Four-week long back pain – 54 year old female – Resolved in 3 visits 

This case describes a more complicated case of back pain resolved through acupuncture and herbal treatment. For what constitutes a “less complex” case please check our other case study here..

Factors that may differentiate between simple and more complex case:
-Sedentary lifestyle and lack of exercise
-History of other chronic health issues, for example insulin resistance, pelvic prolapse, etc.
-Age

Visit 1: October 18, 2025

Presentation: Presentation: Patient (54 year old female) has had ongoing back pain for 3-4 weeks. The pain radiates down both legs sometimes, accompanied by occasional weakness in the knee. Pain is worse in the mornings, and while this is not the first time patient has experienced this, it is the first time the pain has lasted so long. Patient has tried doing aerobic and strengthening exercises, massage, and taking Advils.

Other: Patient experiences bloating, constipation, and also suffers from pelvic organ prolapse.

Tongue: Coating thin, dry, tip red

Pulse: Deep, muted, thready, guan deep

Dx: Qi deficiency, yang deficiency, yangming excess heat

Often cases of back pain can be resolved with acupuncture only. However in this situation, due to the prolonged duration of the back pain along with patient’s medical history, herbal treatment was prescribed along with acupuncture to speed up recovery.

Acupuncture points: Ashi points in the lower back. Bilateral BL40, bilateral GB41
Prescription: Two bags of herbs to take over 4 days.

Chaihu 10g	Huangqi 15g	Danggui 10g	Dangshen 10g	Shengma 6g
Zhigancao 6g	Hongzao 20g	Paojiang 10g	Chenpi 6g	Guizhi 10g
Huashi 10g	Chishizhi 10g	Dahuang 3g

Visit 2: October 22, 2025 (4 days later)

Presentation: Back pain feels better although it is still obvious in the morning.

Tongue: Coating thin, dry, tip red

Pulse: Deep, muted, thready

Dx: Qi deficiency, yang deficiency, yangming excess heat

Acupuncture points: Ashi points in the lower back. Bilateral BL40, bilateral GB41
Prescription: No changes. Two bags of herbs to take over 4 days.

Chaihu 10g	Huangqi 15g	Danggui 10g	Dangshen 10g	Shengma 6g
Zhigancao 6g	Hongzao 20g	Paojiang 10g	Chenpi 6g	Guizhi 10g
Huashi 10g	Chishizhi 10g	Dahuang 3g

Visit 3: October 26, 2025 (4 days later)

Presentation: Back pain is significantly better. Patient only notices some stiffness in evenings and mornings.

Tongue: Coating thin, dry, tip red

Pulse: Deep, muted, thready

Dx: Qi deficiency, yang deficiency, yangming excess heat

Prescription: Two bags of herbs to take over 4 days.

Same treatment provided as last time.

Upon follow up one week later. Patient reported her lower back was back to normal. Bowel movements have also improved.

Note: All case studies have been posted with patient consent and retain complete details from patient treatment records as per the CTCMPAO’s policy on advertising.  Case studies are evaluated on a case-by-case basis and the herbs/acupuncture points listed here are not intended to be used by non-licensed individuals and can be dangerous if not prescribed appropriately.  Symptom presentation will vary between individuals so please seek out professional advice or book online if you are concerned about yourself or a friend/family member.