Presentation summary

Introduction:
Low back pain is one of the most common musculoskeletal disorders, significantly impacting quality of life and functional capacity. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the evaluation of low back pain goes beyond the mechanical dimension, involving a thorough energetic analysis. This paper explores a case of chronic low backpain with complex emotional and metabolic underlay, treated through a personalized TCM intervention.

Materials and Methods :
Male patient, 65 years old, with severe lumbar symptoms (stiffness, radiating pain, heel pain), in the context of:
– Imaging diagnosis: L4–L5, L5–S1 disc protrusion, vertebral degenerative changes
– Medical history: GERD, duodenal ulcer, irritable bowel syndrome, hepatitis B, hepatic steatosis, chronicconstipation, emotional disturbances

The TCM energetic evaluation identified : Shaoyang constitutional type (Wood element), liver Qi stagnation transformed into fire, secondary involvement of the Stomach, with phlegm accumulation and progressive depletion of Liver and Kidney Yin.

Therapeutic Protocol :
– Sequential acupuncture (2 sessions/week, 10 sessions), using points to drain the liver, clear heat andphlegm, nourish Yin, and regulate Shen
– Auriculotherapy
– Tui Na therapy
– Cupping
– Herbal medicine (Long Dan Xie Gan Wan, Muxiang Shunqi Wan, Xiao Huo Luo Wan)
– Dietary and lifestyle recommendations (diet, sleep, gentle movement)
Results:
– Significant improvement in low back pain and mobility
– Decrease in radiating pain, paresthesia, and heel pain
– Improved sleep and emotional state
– Decreased digestive symptoms (bloating, constipation)

Conclusions :
– This case demonstrates the effectiveness of a personalized and integrated TCM approach in treating complex chronic low back pain, not only by dispersing excesses (fire, phlegm), but also by restoring subtledeficiencies (Yin).
– The suggested protocol may serve as a replicable model for musculoskeletal