Spine Injuries
More than 4 decades of expertise in managing spine conditions and injuries
What constitutes spine injury?
Spinal injuries involve damages to any part(s) of the spine, including injuries occurred to spinal cord, nerve endings or muscle groups. It can result from traumatic causes like fractures, dislocations, compression of vertebrae, or non-traumatic causes such as tumour, degeneration or infections. Symptoms vary based on the injury’s location and severity, including loss of movement, sensation changes, bladder or bowel control issues, and pain.
From a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) perspective, spine injuries disrupt the smooth flow of Qi (vital energy) and Blood along the Governing Vessel (Du Mai), which runs directly down the spine. This disruption leads to acute Qi stagnation and Blood stasis, manifesting as severe localized pain, stiffness, and swelling. If left unaddressed, this stagnation starves the surrounding muscles and tendons of essential nourishment, prolonged healing and inducing chronic weakness.
The benefits of Traditional Chinese Medicine
Reduce inflammation
Support rehabilitation
Promote overall health
How does Pinewell Chinese Medicine help
Slipped discs, also known as herniated or ruptured discs, are often caused either by wear and tear due to aging or activities that put stress onto the spine. Common symptoms include different degrees of pain, numbness, or weakness in muscles in affected areas. Sometimes, it may also affect other body functions such as bowel movement and urination.
Spinal disks act as rubbery cushions between your vertebrae (bones in your spinal column). They serve as shock absorbers and allow comfortable movement, bending, and twisting. Over time, everyone’s spinal disks naturally degenerate due to aging. When these cushions wear away, the bones can start to rub together, causing pain and other issues. Common symptoms often include neck or back pain, numbness and tingling.
Curved spine often refers to scoliosis or kyphosis.
For Scoliosis, it refers to sideways curvature of the spine, often forming an S or C shape. It is commonly seen in adolescents and tends to run in families. Causes remain unclear but may involve genetic factors, diseases, injuries, or birth defects.
For Kyphosis, it is characterized by an abnormally rounded upper back (more than 50 degrees of curvature). Possible causes include abnormal vertebrae development, poor posture, Scheuermann’s disease, arthritis, or osteoporosis.
Chronic spine pain refers to pain experienced in the spine / back area for more than 3 months. Causes and corresponding treatments depend on the area of pain – upper, mid or lower back, but most commonly associate with poor posture, strains and injuries.
Osteoporosis is a bone disease characterized by weakened and brittle bones. Osteoporosis occurs when the body loses bone mass faster than it can replace it. Factors include aging, hormonal changes (especially during menopause), lack of exercise, poor nutrition, and certain medications. Bones become fragile and prone to fractures, even from minor stresses like coughing or bending over. Early stages often have no noticeable symptoms. Fractures (especially in the hip, spine, or wrist) may be the first sign. Stooped posture, back pain, and lost height are common.
Relevant treatments
Help reduce pain, improve blood circulation, and promote healing. Some studies suggest that acupuncture can alleviate neuropathic pain associated with spinal cord injuries.
As part of rehabilitation, acupressure can reduce muscle tension and improve circulation by targeting specific points and meridians on the body.
Various herbal formulations might be prescribed to address inflammation, boost immune function, and support tissue repair.
Frequently Asked Questions
Please feel free to talk to us if you have more questions.
TCM can effectively manage both acute and chronic spine issues. This includes slipped/herniated discs, spine degeneration (spondylosis), scoliosis, kyphosis, sciatica, and general chronic back pain. It is also highly effective for post-surgical rehabilitation to accelerate tissue healing and reduce residual nerve pain.
Yes, treatments are highly customized for safety. For conditions like severe osteoporosis or structural shifts (scoliosis), aggressive physical manipulation is avoided. Instead, we utilize gentle, targeted acupuncture, acupressure to relieve compensatory muscle tension, and specific herbal formulations aimed at strengthening bone matrix and nourishing tendons without putting stress on the skeletal structure.
New patients are more than welcomed to visit our clinic first.
The timeline varies based on severity and chronicity. Acute injuries or mild muscle spasms may see noticeable relief within a few sessions. Chronic conditions, structural degenerations, or severe herniations typically require a structured course of treatment (e.g. 10 sessions) alongside herbal medicine to achieve sustained stability and long-term pain management.
Absolutely. TCM works excellently as a complementary therapy. Acupuncture can drastically reduce pain and muscle guarding, which actually makes it easier and less painful for you to perform your physiotherapy exercises. We recommend sharing your current medical reports, X-rays, or MRIs with our physicians during your consultation so we can align our treatment plan safely with your overall medical care.
Yes, Pinewell Chinese Medicine is on the panel for most major corporate insurance providers. Depending on your specific corporate coverage, you may be eligible for direct billing or cashless treatments. For providers not on direct billing, we routinely issue official, itemized receipts and physician memos required for you to successfully submit a reimbursement claim through your company’s HR or insurance portal. We recommend checking with your HR department and insurance provider regarding your specific TCM coverage limits before your visit.
We also specialise in managing these complex conditions:
Pain Management
We provide targeted relief for chronic conditions including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, migraines, frozen shoulder, and fibromyalgia.
Oncology
We manage cancer treatment side effects like chemotherapy-induced nausea, fatigue, peripheral neuropathy, and support post-surgery recovery
Reproductive Health
We treat specialized hormonal and fertility conditions including endometriosis, PCOS, irregular cycles, and unexplained infertility.
Skin Conditions
We manage chronic dermatological flare-ups including eczema, psoriasis, acne, hives, and stubborn atopic dermatitis.
Respiratory Issues
We treat ongoing respiratory ailments such as allergic rhinitis, chronic sinusitis, asthma, bronchitis, and post-viral coughs.
Gut Health
We address disruptive gastrointestinal disorders including irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), chronic acid reflux, bloating, and gastritis.