Lumbar Disc Herniation · Cold-Dampness Pattern

Updated: June 23, 2026

Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM

Reading Time: 7 min

Body Area: Lower Back

Pattern Overview

Cold-Dampness is a common pattern in lumbar disc herniation, characterized by cold and heavy pain in the lower back, cold lower limbs, numbness, aggravation on rainy days, and relief with warmth. The core pathogenesis is Cold-Damp pathogens invading the lumbar meridians, with cold causing contraction and dampness causing heaviness, exacerbating the meridian obstruction caused by the herniated disc.

Lumbar Disc Herniation · Damp-Heat Pattern

Updated: June 23, 2026

Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM

Reading Time: 7 min

Body Area: Lower Back

Pattern Overview

Damp-Heat is a less common but important pattern in lumbar disc herniation, characterized by burning pain, swelling, redness, and aggravation with heat. The core pathogenesis is accumulation of Damp-Heat in the lumbar region, causing inflammatory radiculopathy and nerve root edema.

Key Symptoms and Differentiation Points

| Differentiation Dimension | Manifestations |

Lumbar Disc Herniation · Kidney Yang Deficiency Pattern

Updated: June 23, 2026

Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM

Reading Time: 7 min

Body Area: Lower Back

Pattern Overview

Kidney Yang Deficiency is a severe deficiency pattern in lumbar disc herniation, characterized by chronic cold-type back pain, cold intolerance, weakness, frequent urination, and mental fatigue. The core pathogenesis is insufficient Kidney Yang failing to warm the lumbar spine, leading to chronic pain, weakness, and impaired healing.

Lumbar Disc Herniation · Liver-Kidney Deficiency Pattern

Updated: June 23, 2026

Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM

Reading Time: 7 min

Body Area: Lower Back

Pattern Overview

Liver-Kidney Deficiency is the fundamental pattern in lumbar disc herniation, characterized by degenerative disc disease, chronic aching pain, weakness, and aggravation with overwork. The core pathogenesis is insufficient nourishment of the lumbar discs by Liver Blood and Kidney Essence, leading to accelerated disc degeneration, reduced elasticity, and increased susceptibility to herniation.

Lumbar Disc Herniation · Qi Stagnation with Blood Stasis Pattern

Updated: June 23, 2026

Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM

Reading Time: 7 min

Body Area: Lower Back

Pattern Overview

Qi Stagnation with Blood Stasis is the core pattern during the acute phase of lumbar disc herniation, characterized by sharp stabbing pain in the lower back, radiating leg pain, limited movement, and aggravation with coughing or straining. The core pathogenesis is herniated disc material compressing the meridians, causing Qi stagnation, Blood stasis, nerve root compression, and severe pain.