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Medical Care in China

Neck, shoulder, lower back and leg pain
Treatment in China

Provide a clear and complete coordinated pathway from expert assessment to treatment and rehabilitation.

Special TCM TechniquesThe synergistic application of various TCM techniques such as acupuncture, needle knife therapy, and massage.

Precision pain interventionDeveloping plans for neck, shoulder, back, leg pain and neuropathic pain.

Postoperative rehabilitationCombines traditional Chinese medicine treatment with modern rehabilitation to promote functional recovery.

Personalized treatmentTreatment:Plans are developed based on the patient's condition, physical condition, and treatment needs.

Condition Guide

About Neck, shoulder, lower back and leg pain

Understand the condition, common triggers and treatment options that may require specialist assessment.

Disease Introduction

Introduction: Neck, shoulder, back and leg pain is a syndrome that encompasses diseases of the neck, shoulders, waist, lower limb soft tissues, spine, bones and joints, and nerve roots, including myofascitis, cervical spondylosis, lumbar disc herniation, spinal stenosis, rotator cuff injury, and osteoarthritis. It is the most common chronic pain syndrome of the musculoskeletal system.
Pathological Mechanisms: ① Long-term abnormal stress on the spine/soft tissues leads to muscle and fascia spasms, adhesions, and trigger point formation; ② Intervertebral disc degeneration, ligament hypertrophy, and bone hyperplasia cause mechanical compression of nerve roots/spinal cord; ③ Local tissue damage releases inflammatory mediators, inducing aseptic inflammation and nerve ending pain sensitization; the persistent mechanical imbalance forms a vicious cycle of "pain-spasm-further strain." Traditional Chinese Medicine Pathogenesis: Imbalance of tendons and bones, obstruction of meridians, stagnation of qi and blood, possibly complicated by cold-dampness obstruction and deficiency of liver and kidney.
Core symptoms: Soreness and stiffness in the neck, shoulders, back, and waist, which may be accompanied by radiating pain, numbness, and decreased sensation in the upper/lower limbs; limited joint movement, which is aggravated by fatigue, cold, and poor posture; severe cases may present with decreased muscle strength and intermittent claudication; severe spinal cord compression may cause a band-like sensation in the trunk and abnormal bowel and bladder function.

Cutting-edge high-precision diagnostic and treatment technologies

Minimally invasive spinal endoscopic techniques: percutaneous endoscopic discectomy, UBE unilateral dual-channel endoscopy, and cervical key-hole endoscopy. High-definition endoscopic visualization is used for direct visualization during discectomy, nerve root decompression, and spinal canal decompression; millimeter-level incisions preserve the bony stability of the spine, suitable for herniated discs and spinal stenosis.
Microsurgical decompression techniques: Cervical ACDF/ACCF and posterior laminoplasty under a microscope, with magnified vision for precise separation of the spinal cord and nerve roots, is the gold standard surgical procedure for complex multi-segmental cervical spondylotic myelopathy.
Image-guided interventional analgesia techniques: C-arm/ultrasound/CT-guided radiofrequency thermocoagulation ablation, posterior branch modulation of spinal nerves, plasma nucleus pulposus ablation, and selective nerve root block. Puncture target localization can be down to the millimeter level, effectively activating pain-causing nerves and reducing nerve root edema. This is the preferred method for elderly patients who cannot tolerate surgery.
Ultrasound-guided soft tissue release technique: Ultrasound-guided needle knife and extracorporeal shock wave are used to target and release fascia and joint capsule scar adhesions. It is used for frozen shoulder and extensive myofascitis, avoiding accidental damage to blood vessels and nerves.
Regenerative Repair Technology: Local injection of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) activates the repair of tendons, joint capsules, and intervertebral disc tissues, targeting degenerative soft tissue injuries, mild cases of frozen shoulder, and minor rotator cuff injuries.
Robot-assisted and navigation technology : Orthopedic robot-assisted percutaneous pedicle screw fixation and endoscopic surgery: Integrating intraoperative navigation and real-time image monitoring to improve the accuracy of complex spinal surgery. The earliest unit in China to carry out this technology has achieved 5G remote robotic surgery .

Care Overview

Neck, shoulder, lower back and leg pain Treatment in China

The medical team will develop a personalized protocol based on the pathology type, stage, genetic test, previous treatment history, and the patient's physical condition.

