Lumbago is a general term referring to low back pain, but due to the word’s ambiguity, it is rarely mentioned in medical literature. With the wide array of issues that can affect the back, more specific phrases are used for increased precision. The lumbar region of the back includes many different structures, including muscles, ligaments, bones, facet joints, vertebral discs and nerves–any of which can experience problems.
Possible effects of lumbago include sensations of tingling, numbness or weakness, as well as pain that can be caused by or exacerbated by sneezing, coughing or even laughing. When this pain manifests as a dull to sharp shooting pain down your thigh and leg, it is known as sciatica. Generally, this condition generally affects one side of the body at a time, starting slowly and becoming worse over time.
Three therapeutic methods for lumbago in TCM
Pattern of Cold and Damp
Therpeutic method: expell cold and damp, unblock the meridians
Pattern of Damp and Heat
Therpeutic method: clearing heat and promoting diuresis, nourish tendons and increase the flow of Qi
Pattern of Kidney Deficiency
Therpeutic method: warming and invigorating kidney yang, nourish Qi and blood