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Medical Care in China

Lumbar disc herniation
Treatment in China

Provide a clear and complete coordinated pathway from expert assessment to treatment and rehabilitation.

Special TCM TechniquesThe synergistic application of various TCM techniques such as acupuncture, needle knife therapy, and massage.

Precision pain interventionDeveloping plans for neck, shoulder, back, leg pain and neuropathic pain.

Postoperative rehabilitationCombines traditional Chinese medicine treatment with modern rehabilitation to promote functional recovery.

Personalized treatmentTreatment:Plans are developed based on the patient's condition, physical condition, and treatment needs.

Condition Guide

About Lumbar disc herniation

Understand the condition, common triggers and treatment options that may require specialist assessment.

Disease Introduction

Lumbar disc herniation is a degenerative disease of the spine, which often occurs in the L4/5 and L5/S1 segments. After the intervertebral disc degenerates, the annulus fibrosus ruptures and the nucleus pulposus protrudes, which irritates/compresses the nerve roots, dural sac or cauda equina and causes syndromes. It is the primary cause of low back and leg pain. (People's Daily)
Pathological mechanism: Dehydration and decreased elasticity of the intervertebral disc matrix lead to degenerative changes; external force causes damage to the integrity of the annulus fibrosus, and the nucleus pulposus protrudes outward; dual pathogenic mechanisms: ① mechanical compression of the nerve root; ② the nucleus pulposus tissue induces local aseptic inflammation and immune response, aggravating nerve root edema and pain hypersensitivity.
Core symptoms: lower back pain, radicular sciatica (radiating pain in the lower limbs, aggravated by increased abdominal pressure); decreased sensation and muscle strength in the lower limbs; in severe cases, cauda equina syndrome (numbness in the perineum, bowel and bladder dysfunction); positive straight leg raise test and reinforced test.

Cutting-edge high-precision diagnostic and treatment technologies

Minimally invasive spinal endoscopic techniques (PELD percutaneous endoscopic discectomy, PEID interlaminar endoscopic discectomy, dual-channel endoscopy UBE): Direct endoscopic visualization under image guidance for precise target nucleus pulposus removal and nerve root decompression; primarily under local anesthesia, with minimally invasive incisions, preserving the bony structure of the spine, suitable for simple herniation, prolapsed free type, and recurrent herniation.
Percutaneous interventional ablation technique: Image-guided ablation of the intervertebral disc target points and annulus fibrosus reconstruction, reducing intradiscal pressure, suitable for cases with inclusive herniation and no obvious free nucleus pulposus.
Microscopic open decompression and fusion technique: suitable for large herniation, intervertebral disc calcification, and combined lumbar instability/severe spinal stenosis, with full nerve decompression + pedicle screw fixation + interbody fusion to reconstruct spinal stability.
Cutting-edge regenerative repair technology: minimally invasive repair of intervertebral disc cells/biomaterials, targeting damage to the matrix of degenerated intervertebral discs, is still at the forefront of clinical translation.

Care Overview

Lumbar disc herniation Treatment in China

The medical team will develop a personalized protocol based on the pathology type, stage, genetic test, previous treatment history, and the patient's physical condition.

1. Mild acute phase: Western medicine immobilization + physical therapy, combined with acupuncture/warm acupuncture and meridian massage to quickly control pain and relieve muscle spasms;
2. Moderate prominence during the conservative phase: acupuncture + guided rehabilitation, combined with spinal biomechanics assessment, and simultaneous Western medicine rehabilitation muscle strength training;
3. Patients requiring minimally invasive surgery: Preoperative acupuncture for pain relief and improvement of overall condition; early postoperative TCM external treatment and acupuncture intervention to reduce postoperative pain and adhesions and accelerate the recovery of nerve function;
4. Postoperative recovery period: Traditional Chinese medicine for strengthening the body and muscles + Western medicine for long-term rehabilitation of the spinal core muscles, to restore the biomechanical balance of the lumbar spine and reduce the recurrence rate.
The core treatment logic is as follows: Western medicine targets and relieves organic pressure; Traditional Chinese medicine acupuncture regulates local inflammation and improves the biomechanics of the meridians and muscles; the two complement each other to achieve an integrated approach of "pain relief, stress reduction, muscle strengthening, and recurrence prevention".