Core treatment logic: A dual-track model of "precise assessment by Western medicine + holistic diagnosis by Traditional Chinese Medicine".
1. Mild cases in the acute phase: Western medicine physical therapy and immobilization management, combined with acupuncture/warm acupuncture and meridian massage to quickly control pain and relieve muscle spasms;
2. Chronic intractable pain: Ultrasound-visualized needle knife release + Western medicine exercise rehabilitation, with synchronized guided exercises, to reshape the balance of myofascial tension;
3. Patients requiring minimally invasive/endoscopic surgery: Preoperative acupuncture analgesia to improve overall condition; early postoperative TCM external treatment and acupuncture intervention to reduce postoperative pain and adhesions and accelerate nerve function recovery;
4. Postoperative stabilization period: Traditional Chinese medicine for strengthening the body and muscles + long-term Western medicine rehabilitation of core muscle groups to correct poor biomechanics and prevent recurrence.
Core diagnostic and treatment logic: Western medicine uses imaging to accurately identify and differentiate between structural compression and soft tissue muscle pain; Western medicine targets and relieves organic compression; Traditional Chinese medicine uses acupuncture to release fascial blockages and regulate the body's Qi and blood; the two complement each other to achieve integrated pain relief, stress reduction, musculoskeletal reconstruction, and long-term recurrence prevention.

1. Advantages of Western minimally invasive surgery: Image visualization and localization directly relieve mechanical compression of nerves and spinal cord; rapid rescue of nerve function in acute and severe cases, avoiding irreversible damage; physical rehabilitation allows for quantitative assessment of muscle function. Limitations: Cannot reverse systemic musculoskeletal imbalance; potential risks of postoperative fascial adhesions and recurrence of pain.
2. Advantages of Traditional Chinese Medicine Acupuncture: Non-invasive/minimally invasive, low risk; effective for soft tissue-related, chronic, recurrent pain; holistic regulation of imbalances in muscles, bones, qi, and blood, reducing long-term recurrence. Limitations: Cannot relieve severe spinal cord or nerve root mechanical compression; conservative acupuncture should not be used alone for severe spinal cord compression to avoid delaying treatment.
3. Core Advantages of Integrating Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine
① Classification and identification: Differentiate between structural lesions and simple muscle injuries to avoid blind surgery or simply conservative treatment;
②Perioperative coordination throughout the entire process: preoperative pain reduction, postoperative nerve repair promotion, and shortening of the rehabilitation period;
③ Treating both the symptoms and the root cause: Western medicine treats the "symptoms" (compression, acute inflammation), while traditional Chinese medicine acupuncture treats the "root cause" (imbalance of muscles and bones, obstruction of meridians).
④ Wider range of applicable populations: Elderly patients and those with multiple underlying diseases who cannot tolerate general anesthesia can use a combined approach of traditional Chinese and Western medicine conservative treatment plus minimally invasive intervention.
4. The core contradiction in neck, shoulder, lower back, and leg pain lies in abnormal spinal mechanics, soft tissue fascia adhesions, and intervertebral disc degeneration, complicated by aseptic inflammation or mechanical compression of nerve roots. Top domestic systems follow a tiered, individualized, and disease-symptom-based approach: Western medicine relies on precise imaging diagnosis and minimally invasive/surgical methods to relieve structural compression; Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and acupuncture treat based on the principles of meridians and tendons, unblocking meridians and balancing muscle and bone tension; the synergistic approach of TCM and Western medicine is a unique domestic solution, taking into account acute neuroprotection, acute analgesia, and medium- to long-term functional reconstruction and recurrence prevention.

Network of partner hospitals

Recommended Hospitals

Selected leading medical centers with strong specialties and international patient services.

Beijing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine (Clinical Medical College of Traditional Chinese Medicine), Capital Medical University

Beijing · Partner Hospital

Beijing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine (Clinical Medical College of Traditional Chinese Medicine), Capital Medical University

TCM & Acupuncture

The hospital is a national center for the development of traditional Chinese medicine, a national clinical research base for traditional Chinese medicine, and a national center for the inheritance and innovation of traditional Chinese medicine. It has key disciplines of the State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, key medical specialties of the Beijing Municipal Hospital Management Center's "Sailing" Plan, as well as 13 national advantageous specialties of traditional Chinese medicine and 16 key specialties of the Beijing Municipal Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine. It is a base for international cooperation in traditional Chinese medicine, a base for disease prevention and treatment, and a clinical base for emergency treatment of traditional Chinese medicine. It is also a Class A designated medical institution for Beijing's basic medical insurance.

