"I had a lumbar fusion performed five years ago with the hope that the discomfort would subside. But now when I move, every part of my body hurts and aches. My shoulders and neck are hurting as well. Should I seek TCM or acupuncture to treat my discomfort, or another surgical procedure again?" Pain syndrome If you experience persistent pain following a lumbar fusion for a disk herniation, it is referred to as a pain syndrome. In this instance, the pain does not lessen; rather, it persists. Following surgery, pain temporarily subsides and then resurfaces, sometimes accompanied by various new symptoms or even numbness in the legs. Why does pain persist following surgery? There are many reasons for persistent pain in the post-operative condition such as when a needless surgery was done, when the lumbar surgery resulted in tissue adhesion or nerve damage, when the surgical fusion’s metal plate caused problems, when the underlying causes of pain was left unresolved, or when i
TCM/Traditional Chinese Medicine approach on LUPUS In traditional Chinese Medicine/TCM, LUPUS is a combinatory condition of deficiencies and excesses based on an imbalance and disharmony of Yin/Yang in the body. It often related to a combination of deficiencies in the Zang organs such as Lungs, Kidneys, and Spleen as well as excesses of pathogenic factors such as Dampness, Heat, Dryness, Wind, Cold, etc. TCM treatment approaches LUPUS through a holistic perspective, aiming to restore balance and support the body’s natural healing mechanism by tailored methods for each individual. Treatments are focused on tonifying the deficiencies and purging the excess of pathogenic factors by identifying patterns of disharmony and imbalances of energy/Qi, blood, and organ functions. 1. Common diagnostic pattern for LUPUS in TCM 2. TCM Treatments Acupuncture helps to harmonize and balance Yin and Yang, preventing or treating drug side effects. Cupping therapy helps to relieve tenderness/pain, e