Anatomy

• Spinal discs are cushions between vertebrae

• Each disc has a soft center (nucleus pulposus) and tough outer ring (annulus fibrosus)

What Happens

• The outer ring tears, allowing inner material to push out

• The protruding material may press on spinal nerves

• This causes pain, numbness, or weakness in the back and legs

Common Locations

• L4-L5 (most common): affects lower leg and foot

• L5-S1: affects back of leg and foot

• L3-L4: affects front of thigh

Main Symptoms

• Lower back pain (may radiate to buttocks and legs)

• Sciatica: sharp, shooting pain down the leg

• Numbness or tingling in leg or foot

• Muscle weakness (difficulty lifting foot or toes)

• Pain that worsens with coughing or sneezing

When to Seek Emergency Care

• Loss of bladder or bowel control (cauda equina syndrome)

• Progressive leg weakness

• Saddle anesthesia (numbness in groin area)

• These require IMMEDIATE medical attention

Conservative Treatment (80-90% improve)

• Rest (short term, 1-2 days)

• NSAIDs for pain and inflammation

• Physical therapy

• TCM acupuncture (especially myofascial trigger point acupuncture)

• Chinese bone setting

• Epidural steroid injections

Surgical Treatment (when conservative fails)

• Microdiscectomy: removal of disc fragment

• Laminectomy: removal of part of vertebra

• Spinal fusion: joining two vertebrae together

TCM Approach at Lok Hop Tong

• Myofascial trigger point acupuncture: releases muscle tension around the herniated disc

• Chinese bone setting: gentle manual therapy for structural alignment

• Herbal medicine: reduces inflammation, promotes healing

• Combination therapy addresses both symptoms and root causes

Acute Phase (First 1-2 weeks)

• Rest, but avoid prolonged bed rest

• Apply ice (first 48 hours) or heat (after 48 hours)

• Avoid bending, lifting, twisting

• Sleep with pillow under knees (on back) or between knees (on side)

Recovery Phase

• Gradual return to activity

• McKenzie exercises (extension-based)

• Core strengthening (planks, bridges)

• Walking, swimming (low-impact)

• Maintain good posture

Q1: Can TCM acupuncture help with herniated disc?

Yes. Myofascial trigger point acupuncture is particularly effective for herniated disc. It releases muscle tension, reduces inflammation, and provides pain relief. Many patients experience significant improvement without surgery.

Q2: Do I need surgery for herniated disc?

Not always. 80-90% of patients improve with conservative treatment (rest, physical therapy, TCM, acupuncture). Surgery is considered when: ① Cauda equina syndrome ② Progressive neurological deficit ③ Conservative treatment fails after 3+ months.

Q3: How is herniated disc diagnosed?

MRI is the gold standard. It shows the disc herniation, its size, location, and nerve compression. X-ray only shows bones. CT scan is alternative when MRI is not available.

Q4: Can herniated disc heal on its own?

Large herniations may shrink or reabsorb over 6-12 months. Studies show 60-70% of large herniations can be naturally absorbed. However, active treatment accelerates recovery.

Q5: What activities should I avoid with herniated disc?

Avoid: heavy lifting, sudden twisting, high-impact sports (running, jumping), prolonged sitting. Safe activities: walking, swimming, gentle yoga, physical therapy exercises.

Q6: Why does herniated disc cause sciatica?

The protruding disc material presses on spinal nerve roots (commonly L5 or S1). The nerve irritation causes pain to radiate along the sciatic nerve path: from lower back → buttock → back of leg → foot.

Q7: How effective is Chinese bone setting for herniated disc?

Chinese bone setting can help by: ① Releasing muscle spasms around the disc ② Improving local circulation ③ Reducing nerve compression symptoms. It cannot shrink the disc, but significantly helps with symptoms.

Q8: How long is the recovery from herniated disc?

Conservative treatment: most patients improve within 6-12 weeks. Post-surgery recovery: 6-12 weeks for light activities, 3-6 months for full recovery. Long-term management with exercise is essential.

Q9: Can herniated disc recur?

Yes, recurrence rate is 5-15% after conservative treatment, slightly higher after surgery. Prevention: core strengthening, proper lifting techniques, weight management, regular exercise.

Q10: Where can I get TCM treatment for herniated disc in Central HK?

Dr. Peng Zengfu at Lok Hop Tong Acupuncture Clinic in Central Hong Kong specializes in herniated disc treatment using myofascial trigger point acupuncture + Chinese bone setting. Located at Room 1207, 12/F, New World Tower 1, 16-18 Queen’s Road Central.