Year Founded: 1956
Beds: 1400

Guang'anmen Hospital of China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences (Second Clinical Medical Research Institute of China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences)

Beijing · Partner Hospital

Guang'anmen Hospital of China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences (Second Clinical Medical Research Institute of China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences)

TCM & AcupunctureRehabilitation

The hospital is among the first batch of "mentor-type" national TCM medical center creation units, national regional medical center export units, and national TCM inheritance and innovation center construction units. It is a national TCM oncology medical center, a TCM diabetes specialty center, and a TCM anorectal disease specialty center. It is also an ISO9001 quality management certified unit, a member of the WHO Collaborating Centre for Traditional Medicine, a key unit for the national TCM service trade "pilot program," and one of the first national TCM service export bases. It ranks first nationwide in the Fudan University ranking of comprehensive TCM (oncology) departments.

Year Founded: 1955
Beds: 407

Xiyuan Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences (Xiyuan Hospital)

Beijing · Partner Hospital

Xiyuan Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences (Xiyuan Hospital)

TCM & Acupuncture

The hospital is a network hospital of the National Health Commission's International Emergency Rescue Center and a core unit for national clinical medical research and key discipline construction in traditional Chinese medicine for cardiovascular diseases. It ranks second nationwide in the Fudan University ranking of comprehensive traditional Chinese medicine (cardiovascular) fields. The hospital has been selected as one of the top 50 in China's cardiovascular disease science and technology influence list and is a national clinical research base for traditional Chinese medicine and a national drug clinical trial institution.

Year Founded: 1955
Beds: 800

Dongzhimen Hospital of Beijing University of Chinese Medicine (The First Affiliated Hospital of Beijing University of Chinese Medicine )

Beijing · Partner Hospital

Dongzhimen Hospital of Beijing University of Chinese Medicine (The First Affiliated Hospital of Beijing University of Chinese Medicine )

TCM & AcupunctureInternal Medicine

The hospital was among the first batch of national medical centers (TCM guidance category) and is a demonstration base for the construction of a national comprehensive reform pilot zone for the development of TCM. It ranks 4th nationwide in the Fudan University ranking of comprehensive TCM (brain diseases). The hospital's Department of Brain Diseases is the leading unit of the National Collaborative Group for Emergency Brain Diseases under the State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, and a key discipline and specialty construction unit for TCM brain diseases.

Year Founded: 1958
Beds: 1540

The First Affiliated Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine

Tianjin · Partner Hospital

The First Affiliated Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine

TCM & AcupunctureRehabilitation

The hospital is a national medical center construction unit, a national clinical research center for traditional Chinese medicine and acupuncture, a national regional medical center construction export hospital, a key traditional Chinese medicine hospital of the national traditional Chinese medicine inheritance and innovation project, a national traditional Chinese medicine clinical research base, a national regional traditional Chinese medicine (specialty) diagnosis and treatment center, a national traditional Chinese medicine service export base, a national-level traditional Chinese medicine quality control center under construction unit, and a national traditional Chinese medicine clinical teaching and training demonstration center. It ranks first in the country in the Fudan University ranking of traditional Chinese medicine and acupuncture disciplines.

Year Founded: 1954
Beds: 800

Longhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine

Shanghai · Partner Hospital

Longhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine

TCM & Acupuncture

The hospital is a national model TCM hospital, one of the first batch of national TCM inheritance and innovation centers, and a national TCM clinical research base. It ranks 7th nationwide in the Fudan University ranking of comprehensive TCM (proctology) fields. The hospital's proctology department is a national key clinical specialty, a key high-level TCM discipline of the State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, and a leading TCM specialty. It is also an important component of the national intangible cultural heritage "Gu's Surgery."

