Back Pain – Herniated Disk

Herniated Disks in Chinese Medicine

A herniated disk refers to a problem with one of the rubbery cushions or (disks) between the individual bones or (vertebrae) that stack up to make your spine. When a disk slips it can press against the nerves causing shooting pain that travels outwards to the extremities. In Chinese Medicine this is a structural problem that leads to swelling inflammation, and pain. It can occur from an acute event or as a result of weak muscles, bones, and kidney reserves.

Because this is an acute structural issue you need to first see your MD or chiropractor to get a proper diagnosis and see if manual manipulation or surgery is necessary Once you have done that, Chinese herbs to help speed up the recovery process.  When looking for a modern formula to activate blood circulation, reduce swelling and inflammation, strengthen soft tissue and relieve pain look for one containing one ore more of the following herbs:

Best Chinese Herbs for Herniated Disks

Dang Shen – Helps to tonify blood and activate blood circulation

Chuan Xiong – Dispel blood stasis and relieve pain

Ru Xiang –  promotes the healing of wounds and relieve pain by invigorating blood circulation

Du Zhong – acts as is a channel-guiding herb to direct the functions of the formula to the back and  strengthens soft tissues, such as muscles, tendons, and ligaments. As well as tonifies the Kidneys which in Chinese medicine is considered to dominate the marrow their fore directly benefiting the bones and disks.

Formulas Containing Chinese Herbs for Herniated Disks