Bone and Joint Diseases Affecting Younger Generations: TCM as a New Treatment Choice
In a recent interview, Dr Li Rui highlighted a significant trend: bone and joint diseases are increasingly affecting younger people. It is no longer a condition exclusive to the elderly; more and more young adults are suffering from persistent joint pain. Consequently, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for joint pain and the comprehensive management of rheumatic diseases has become the preferred choice for many patients.
Lifestyle Habits: The Main Cause of Joint Issues in the Young
Dr Li Rui explains that the primary causes of bone and joint diseases are a deficiency in the body's "Righteous Qi" (immunity) or a weak congenital constitution. Long-term living in damp environments, exposure to cold wind after sweating, or being caught in the rain can allow "Wind, Cold, Dampness, and Heat" pathogens to invade the joints. This leads to Qi and Blood stagnation and blockage of the meridians, forming chronic joint conditions.
In TCM, these conditions are called "Bi Syndromes" (Blockage Syndromes). Common symptoms include:
• Pain, soreness, numbness, or a burning sensation in joints or muscles.
• Joint stiffness and restricted movement.
• In severe cases, joint swelling and deformity.
Dr Li Rui emphasizes that flare-ups are closely linked to cold, dampness, fatigue, and weather changes. While previously common among manual laborers, office professionals are now a high-risk group. He notes: "Spending long hours in air-conditioned rooms, lack of exercise, and poor posture easily lead to neck and shoulder stiffness, lower back soreness, and joint pain."
Types of Joint Diseases and TCM Treatments
Dr Li Rui points out that TCM is highly effective in treating the following common conditions:
• Rheumatoid Arthritis: Relieving swelling and pain, improving morning stiffness and restricted movement by promoting blood circulation and dispelling wind-dampness.
• Rheumatic Arthritis: Using methods to warm Yang and dispel cold to alleviate cold-dampness related joint pain.
• Lumbar Disc Herniation: Combining acupuncture, Tuina (massage), and internal herbal medicine to relieve lower back pain and radiating pain in the legs.
• Sciatica: Improving radiating soreness and numbness through herbal formulas that unblock meridians and stop pain.
• Frozen Shoulder (Periarthritis): Relieving nocturnal pain and restricted shoulder movement using acupuncture and warming herbal formulas.
• Cervical Spondylosis: Addressing neck stiffness, hand numbness, and soreness by improving blood circulation with acupuncture and herbs.
• Neck and Shoulder Syndrome: Relieving long-term chronic aching and pain by adjusting Qi and Blood.
Dr Li Rui advises seeking medical attention early if you experience morning stiffness, joint clicking, swelling, or numbness. "With early treatment, many patients see significant improvement or even a complete cure," says Dr Li Rui.
Case Studies
Case 1: Significant Improvement in Neck and Shoulder Syndrome
Patient: 42-year-old male, suffering from chronic neck and back pain, arm numbness, and headaches for 3 years. He relied heavily on painkillers.
Diagnosis: Neck and Shoulder Syndrome.
Treatment: Dr Li Rui used a combination of herbal medicine, acupuncture, and Tuina for 3 months. The pain was significantly relieved, and he stopped using painkillers. Following a month of consolidation treatment, he has remained in good condition for six months without medication.
Case 2: Knee Pain and Constitutional Improvement
Patient: 36-year-old female teacher, overweight, suffering from 4 years of bilateral knee pain and morning heel pain, accompanied by irregular periods and fatigue.
Treatment: Through herbal regulation, acupuncture for weight loss, and Tuina for 4 months, her weight dropped significantly. Her joint pain and menstrual issues improved markedly, and her overall energy levels were restored.
TCM Recommended Dietary Recipe
Coix Seed and Pork Sinew Soup (薏苡仁蹄筋汤)
Ingredients:
• Pork sinew: 250g
• Pork tenderloin: 50g
• Dried shrimp: 15g
• Coix seed (Job's Tears): 50g
• Fresh ginger: 6 slices
• Red dates: 6 pieces
Method: Stew all ingredients together. This soup helps dispel dampness, strengthen bones, and activate the meridians.
Warm Reminder from Dr Li Rui
Bone and joint diseases are not just for the elderly; young people must pay attention to their neck, back, and joint health. TCM emphasizes holistic regulation. Combining herbal medicine, acupuncture, Tuina, and reasonable exercise can effectively relieve pain and restore function. Seek treatment early to prevent the condition from worsening.