Year Founded: 1960
Beds: 1750

Leading Specialists

Trusted Expertise Across Leading Specialties

Shi Dazhuo

Chief Researcher, Qihuang Scholar, Director of the Cardiovascular Disease Research Institute

TCM & Acupuncture

Research areas : myocardial repair after myocardial infarction, atherosclerosis, chronic heart failure; Cutting-edge technologies: Qi-invigorating and blood-activating muscle-regenerating therapy for myocardial infarction, plaque-targeted regulation; Areas of expertise: coronary heart disease, myocardial infarction, chronic heart failure; Academic highlights: Principal investigator of a national key research and development project, multiple evidence-based studies have confirmed that traditional Chinese m

Affiliated Hospital Xiyuan Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences (Xiyuan Hospital)

Yin Lixin

Chief Physician

TCM & Acupuncture

Research area : Personalized treatment of colorectal and anal diseases using integrated traditional Chinese and Western medicine. Specializes in treating: hemorrhoids, anal fistula, anal fissure, rectal prolapse, colorectal tumors, inflammatory bowel disease, radiation enteritis, irritable bowel syndrome, constipation, perianal skin diseases, rectovaginal fistula, and other anorectal and surgical diseases.

Affiliated Hospital Longhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine

Yao Yibo

Chief Physician, Doctoral Supervisor, Director of the Department of Anorectal Surgery, and the Fifth Generation Successor of the Gu Family Surgery

TCM & Acupuncture

-Research areas : functional constipation, gut microbiota, complex anal fistula, pelvic floor dynamic disorders. - Cutting-edge technologies: Sacral nerve modulation therapy for defecation disorders; minimally invasive treatment combining sutures and VAAFT; research on the pathogenesis of constipation in traditional Chinese medicine. - Areas of expertise: intractable functional constipation, high-level complex anal fistula, pelvic floor defecation disorders, and chronic perianal wounds. - Academic Highlig

Affiliated Hospital Longhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine

Zhang Jingchun

Professor , Deputy Director of Cardiovascular Department, specializing in Imperial Medicine and Palpitation Treatment

TCM & Acupuncture

Research areas: Imperial medicine, traditional Chinese medicine treatment of palpitations (arrhythmia), and research on Qing Dynasty imperial physician literature. Cutting-edge technology: Under the guidance of Academician Chen Keji, the three major official medical books of the Song Dynasty and the literature of imperial physicians of the Qing Dynasty were systematically organized. Based on the concept of "all diseases originate from the liver, and treating the liver is the first priority" of Tong Kuoqua

Affiliated Hospital Xiyuan Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences (Xiyuan Hospital)

Li Bin

Chief Physician, Professor

TCM & Acupuncture

Research areas : metabolic diseases, obesity, diabetes; cutting-edge technologies: fire needle warming and breaking theory, combined acupuncture and drug therapy for metabolic diseases; Areas of expertise: Type 2 diabetes, hyperlipidemia, obesity; Academic highlights: Academic leader in the field of fire needle metabolic diseases; Core value: Building an integrated chronic disease management system that combines acupuncture and medication with lifestyle intervention for metabolic diseases.

Affiliated Hospital Beijing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine (Clinical Medical College of Traditional Chinese Medicine), Capital Medical University

Liu Qingquan

Chief Physician, Professor

TCM & Acupuncture

Research areas : Traditional Chinese medicine emergency care, infectious diseases, and respiratory critical care; Cutting-edge technologies: Traditional Chinese medicine epidemic disease theory, and integrated traditional Chinese and Western medicine treatment plans for sepsis. Areas of expertise: Severe pneumonia, sepsis, fever of unknown origin; Academic highlights: Head of the National Traditional Chinese Medicine Epidemic Prevention and Control Base; Core value: Establishing a TCM-based emergency care

Affiliated Hospital Beijing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine (Clinical Medical College of Traditional Chinese Medicine), Capital Medical University

Patient Stories

See the Next Step Through Patient Journeys

Postherpetic neuralgia – A Filipino elderly man's palliative care helps him overcome

CASE 01

PATIENT JOURNEY

Postherpetic neuralgia – A Filipino elderly man's palliative care helps him overcome "pain in his lower back".