1. Advantages of Western minimally invasive surgery: Visualized and precise decompression, minimal trauma and bleeding, immediate relief of nerve compression; short hospital stay, minimal damage to the original spinal structure; rapid rescue of nerve function in critical cases, avoiding irreversible paralysis and bowel and bladder dysfunction. Limitations: Cannot directly reverse intervertebral disc degeneration; potential risks of postoperative nerve root adhesion and recurrence.
2. Advantages of Traditional Chinese Medicine Acupuncture: Non-invasive and low-risk; focuses on overall regulation and imbalance of meridian and muscle mechanics, suitable for radicular pain without severe compression and residual numbness and pain after surgery; improves bodily function and reduces long-term recurrence. Limitations: Cannot relieve severe mechanical compression; not applicable to cauda equina syndrome or large herniated discs.
3. Core advantages of integrated traditional Chinese and Western medicine (unique to top domestic solutions) : ① Layered approach: distinguishing between "mainly mechanical compression" and "mainly inflammation and meridian obstruction", avoiding blind surgery or simply conservative treatment;
②Perioperative coordination throughout the entire process: preoperative pain reduction, postoperative nerve repair promotion, and shortening of the rehabilitation period;
③ Addressing both the symptoms and the root cause: Western medicine treats the "symptoms" (compression), while traditional Chinese medicine acupuncture treats the "root cause" (imbalance of meridians and tendons, obstruction of qi and blood).
④ Wider range of applicable populations: Elderly patients and those with multiple underlying diseases who cannot tolerate general anesthesia surgery can choose the combination of traditional Chinese and Western medicine conservative treatment + minimally invasive interventional treatment.
4. The core contradiction of lumbar disc herniation is disc degeneration + annulus fibrosus rupture + mechanical compression and inflammatory stimulation of the nerve root. Top domestic systems follow the principles of tiered, individualized, and syndrome-based approaches: Western medicine uses minimally invasive/surgical methods to target and relieve compression; Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and acupuncture treat based on the principles of meridians and tendons, unblocking meridians and balancing lumbar and back biomechanics; the synergistic approach of TCM and Western medicine is a unique advantage in China, taking into account acute nerve protection, acute analgesia, and medium- to long-term functional reconstruction and recurrence prevention; severe nerve compression requires priority for surgical intervention .

Network of partner hospitals

Recommended Hospitals

Selected leading medical centers with strong specialties and international patient services.

Beijing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine (Clinical Medical College of Traditional Chinese Medicine), Capital Medical University

Beijing · Partner Hospital

Beijing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine (Clinical Medical College of Traditional Chinese Medicine), Capital Medical University

TCM & Acupuncture

The hospital is a national center for the development of traditional Chinese medicine, a national clinical research base for traditional Chinese medicine, and a national center for the inheritance and innovation of traditional Chinese medicine. It has key disciplines of the State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, key medical specialties of the Beijing Municipal Hospital Management Center's "Sailing" Plan, as well as 13 national advantageous specialties of traditional Chinese medicine and 16 key specialties of the Beijing Municipal Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine. It is a base for international cooperation in traditional Chinese medicine, a base for disease prevention and treatment, and a clinical base for emergency treatment of traditional Chinese medicine. It is also a Class A designated medical institution for Beijing's basic medical insurance.

Year Founded: 1956
Beds: 1400

Guang'anmen Hospital of China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences (Second Clinical Medical Research Institute of China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences)

Beijing · Partner Hospital

Guang'anmen Hospital of China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences (Second Clinical Medical Research Institute of China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences)

TCM & AcupunctureRehabilitation

The hospital is among the first batch of "mentor-type" national TCM medical center creation units, national regional medical center export units, and national TCM inheritance and innovation center construction units. It is a national TCM oncology medical center, a TCM diabetes specialty center, and a TCM anorectal disease specialty center. It is also an ISO9001 quality management certified unit, a member of the WHO Collaborating Centre for Traditional Medicine, a key unit for the national TCM service trade "pilot program," and one of the first national TCM service export bases. It ranks first nationwide in the Fudan University ranking of comprehensive TCM (oncology) departments.

