Lesser-Known Causes of Lower Back Pain (According to TCM)
- Dr. Kim Le-Nguyen
- Sep 18
- 3 min read
If you suffer from lower back pain, your first thought might be that you pulled a muscle during exercise, or maybe you slept in the wrong position. But what if the real cause is something deeper, something you may not have considered?
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), lower back pain is most commonly associated with imbalances in the Kidney system, Qi and Blood stagnation, or the invasion of external factors like wind, cold, or dampness. However, beyond these familiar explanations, TCM also recognizes several lesser-known causes that may contribute to persistent or unexplained lower back discomfort.
One of the most fundamental concepts in TCM is that the Kidneys are the root of life force (Jing). They govern the bones and are deeply connected to the health of the lower back. When Kidney energy is deficient, whether in Yang or Yin, pain may develop without any clear physical cause. This kind of pain is often chronic, dull, and accompanied by fatigue, cold limbs, frequent urination, night sweats, or a low sex drive. It's not simply a muscular issue, it’s a sign that your body’s core energy reserves may be depleted.
Another under-recognized cause is Liver Qi stagnation. Emotional stress, frustration, or repressed anger can block the smooth flow of Liver energy, which may result in referred tension or pain in the lower back. If your discomfort tends to worsen during times of emotional stress, or if you also experience bloating, mood swings, irritability, or discomfort along the sides of your body, this could be the root of your symptoms. In this case, the pain isn’t about posture or activity, it’s about the stuck energy that needs to be released.
TCM also considers the impact of digestion on musculoskeletal health. When the Spleen is weak, a condition known as Spleen Qi deficiency, the body may struggle to transform food into usable energy. This can lead to an accumulation of internal dampness, contributing to a dull, achy sensation in the lower back, especially when paired with fatigue, bloating, or feeling heavy after meals. If you often feel tired after eating or have a poor appetite, your digestive system may be playing a bigger role in your back pain than you realize.
Perhaps the most overlooked cause of all is blood stagnation. Old injuries, scar tissue, or internal blockages can lead to poor circulation of Blood and Qi, creating fixed, stabbing pain in a specific area of the lower back. This type of pain is often worse at night and may persist long after the original injury has healed. Even if imaging tests show nothing unusual, TCM recognizes that stagnation in the channels can still cause significant discomfort.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, pain is rarely seen as an isolated issue. It’s a signal that the body is out of balance: physically, emotionally, or energetically. If your lower back pain is chronic, unresponsive to typical treatments, or difficult to explain, it may be worth exploring these deeper patterns. TCM offers a holistic approach that not only addresses the pain but also treats the underlying imbalance, helping your body restore its natural state of harmony and health.
If you’d like to explore a personalized TCM assessment for lower back pain, we invite you to schedule a consultation with us. Acupuncture, herbal therapy, and lifestyle adjustments tailored to your unique pattern can make a significant difference in both relief and long-term wellbeing.
Dr. Kim Le-Nguyen, DAOM, L.Ac. is the Founder and Clinical Director of 7 Sages Acupuncture and Herbs, well-regarded for her ability to help patients facing stubborn, complex health challenges. With advanced expertise in pain relief, fertility, stress, and anxiety, she blends time-honored Chinese medicine with modern clinical insight to deliver results where others fall short. Her mission is simple yet profound: restore balance, renew vitality, and help you reclaim the life you deserve. Book your appointment today—and start your path to healing.
