Intensive Korean Medicine Treatments for Low Back Pain and Decreased Living Function due to Herniation Intervertebral Discs in the Lumbar Spine: A Case Study

Background This case study suggests the potential use of Korean medicine treatments as a conservative management for low back pain and decreased living function due to herniation of intervertebral discs in the lumbar spine. Case Summary The patient suffered low back pain and decreased living function due to herniation of intervertebral discs of the lumbar spine. Korean medicine treatments, including herbal medicine, acupuncture performed on BL23, BL40, SP6, and GB39, and pharmacupuncture containing Sinbaro, were applied for eight days. The numeric rating scale (NRS) results for low back pain decreased from 6 to 2 and the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) low back pain scores decreased from 75.56 to 31.11. Walking time also increased from less than one minute to 20 minutes, with an increase in range of motion (ROM) from “Uncheckable” to about normal motion range. Conclusion Korean medicine treatment can be considered to be an effective conservative management option for pain and decreased living function in patients with herniation of intervertebral discs in the lumbar spine. Keywords: intervertebral disc, living function, low back pain, Korean traditional medicine, case report