Year Founded: 1955
Beds: 407

Xiyuan Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences (Xiyuan Hospital)

Beijing · Partner Hospital

Xiyuan Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences (Xiyuan Hospital)

TCM & Acupuncture

The hospital is a network hospital of the National Health Commission's International Emergency Rescue Center and a core unit for national clinical medical research and key discipline construction in traditional Chinese medicine for cardiovascular diseases. It ranks second nationwide in the Fudan University ranking of comprehensive traditional Chinese medicine (cardiovascular) fields. The hospital has been selected as one of the top 50 in China's cardiovascular disease science and technology influence list and is a national clinical research base for traditional Chinese medicine and a national drug clinical trial institution.

Year Founded: 1955
Beds: 800

Dongzhimen Hospital of Beijing University of Chinese Medicine (The First Affiliated Hospital of Beijing University of Chinese Medicine )

Beijing · Partner Hospital

Dongzhimen Hospital of Beijing University of Chinese Medicine (The First Affiliated Hospital of Beijing University of Chinese Medicine )

TCM & AcupunctureInternal Medicine

The hospital was among the first batch of national medical centers (TCM guidance category) and is a demonstration base for the construction of a national comprehensive reform pilot zone for the development of TCM. It ranks 4th nationwide in the Fudan University ranking of comprehensive TCM (brain diseases). The hospital's Department of Brain Diseases is the leading unit of the National Collaborative Group for Emergency Brain Diseases under the State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, and a key discipline and specialty construction unit for TCM brain diseases.

Year Founded: 1958
Beds: 1540

The First Affiliated Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine

Tianjin · Partner Hospital

The First Affiliated Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine

TCM & AcupunctureRehabilitation

The hospital is a national medical center construction unit, a national clinical research center for traditional Chinese medicine and acupuncture, a national regional medical center construction export hospital, a key traditional Chinese medicine hospital of the national traditional Chinese medicine inheritance and innovation project, a national traditional Chinese medicine clinical research base, a national regional traditional Chinese medicine (specialty) diagnosis and treatment center, a national traditional Chinese medicine service export base, a national-level traditional Chinese medicine quality control center under construction unit, and a national traditional Chinese medicine clinical teaching and training demonstration center. It ranks first in the country in the Fudan University ranking of traditional Chinese medicine and acupuncture disciplines.

Year Founded: 1954
Beds: 800

Longhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine

Shanghai · Partner Hospital

Longhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine

TCM & Acupuncture

The hospital is a national model TCM hospital, one of the first batch of national TCM inheritance and innovation centers, and a national TCM clinical research base. It ranks 7th nationwide in the Fudan University ranking of comprehensive TCM (proctology) fields. The hospital's proctology department is a national key clinical specialty, a key high-level TCM discipline of the State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, and a leading TCM specialty. It is also an important component of the national intangible cultural heritage "Gu's Surgery."

Year Founded: 1960
Beds: 1750

Leading Specialists

Trusted Expertise Across Leading Specialties

Shi Dazhuo

Chief Researcher, Qihuang Scholar, Director of the Cardiovascular Disease Research Institute

TCM & Acupuncture

Research areas : myocardial repair after myocardial infarction, atherosclerosis, chronic heart failure; Cutting-edge technologies: Qi-invigorating and blood-activating muscle-regenerating therapy for myocardial infarction, plaque-targeted regulation; Areas of expertise: coronary heart disease, myocardial infarction, chronic heart failure; Academic highlights: Principal investigator of a national key research and development project, multiple evidence-based studies have confirmed that traditional Chinese m

Affiliated Hospital Xiyuan Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences (Xiyuan Hospital)

Yin Lixin

Chief Physician

TCM & Acupuncture

Research area : Personalized treatment of colorectal and anal diseases using integrated traditional Chinese and Western medicine. Specializes in treating: hemorrhoids, anal fistula, anal fissure, rectal prolapse, colorectal tumors, inflammatory bowel disease, radiation enteritis, irritable bowel syndrome, constipation, perianal skin diseases, rectovaginal fistula, and other anorectal and surgical diseases.

