: Evodia rutaecarpa + coarse salt heated and applied externally to warm and disperse cold.
- Bloodletting: Pricking BL40 Weizhong to release blood, effective for acute lumbar pain due to blood stasis.
- Lei Fire Moxibustion: Strong penetration, suitable for deep fascial adhesions.
--- ### IV. Daily Adjustment Points
1. Avoid Wind and Cold: In air-conditioned rooms, protect the Dazhui (GV14) and Mingmen (GV4) points, and promptly dry the back after bathing.
2. Guiding Exercises: Eight Pieces of Brocade “Two Hands Climb Feet to Strengthen Kidneys and Waist” and Five Animal Exercises Tiger Style.
3. Food Therapy: 15g Eucommia ulmoides + 10g Achyranthes bidentata stewed with pig spine, suitable for kidney deficiency type.
4. Pillow Adjustment: Avoid high pillows that cause compensatory strain in the cervical and thoracic vertebrae.
--- ### Precautions
If you experience radiating pain, abnormal bowel or bladder function, or pain that wakes you up at night, it is important to rule out conditions such as herniated discs or ankylosing spondylitis.
Long-term desk workers are advised to perform the ‘Gecko Climbing Wall Exercise’ (reaching hands up a wall) every 50 minutes to stretch the back fascia. TCM emphasizes that ‘pain is due to blockage, and lack of nourishment causes pain,’ and treatment should address both symptoms and root causes. It is recommended to develop a personalized plan under the guidance of a licensed TCM practitioner to avoid self-medication that may delay treatment.
