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LOW BACK (LUMBAR) PAIN effective treatment strategies for pain relief "Acupuncture represents a highly promising and effective treatment option for chronic back pain. Patients experienced not only reduced pain intensity, but also reported improvements in the disability that often results from back pain, and therefore in their quality of life." — H. Endres, M.D. LOW BACK (LUMBAR) PAIN "Yao Tong" (also known as lumbospinal pain or lumbago) The traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) term yao-tong is not a diagnosis, but rather a term describing a pain condition seen in various medical diseases*; these descriptions include middle, one-sided or bilateral low back pain, structural abnormalities of the spine, sacral area pain, and even sciatica. It is a commonly encountered condition in the clinic, especially during the winter and spring. Because it is an imbalance (and not a disease), TCM heals "Yao Tong" by getting rid of the factors that caused it (discussed below). Associated (allopathic) medical diagnoses* include: Causes of Low Back Pain "Yao Tong" Lumbar pain can be divided into acute and chronic types, however the common cause of both is an impaired circulation of qi and blood circulation in the meridians, which leads to lumbar pain. In clinical situations, the causative factors can mutually affect one another, and typically appear as a combination of any of the following: Acute types of lumbar pain are caused by either (1) trauma or (2) the penetration of environmental factors into the body (see below). Chronic lumbar pain is mainly due to (3) an internal disturbance or weakness. (1) A history of trauma or internal injury leading to soft tissue damage, such as twisting while carrying a heavy weight (2) Exposure to environmental factors. According to Chinese medicine theory, there are specific external pathogenic factors which may cause lumbar pain, namely wind, cold and dampness. These factors may arise from varied situations such as "catching wind" while sweating from physical exertion; catching bodily cold; residing in a damp place for long periods, etc. These factors give a sense of heaviness, and a thick, stagnant, or congested characteristic to the pain. (3) Chronic lumbar pain is often related to Kidney weakness, this is mainly due to the fact that the lumbar region is the residence of the kidneys. Kidney weakness may be due to many mutual causative factors such as age, a weakened constitution due to illness, prolonged overwork of the body or overstrain of the back, lifestyle factors (e.g. poor nutrition, smoking or excessive drinking of alcohol), excessive sexual activity, etc. How Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine Can Help From the perspective of traditional Chinese medicine, low back pain "Yao Tong" is generally considered to be caused a disturbance of qi and blood flow in the meridians, which in turn fails to nourish the muscles, tendons and bones. Therefore, the therapeutic principles used are (1) promoting the flow of qi and blood to the affected area, (2) clearing away obstructions and eliminating the pathogenic factors in the channels, and (3) to provide nourishment to the muscles, tendons and bones. This last step usually involves strengthening and balancing the Kidney yin and yang and Liver Blood. In this way, traditional Chinese medicine can address all of the causes of Yao Tong simply by re-balancing their impact on the body. The recommended balancing therapies (below) are safe and non-toxic with no side-effects. Course of Therapy The actual duration of therapy will be highly variable, depending on age, history, duration and severity of condition, plus other complicating factors. Acute types of lumbar pain can often be completely remedied in 1-2 visits. Chronic types require a longer period of treatment. Recommendations include traditional acupuncture, ear acupuncture, acupressure massage, moxibustion, and herbs. When the lumbar vertebrae are diseased, additional healing methods such as nutritional supplements and appropriate exercise must also be combined. A standard assessment protocol is used to determine specific guidelines for new clients seeking treatment. For a personalized Chinese medical diagnosis, or more information on acupuncture and/or Chinese herbs from a qualified practitioner with experience in healing lumbar pain, contact: Nationally Certified Diplomate of Oriental Medicine Acupuncture/Herbal Medicine (NCCAOM) Oklahoma City Metro Locations Phone: (405) 401-6380 * These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These services are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. read full disclosure Pain Management | Stop Smoking Program | Chinese Medicine for Weight Loss | | Acupuncture | Medicinal Herbs | Acupressure Bodywork Therapy | Food as Medicine | Adjunct Therapy | BioMat Therapy Sessions | | Return Home | PATIENT ORIENTATION | SERVICES | CONTACT INFO | RESOURCES | News & Events | |
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