TCM & Acupuncture

Patient records: Name: Maria Age: 68 Nationality: Filipino Diagnosis: Postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) Treatment Hospital: Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences When the pain becomes a memory, we help her regain peaceful nights. Maria, a 68-year-old retired teacher from Cebu, Philippines, developed shingles on the left side of her chest and back three months ago. After the rash healed, the real nightmare began. The original shingles area was left with intense, burning, and stabbing p

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CASE 02

PATIENT JOURNEY

Melting the "Frozen" Shoulders—An Indonesian Businessman's Painless Restart

TCM & AcupunctureRehabilitation

Patient records: Name: Budi Age: 52 years old Nationality: Indonesia Diagnosis: Frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis) Treatment Hospital: Longhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine When his arm became "displayable," we found the key to restarting it. 52-year-old Budi is a successful Chinese businessman in Jakarta, spending most of his time working at a desk. Six months ago, he began experiencing a dull ache in his right shoulder, which he initially ignored. However,

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Cerebral Palsy in Children: Unlocking the

CASE 03

PATIENT JOURNEY

Cerebral Palsy in Children: Unlocking the "Compressed Spring"—A Kazakh Family Finds a Precise Answer in China

TCM & AcupunctureNeurologyPediatrics

Patient records Name: Alina Age: 5 years old Nationality: Kazakhstan Diagnosis: Spastic diplegia (cerebral palsy), GMFCS grade III Treatment Hospital: Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine For a family, the rehabilitation of a child with cerebral palsy is a marathon with no end in sight. When parents take their children around the world, only to hear time and again, "This is the only way," the despair is profound. Alina's story tells how we helped a family find tha

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Stroke Rehabilitation: When Language Becomes an Island—We Build a Cross-Cultural Rehabilitation Bridge for a Thai Painter

CASE 04

PATIENT JOURNEY

Stroke Rehabilitation: When Language Becomes an Island—We Build a Cross-Cultural Rehabilitation Bridge for a Thai Painter

TCM & AcupunctureRehabilitation

Patient records Name: Sophie Age: 65 Nationality: Thailand Diagnosis: Post-ischemic stroke sequelae (right middle cerebral artery supply area), Wernicke aphasia, right hemiplegia. Treatment Hospital: Neurorehabilitation Center, Huashan Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University Case Study Theme: For overseas patients, the biggest obstacles to cross-border medical treatment are often not distance, but rather "information asymmetry" and "culture shock." They don't know how China's healthcare system works, whic

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Service Process

A clear, coordinated process for efficient cross-border care

01
Pre-Visit Services
Contact us for help organising and translating medical records, planning consultations, and finding suitable hospitals and specialists.
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Remote Consultations
A remote consultation helps establish an initial approach to diagnosis and treatment, with a cost estimate available within 48 hours.
03
Travel Arrangements
We assist with visa applications, book flights and hotel or apartment accommodation, and arrange airport pick-up, private transport and check-in.
04
Comprehensive Support in China
We accompany you to medical appointments and provide interpreting services, help arrange specialist consultations or surgery, assist with hospital admission and discharge, and help settle medical bills.
05
Post-Visit Services
We assist with notarisation of medical expense documents, airport drop-off, organisation and translation of medical records, remote rehabilitation guidance, and coordination of international referrals.

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Neck, shoulder, lower back and leg painTreatment in China

Neck, shoulder, lower back and leg pain Treatment in China

Recommended Hospitals

Beijing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine (Clinical Medical College of Traditional Chinese Medicine), Capital Medical University

Guang'anmen Hospital of China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences (Second Clinical Medical Research Institute of China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences)

Xiyuan Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences (Xiyuan Hospital)

Dongzhimen Hospital of Beijing University of Chinese Medicine (The First Affiliated Hospital of Beijing University of Chinese Medicine )

The First Affiliated Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine

Longhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine

Affiliated Hospital of Gansu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine

Trusted Expertise Across Leading Specialties

See the Next Step Through Patient Journeys

Postherpetic neuralgia – A Filipino elderly man's palliative care helps him overcome "pain in his lower back".

Melting the "Frozen" Shoulders—An Indonesian Businessman's Painless Restart

Cerebral Palsy in Children: Unlocking the "Compressed Spring"—A Kazakh Family Finds a Precise Answer in China

Stroke Rehabilitation: When Language Becomes an Island—We Build a Cross-Cultural Rehabilitation Bridge for a Thai Painter

Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation: Unveiling the Prophecy of a "Lifelong Wheelchair" - A Russian Engineer's Journey of "Neural Remodeling" in China

A clear, coordinated process for efficient cross-border care

Pre-Visit Services

Remote Consultations

Travel Arrangements

Comprehensive Support in China

Post-Visit Services

Get a Care Planand Cost Estimate.

Get a Care Plan and Estimate

Neck, shoulder, lower back and leg pain
Treatment in China

Get a Care Plan
and Cost Estimate.