Kapag ang lumbar disc ay naging degenerative o may genetic defect, dahil sa anumang dahilan (pinsala, sobrang gawa, cold exposure, etc.), ang fibrous ring ay maaaring mabulok sa bahagi o buo, kasama ang nucleus pulposus na umaabot sa labas, na nagpapakilos sa nerve root o spinal cord (cauda equina), na nagdudulot ng sakit sa likod at iba't ibang neurological symptoms, tinatawag itong "herniated disc". Kilala rin ito bilang "ruptured annulus fibrosus" o "herniated nucleus pulposus". Sa tradisyonal na Tsino, tinatawag ito bilang "back and leg pain" o "pain in back and legs extending to knees".
Prevention before illness
When lifting heavy objects, maintain proper posture, allow the back muscles to prepare fully, maintain balance, avoid sudden force. Avoid lifting very heavy objects if possible. After prolonged bending, do not suddenly stand straight.
Avoid excessive mental stress, live a regular life, avoid sitting for long periods, engage in moderate physical exercise such as disco dancing, to relax muscles and reduce pressure on the intervertebral discs.
Avoid invasion of wind-cold-dampness, adapt to seasonal changes, prevent cold, rain, and avoid sleeping on damp ground. This helps reduce vasoconstriction and muscle spasms.
Prevent progression after illness
Once diagnosed, treat promptly and thoroughly, otherwise it may affect normal life due to mobility issues, even leading to muscle atrophy in the affected limb.
There are many treatment methods available for herniated disc, and the appropriate method must be selected based on the condition 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 pulposus or eliminate compression from the protrusion. Epidural injection also shows good results. If these treatments fail and the condition persists, surgical intervention may be considered to relieve pain.
Based on traditional Chinese medicine theory and etiology/symptoms, three types of treatment can be classified:
(1) Herbal Treatment
1. Injury to tendons and vessels, qi stagnation and blood stasis obstructing channels, severe lower back pain, limited movement, radiating pain down the limbs, worsened by coughing, dark purple tongue, wiry or rapid pulse. Treatment should focus on activating blood circulation, removing stasis, and unblocking meridians. Use the "Body Pain Eliminating Stasis Decoction" with modifications: Qin Jiao 10g, Chuan Xiong 10g, Tao Ren 10g, Hong Hua 10g, Mo Yao 10g, Wu Ling Zhi 10g, Xiang Fu 10g, Niu Xi 15g, Di Long 10g, Qiang Huo 10g, Dang Gui 10g, Gan Cao 6g.
2. Warm the kidneys, dispel cold, activate blood flow and unblock channels. Patient has no history of trauma, gradually feels lower back pain, difficulty turning, pain worsens with weather changes, white greasy coating, deep slow pulse. Treatment should use "Du Huo Ji Sheng Tang" with modifications: Chi Shao 10g, Du Huo 10g, Sang Ji Sheng 10g, Qin Jiao 10g, Xi Xin 3g, Fang Feng 10g, Chuan Xiong 10g, Dang Gui 10g, Shu Di 20g, Gou Ji 10g, Rou Gui 6g, Niu Xi 10g.
3. Patient has weak constitution or long-term chronic illness, resulting in deficiency of liver and kidney essence and blood, persistent lower back and leg pain, heaviness, recurring over years, fluctuating in severity. Treatment should nourish kidney yin, strengthen kidney yang, using: Zhi Fu Zi 10g, Rou Gui 10g, Shan Yu Rou 10g, Du Zhong 10g, Hong Hua 10g, Di Long 10g, Rou Cong Rong 12g, Tu Si Zi 10g, Yin Yang Huo 10g, Gui Ban 10g, Mai Dong 10g, Lu Jiao Jiao 10g.
(2) Other Therapies
1. Acupuncture, cupping, physiotherapy, local or acupoint injection with strong corticosteroids, intramuscular injection of vitamin B1 (100mg) and vitamin B12 (500mcg), once daily.
2. Apply Zhenjiang dog skin plaster on the lower back, place a hot water bottle on the lower back during sleep.
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