Affiliated Hospital Longhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine

Yao Yibo

Chief Physician, Doctoral Supervisor, Director of the Department of Anorectal Surgery, and the Fifth Generation Successor of the Gu Family Surgery

TCM & Acupuncture

-Research areas : functional constipation, gut microbiota, complex anal fistula, pelvic floor dynamic disorders. - Cutting-edge technologies: Sacral nerve modulation therapy for defecation disorders; minimally invasive treatment combining sutures and VAAFT; research on the pathogenesis of constipation in traditional Chinese medicine. - Areas of expertise: intractable functional constipation, high-level complex anal fistula, pelvic floor defecation disorders, and chronic perianal wounds. - Academic Highlig

Affiliated Hospital Longhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine

Zhang Jingchun

Professor , Deputy Director of Cardiovascular Department, specializing in Imperial Medicine and Palpitation Treatment

TCM & Acupuncture

Research areas: Imperial medicine, traditional Chinese medicine treatment of palpitations (arrhythmia), and research on Qing Dynasty imperial physician literature. Cutting-edge technology: Under the guidance of Academician Chen Keji, the three major official medical books of the Song Dynasty and the literature of imperial physicians of the Qing Dynasty were systematically organized. Based on the concept of "all diseases originate from the liver, and treating the liver is the first priority" of Tong Kuoqua

Affiliated Hospital Xiyuan Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences (Xiyuan Hospital)

Li Bin

Chief Physician, Professor

TCM & Acupuncture

Research areas : metabolic diseases, obesity, diabetes; cutting-edge technologies: fire needle warming and breaking theory, combined acupuncture and drug therapy for metabolic diseases; Areas of expertise: Type 2 diabetes, hyperlipidemia, obesity; Academic highlights: Academic leader in the field of fire needle metabolic diseases; Core value: Building an integrated chronic disease management system that combines acupuncture and medication with lifestyle intervention for metabolic diseases.

Affiliated Hospital Beijing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine (Clinical Medical College of Traditional Chinese Medicine), Capital Medical University

Liu Qingquan

Chief Physician, Professor

TCM & Acupuncture

Research areas : Traditional Chinese medicine emergency care, infectious diseases, and respiratory critical care; Cutting-edge technologies: Traditional Chinese medicine epidemic disease theory, and integrated traditional Chinese and Western medicine treatment plans for sepsis. Areas of expertise: Severe pneumonia, sepsis, fever of unknown origin; Academic highlights: Head of the National Traditional Chinese Medicine Epidemic Prevention and Control Base; Core value: Establishing a TCM-based emergency care

Affiliated Hospital Beijing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine (Clinical Medical College of Traditional Chinese Medicine), Capital Medical University

Patient Stories

See the Next Step Through Patient Journeys

Postherpetic neuralgia – A Filipino elderly man's palliative care helps him overcome

CASE 01

PATIENT JOURNEY

Postherpetic neuralgia – A Filipino elderly man's palliative care helps him overcome "pain in his lower back".

TCM & Acupuncture

Patient records: Name: Maria Age: 68 Nationality: Filipino Diagnosis: Postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) Treatment Hospital: Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences When the pain becomes a memory, we help her regain peaceful nights. Maria, a 68-year-old retired teacher from Cebu, Philippines, developed shingles on the left side of her chest and back three months ago. After the rash healed, the real nightmare began. The original shingles area was left with intense, burning, and stabbing p

View case details →

CASE 02

PATIENT JOURNEY

Melting the "Frozen" Shoulders—An Indonesian Businessman's Painless Restart

TCM & AcupunctureRehabilitation

Patient records: Name: Budi Age: 52 years old Nationality: Indonesia Diagnosis: Frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis) Treatment Hospital: Longhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine When his arm became "displayable," we found the key to restarting it. 52-year-old Budi is a successful Chinese businessman in Jakarta, spending most of his time working at a desk. Six months ago, he began experiencing a dull ache in his right shoulder, which he initially ignored. However,

