Cervical disc herniation
Traditional Chinese Medicine Definition
Cervical Disc Herniation, known in traditional Chinese medicine as "Neck and Shoulder Pain" or "Stiff Neck and Pain," falls under the category of orthopedic diseases. According to the records in "Internal Medicine of Traditional Chinese Medicine," this condition refers to the herniation of the cervical intervertebral disc due to degenerative changes or injury, leading to the rupture of the annulus fibrosus, extrusion of the nucleus pulposus, compression of the nerve roots or spinal cord, and causing symptoms such as neck and shoulder pain, stiffness, and restricted movement.
In TCM clinical practice, the core pathogenesis of cervical disc herniation is liver-kidney depletion and malnourishment of the sinews and bones, combined with invasion of wind-cold-damp pathogens or trauma from falls, leading to Qi-blood stasis and spasm of the sinews and meridians. Common triggers include prolonged improper posture, overexertion, and exposure to cold. During syndrome differentiation, attention should be paid to distinguishing cold, heat, deficiency, and excess:
1. Wind-cold-damp pathogen syndrome: Manifested as aching pain in the neck and shoulder, stiffness, limited mobility, possibly accompanied by limb numbness, aversion to cold, and other symptoms.
2. Qi stagnation and blood stasis syndrome: Manifested as stabbing pain in the neck, fixed in location, worse at night, possibly accompanied by headache, vertigo, and other symptoms.
Overall direction of regulation: In TCM clinical practice, treatment mostly uses methods such as dispersing wind and cold, removing dampness and unblocking collaterals, invigorating blood and resolving stasis, and regulating Qi and relieving pain. By regulating organ function and restoring Qi-blood circulation, the goals of relieving symptoms and improving function can be achieved. Traditional Chinese medicine holds that treatment should combine the constitution and specific condition, flexibly applying acupuncture, tuina, herbal medicine, and other treatment methods.
Common Syndrome Types and Key Points of Differentiation
Wind-Cold and Damp Pathogen Syndrome
Main Manifestations: Cervical and shoulder pain, stiffness, limited movement
Management Approach: Expel wind and cold, eliminate dampness and unblock the meridians
Stagnation and blood stasis
Main Manifestations: Cervical pricking pain, fixed, worse at night
Management Approach: Promote blood circulation and remove blood stasis, regulate Qi and relieve pain
The above syndrome information is based on traditional Chinese medicine textbooks and clinical standards. Specific differentiation should be completed by a practicing traditional Chinese medicine physician in person.
Physician's Clinical Insights
Patients with cervical disc herniation often have accompanying Qi-blood stasis. Invigorating blood and resolving stasis, unblocking collaterals and relieving pain are the keys to treatment.
— Tang Yulan Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioner (Apprentice)
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This page is for the popular science of traditional Chinese medicine knowledge and does not constitute medical advice. Specific diagnosis should be completed by a licensed traditional Chinese medicine practitioner in person.
This article has been reviewed by licensed TCM physicians at Hangzhou Kezhentang TCM Clinic. It is for TCM popular science reference only and does not involve specific treatment plan recommendations.
References: Internal Medicine of TCM (13th Five-Year Plan Textbook), Diagnostic and Therapeutic Effectiveness Standards for TCM Diseases and Syndromes (ZY/T001.1-94), Classification and Codes of TCM Diseases and Syndromes (GB/T 15657-2021)