Back Support (HD)

• Back pain due to herniated disk;
• Herniated disk, lumbar radiculopathy, prolapsed or bulging disk, or slipped disk with possible severe back pain which may worsen with coughing, straining or laughing, tingling or numbness in the legs or feet, muscle spasm or weakness;
• Pain originating from the spinal cord and radiating down the legs

• Analgesic effect to relieve pain;
• Anti-inflammatory effect to reduce swelling and inflammation;
• Spasmolytic effect to relax muscles;
• Chondroprotective effect to protect the cartilages;
• Osteogenic effect to promote generation of bones

• Pregnancy and nursing.
• Patients who have pain radiating to the extremities accompanied by a sudden loss of bladder or bowel control may have a pinched nerve or spinal injury and must be referred out to emergency care if they have not already been evaluated by a specialist. This condition, known as cauda equina syndrome, can lead to permanent disability and must be evaluated and treated immediately.
• This herbal formula contains herbs that invigorate blood circulation, such as Radix et Rhizoma Salviae Miltiorrhizae and Radix Angelicae Sinensis.
• Therefore, patients who are on anticoagulant or antiplatelet therapies, such as Coumadin (warfarin), should use this formula with caution, or not at all, as there may be a higher risk of bleeding and bruising

• Eat whole grain cereals and a wide variety of raw vegetables and fruits to ensure a complete supply of nutrients for the bones, nerves, and muscles.
• Fresh pineapples are recommended as they contain bromelain, an enzyme that is excellent in reducing inflammation. If the consumption of fresh pineapples causes stomach upset, eat it after meals.
• To relieve cramps and spasms, eat plenty of fruits and vegetables, especially those high in potassium, such as bananas and oranges. Also, drink an adequate amount of warm water.
• The following is a folk remedy to treat acute back pain from sprain and strain. Crack open 2 ocean crabs with a wooden stick (do not use a knife or any metal instruments) and put them into a clay pot with enough vodka or whiskey to cover both crabs. Place the clay pot into another bigger pot with water and steam for one hour. Serve the crab meat along with the liquor soup.
• Adequate intake of minerals, such as calcium and potassium, is essential for pain management. Deficiency of these minerals leads to spasms, cramps, and tense muscles.
• Avoid cold beverages, ice cream, caffeine, sugar, tomatoes, milk, and dairy products.
  

LIFESTYLE INSTRUCTIONS

• Stretching and strengthening exercises for the back muscles are essential for long-term recovery.
• Mild exercise such as swimming, yoga, or tai chi chuan * tai ji chuan] on a regular basis is recommended.
• Avoid engaging in activities that may lead to re-injury, such as improper lifting with turning or twisting, or excessive strain on the back. Advise the patient that lifting should involve the use of the knees, not the back. Avoid all strenuous physical activity.
• For those who are overweight, weight loss is strongly recommended to decrease pressure on the joints and relieve pain.
• Finally, adequate rest is essential to recovery. It is wise to review sleeping postures to ensure that the back is appropriately supported and relaxed in sleep. Firm beds are recommended over soft ones.
• Heat pad use is recommended to warm the affected area and provide better blood circulation for pain relief.

Take 3 to 4 capsules, three times daily, as needed to relieve pain. The dosage may be increased up to 6 to 8 capsules every four to six hours if necessary, especially in the early stages of injury when there is severe and excruciating pain. When the pain subsides, reduce the dosage to 3 or 4 capsules, three times daily. For maximum effectiveness, take
the herbs on an empty stomach, with two tall glasses of warm water.

• Radix Paeoniae Alba;
• Semen Plantaginis;
• Radix Cyathulae;
• Rhizoma Chuanxiong;
• Radix et Rhizoma Salviae Miltiorrhizae;
• Radix Angelicae Sinensis;
• Cortex Eucommiae;
• Rhizoma Curcumae;
• Radix et Rhizoma Glycyrrhizae;
• Ramulus Cinnamomi;
• Rhizoma Sparganii;
• Herba Lycopodii;
• Rhizoma Corydalis;
• Semen Coicis;
• Rhizoma Alismatis;