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Cerebral Palsy in Children: Unlocking the

CASE 03

PATIENT JOURNEY

Cerebral Palsy in Children: Unlocking the "Compressed Spring"—A Kazakh Family Finds a Precise Answer in China

TCM & AcupunctureNeurologyPediatrics

Patient records Name: Alina Age: 5 years old Nationality: Kazakhstan Diagnosis: Spastic diplegia (cerebral palsy), GMFCS grade III Treatment Hospital: Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine For a family, the rehabilitation of a child with cerebral palsy is a marathon with no end in sight. When parents take their children around the world, only to hear time and again, "This is the only way," the despair is profound. Alina's story tells how we helped a family find tha

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Stroke Rehabilitation: When Language Becomes an Island—We Build a Cross-Cultural Rehabilitation Bridge for a Thai Painter

CASE 04

PATIENT JOURNEY

Stroke Rehabilitation: When Language Becomes an Island—We Build a Cross-Cultural Rehabilitation Bridge for a Thai Painter

TCM & AcupunctureRehabilitation

Patient records Name: Sophie Age: 65 Nationality: Thailand Diagnosis: Post-ischemic stroke sequelae (right middle cerebral artery supply area), Wernicke aphasia, right hemiplegia. Treatment Hospital: Neurorehabilitation Center, Huashan Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University Case Study Theme: For overseas patients, the biggest obstacles to cross-border medical treatment are often not distance, but rather "information asymmetry" and "culture shock." They don't know how China's healthcare system works, whic

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Service Process

A clear, coordinated process for efficient cross-border care

01
Pre-Visit Services
Contact us for help organising and translating medical records, planning consultations, and finding suitable hospitals and specialists.
02
Remote Consultations
A remote consultation helps establish an initial approach to diagnosis and treatment, with a cost estimate available within 48 hours.
03
Travel Arrangements
We assist with visa applications, book flights and hotel or apartment accommodation, and arrange airport pick-up, private transport and check-in.
04
Comprehensive Support in China
We accompany you to medical appointments and provide interpreting services, help arrange specialist consultations or surgery, assist with hospital admission and discharge, and help settle medical bills.
05
Post-Visit Services
We assist with notarisation of medical expense documents, airport drop-off, organisation and translation of medical records, remote rehabilitation guidance, and coordination of international referrals.

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Lumbar disc herniationTreatment in China

Lumbar disc herniation Treatment in China

Recommended Hospitals

Beijing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine (Clinical Medical College of Traditional Chinese Medicine), Capital Medical University

Guang'anmen Hospital of China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences (Second Clinical Medical Research Institute of China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences)

Xiyuan Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences (Xiyuan Hospital)

Dongzhimen Hospital of Beijing University of Chinese Medicine (The First Affiliated Hospital of Beijing University of Chinese Medicine )

The First Affiliated Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine

Longhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine

Affiliated Hospital of Gansu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine

Trusted Expertise Across Leading Specialties

See the Next Step Through Patient Journeys

Postherpetic neuralgia – A Filipino elderly man's palliative care helps him overcome "pain in his lower back".

Melting the "Frozen" Shoulders—An Indonesian Businessman's Painless Restart

Cerebral Palsy in Children: Unlocking the "Compressed Spring"—A Kazakh Family Finds a Precise Answer in China

Stroke Rehabilitation: When Language Becomes an Island—We Build a Cross-Cultural Rehabilitation Bridge for a Thai Painter

Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation: Unveiling the Prophecy of a "Lifelong Wheelchair" - A Russian Engineer's Journey of "Neural Remodeling" in China

A clear, coordinated process for efficient cross-border care

Pre-Visit Services

Remote Consultations

Travel Arrangements

Comprehensive Support in China

Post-Visit Services

Get a Care Planand Cost Estimate.

Get a Care Plan and Estimate

Lumbar disc herniation
Treatment in China

Get a Care Plan
and Cost Estimate.