"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?"
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 improper lifestyle, posture, mobility are still continued.
Re-surgical option
Re-surgery can be considered as an option when pain persisted. However, caution should be exercised because the unfavorable pain syndrome may return following the procedure. Following surgery, persistent discomfort indicates weakening of the lumbar and surrounding tissues. In this situation, an additional surgery will almost certainly result in pain syndrome. Re-surgeries can result in difficulties and side effects, especially for the elderly, those with high blood pressure, diabetes, or chronic illnesses. As a result, choosing to have a second operation needs cautious consideration.
Choosing Traditional Chinese Medicine
and Acupuncture to treat & manage pain syndrome
It is advised to think about non-surgical TCM treatments for pain syndrome. TCM care focuses more on the underlying causes of lumbar pain than on the pain itself. What are the Keys for treating lumbar pain in TCM? It enhances the healing of the surrounding muscles, tissues, ligaments, and tendons to stabilize the surgical site. As well as strengthens the weakening spine, discs, and surrounding tissues to stop any recurrences.
TCM pain management modalities for post-operative pain syndrome
ACUPUNCTURE – relieving tightness/tension of post-operative muscles/tendons
ESTIM - relieving and relaxing muscle tensions
TUINA – restoring an unbalanced spine and surrounding tissues following surgery
HEAT
Therapy – improving Qi/blood circulation by relaxing muscles
CUPPING
– warms and promotes the flow of Qi/Blood
BLEEDING
– releases heat and promotes the circulation
MOXIBUSTION
– warms, relaxes, and promote the circulation
MAGNET
– balances Yin/ Yang in the body
SINEW
Treatment – stimulates muscle layers and releases stagnations
HERBAL
SUPPLEMENTS – helping to relieve swelling and blood stasis, as well as remove
any collected phlegm at the surgical site
HERBAL
INJECTION – reducing swelling and providing immediate pain relief following
surgery
Rehabilitation and better life
style to improve autogenic power as the top priorities for care
There are emotional, mental, and physical costs associated with even minor surgery. Following surgery, it is important to pay attention to your diet, exercise routine, lifestyle, and medical care to reduce the risk of complications or side effects. Walking and swimming are good physical activities that strengthen muscles without putting too much strain on the spine.
Cause of jaw pain by the spinal imbalance
Because of their systemic
connections, lumbar discomfort can also induce pain in the jaw, shoulders, neck
and vice versa. Jaw joints move based on the cervical upper spine. Chewing food
can be painful and uncomfortable if your cervical spine has tension and its
muscles are tightened. It is because the jaw joints and the skull bones are
linked, abnormalities in them may result in secondary problems such headaches,
dizziness, tinnitus, facial asymmetry, and ocular fatigue. Moreover, a spinal
imbalance can also involve issues with muscles, ligaments, tendons of
trapezius, erector and surrounding muscles. These issues can result in
pain/discomfort in the neck, shoulder, and lumbar regions due to needless
stress. Tensed muscles can compress blood vessels and disrupt blood flow, which
can result in headaches and vertigo.
For a healthy diets TCM herbs to relieve lumbar pain
It is advised to consume adequate calcium and potassium through your food intakes, as these nutrients can fortify the bones/joints that are linked to the intervertebral discs.
1. Sweet potato – sweet, tonifies Qi, Blood, Yin, eliminates toxins out of the body
Although sweet potatoes are associated with diets, they are also a good source of beta-carotene, Vit.C, potassium, and calcium. Being an alkaline diet, it is beneficial for obesity and adult diseases. Additionally, potassium, which makes up around 40% of the mineral content, aids in the excretion of sodium and the absorption of calcium, making it a typical bone- healthy food that is beneficial for herniated discs. 66.3% water, 31.2% carbohydrate, and 1.4% protein make up a sweet potato.
2. Bone Broth & Crucible Soup – tonic for the Kidneys
Crucible soup’s chondroitin sulfate and calcium promote healthy bone movement and help ward off osteoporosis and strained discs.
3.
Shiitake Mushrooms –sweet, Qi/Blood-boosting
& phlegm-resolving
Its
anti-inflammatory qualities aid in the healing of strained discs and strengthen
the immune system and Vit.D., which aids in the absorption of calcium for
health bones.
4.
Chives – tonifies Yang
Chives
help the body draining and promoting circulation, and persistent back discomfort.
5.
Brown rice – tonifies Qi/Blood,
circulates blood, & disperse cold
Brown
rice is a fantastic source of calcium, phosphorus, potassium, vitamins, and
other minerals that help build strong bones and muscles.
6. See foods & eggs, salmons, mackerel
TCM herbs beneficial for lumbar/joint pain
1.
Gou Qi Zi/ Goji Berry – enriches the
Liver & Kidney Yin, Moistens Lung Yin
Goji
berry is well known for sore back/legs, abdominal pain, impotence, and
nocturnal emission. In addition to being a healthy eye tea, it is also utilized
as a health juice to treat back and knee pain. When used to treat cirrhosis and
chronic Liver inflammation, it is also well-known for lowering inflammation and
improving Liver function.
2.
Cow joint root – tonifies Qi/Blood,
circulates blood, relieve joint pain
Cow
joint root has been used as a herb for millennia to cure conditions affecting
the Kidneys, Liver, and bones. It has also been used to darken hair to stop
hair loss and to strengthen the lower back, muscles, and lower limbs.
3.
Du Zhong – tonifies Yang
It
supports bone and sinew strength. Additionally, it cures back and knee pain,
improve the brain function, and stops uterine bleeding brought on by Kidney or
Liver deficiencies. Due to its ability to warm the body, it enhances blood
circulation, and facilitates smooth blood flow. Du Zhong is beneficial for
joints.
4.
Wu Jia Pi – dispel wind/damp
It
changes moisture and lessens edema in addition to fortifying the bones and
sinews. It is an effective herb for pain of low back, knee, and limb spasms.
5.
Chuan Xiong – activates the blood
and promote the blood flow/Qi, alleviate pain
It helps with regular muscle spasms and skeletal weakness in the legs and back. Its analgesic qualities aid in lowering inflammation and pain while promoting circulation. For this reason, this herb is beneficial for treating joint discomfort, headaches, and vertigo.
While acupuncture, TCM herbs, and foods are helpful in improving back pain, it is also crucial to maintain a regular balance in your diet, regular exercise, and other therapies. To keep your routine balanced, it is essential that you locate a qualified practitioner and start holistic pain management.
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