Low Back Pain

Sciatica│Herniated Disc│Back Sprain

Lower back pain is common among individuals who work long hours sitting and lack physical activity. The literature indicates that up to 84% of the general population will experience at least one episode of lower back pain, and the recurrence rate is high. Lower back pain can limit a person’s mobility, thereby impacting their work, studies, and community involvement. It can also lead to sleep problems, low mood, and psychological distress.

Causes of Low Back Pain

Poor posture
Accidental injury or sports strain
Prolonged lack of exercise
Kidney deficiency, liver stagnation
Being overweight
High levels of life stress and other psychological factors

Symptoms of Low Back Pain

Skeletal and joint problems: stiffness in the back and waist, pain or radiating pain when moving, difficulty moving or bearing weight after sitting or sleeping
Muscle problems: soreness, weakness, pulling pain, pain or radiating pain when moving, inability to bend or carry heavy objects

Patients with low back pain should decide on whether to undergo X-rays, CT scans, or MRI scans based on the severity of their symptoms, worsening trends, and the professional opinions of doctors and physical therapists.

Physiotherapy for Low Back Pain

The most important thing in treating low back pain is to find the root cause of the pain and address both the source and the symptoms simultaneously. For example, for patients with disc herniation, manual therapy, traction therapy, and electrotherapy can address the source, while reducing bending, lifting heavy objects, and increasing awareness of proper body posture can address the root cause. Common physical therapy methods include:

Traction Therapy

Interferential Therapy

Lumbar PA Mobilitzation

Sacroiliac Joint Correction

TCM Treatment for Low Back Pain

From a TCM perspective, low back pain is related to kidney deficiency or stagnation of Qi and blood stasis. Common TCM treatments include:

Internal medicine: The doctor will prescribe herbs to soothe the tendons, activate the meridians, and tonify the kidneys, based on the patient’s symptoms and constitution, to prevent recurrence of low back pain.
Acupuncture: Needling points related to low back pain, such as Shenshu, Dachangshu, and Weizhong, can relieve muscle spasms and also have the effect of tonifying the kidneys and strengthening the sinews and bones.
Orthopedic Reduction: Through manual therapy techniques, the deep and superficial muscles can be relaxed to alleviate low back pain.

FAQ

Can disc herniation be fully recovered?

The protruded disc will not be able to return to its original state. However, the good news is that with sufficient buffering space, the disc can achieve a nearly or even completely pain-free state through treatment, exercise, and lifestyle changes.

When do I need to get an MRI scan?

Before considering imaging examinations, we need to consider the following:

Whether the pain has significantly impacted your daily habits and work life
Whether the range of pain and numbness/tingling is expanding
Whether there is weakness in the leg muscles
Whether there is difficulty controlling bowel and bladder

If any of the above occur, it is recommended to consult a doctor early and, based on the overall situation, decide whether to undergo an MRI scan.

How can I prevent recurrence of disc problems?

Recurrence of disc problems is very common. The key is to avoid actions that increase pressure on the lumbar spine:

Do not repeatedly or quickly bend the waist
When moving heavy objects, do not bend or twist the waist
Avoid prolonged sitting
Avoid excessive movements when coughing or sneezing

Actions that can help prevent disc herniation:

Appropriate core strengthening exercises
Maintaining good posture when sitting, standing, and walking
Timely stretching and flexibility exercises

MANA Core Values

Integration of Eastern and Western Medicine, Multidimensional Therapy
Reshaping Structural Integrity to Achieve Inner and Outer Balance
Guiding Body Perception to Think & Foster a Healthy Lifestyle
Conducted by Registered TCM Practitioners and Physiotherapists for Examination and Treatment

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