Question 1

Should I have surgery for a herniated disc?

Accepted Answer

Most cases (80%) don't need surgery — try conservative treatment first.

Question 2

How long does treatment usually take?

Accepted Answer

Acute 2–4 weeks; chronic and disc 1–3 months on average.

Question 3

What examinations should I do first for back pain?

Accepted Answer

Posture exam, X-ray, and MRI when neurological symptoms exist.

Question 4

I was recommended surgery — can Korean medicine replace it?

Accepted Answer

For 80% of cases yes; severe cases require surgery for safety.

Question 5

Are there lifestyle habits to prevent back pain?

Accepted Answer

Yes — proper posture, core strengthening, and avoiding prolonged sitting are key.

Question 6

Is night-time consultation available?

Accepted Answer

Limited evening hours available; please call to confirm.

Question 7

Can I see orthopedic clinic and Korean medicine clinic together?

Accepted Answer

Yes, dual treatment is allowed and often more effective.

Question 8

Does cupping help lower back pain?

Accepted Answer

Yes, especially excellent for muscle stiffness, blood stasis, and chronic tension.

Question 9

Does moxibustion help the lower back?

Accepted Answer

Yes, especially excellent for cold-type lower back pain and chronic stiffness.

Question 10

Can physical therapy alone heal back pain?

Accepted Answer

For mild cases yes; chronic/severe cases need combined approach.

Question 11

Do you also do traction therapy (lumbar pulling)?

Accepted Answer

Yes, lumbar traction is available for disc and stenosis cases.

Question 12

What effect does infrared therapy provide?

Accepted Answer

Deep heat therapy improves circulation, relieves pain, and aids muscle relaxation.

Question 13

How long do cupping marks last?

Accepted Answer

5–10 days typically; harmless and not bruising.

Question 14

What is ICT (interferential current) therapy?

Accepted Answer

Mid-frequency electrical stimulation that penetrates deep for pain relief and muscle relaxation.

Question 15

Is back pain Korean medicine treatment covered by health insurance?

Accepted Answer

Acupuncture, moxibustion, cupping, Chuna, and physical therapy are covered.

Question 16

How much does Chuna therapy cost?

Accepted Answer

16,000–22,000 KRW per session with insurance; ~50,000 KRW out-of-pocket.

Question 17

Can I claim herbal medicine cost on private insurance?

Accepted Answer

Generally not — herbal medicine usually excluded from private insurance.

Question 18

Are card payments and installments available?

Accepted Answer

Yes, all major cards with up to 12-month installments for non-covered items.

Question 19

Is industrial-related back pain treatment available?

Accepted Answer

Yes, fully covered by industrial insurance.

Question 20

How much is the initial consultation fee?

Accepted Answer

About 5,000–10,000 KRW with insurance for initial visit.

Question 21

Can sciatica also be treated with Korean medicine?

Accepted Answer

Yes, especially excellent — 70–80% improvement reported.

Question 22

Are sciatica and disc the same thing?

Accepted Answer

No — sciatica is a symptom; disc is one possible cause.

Question 23

How long does sciatica treatment take?

Accepted Answer

Acute 2–6 weeks; chronic 2–3 months on average.

Question 24

Numbness from buttocks to leg — is this sciatica?

Accepted Answer

Yes, this is classic sciatica nerve distribution.

Question 25

What is piriformis syndrome?

Accepted Answer

Sciatic nerve compression by tight piriformis muscle in the buttock.

Question 26

Does stretching help sciatica?

Accepted Answer

Yes, specific sciatica stretches help significantly.

Question 27

How can I prevent sciatica recurrence?

Accepted Answer

Daily stretching, core strengthening, posture, and avoiding prolonged sitting.

Question 28

Can vertebral compression fracture be treated with Korean medicine?

Accepted Answer

Yes, especially excellent for pain management and recovery acceleration.

Question 29

How long does compression fracture treatment take?

Accepted Answer

Acute pain 4–6 weeks; full healing 3–6 months.

Question 30

Does osteoporosis cause compression fractures easily?

Accepted Answer

Yes, osteoporosis is the leading risk factor for vertebral compression fractures.

Question 31

How long should I wear a brace (corset) after compression fracture?

Accepted Answer

Typically 6–12 weeks, depending on healing progress.

Question 32

Are there bone-strengthening herbs for compression fractures?

Accepted Answer

Yes, kidney-tonic herbs and Gyeokokgo are highly effective.

Question 33

When can I exercise after compression fracture?

Accepted Answer

Light walking immediately; gradual progression after 6–8 weeks.

Question 34

Can multiple compression fractures be treated?

Accepted Answer

Yes, but recovery longer and prevention crucial for osteoporotic patients.

Question 35

Can spinal stenosis also be treated with Korean medicine?

Accepted Answer

Yes, especially effective for mild-moderate stenosis with conservative approach.

Question 36

How is stenosis different from disc herniation?

Accepted Answer

Stenosis: gradual narrowing causing walking pain. Disc: acute compression causing leg pain.

Question 37

How long does stenosis treatment take?

Accepted Answer

Mild cases 3 months; moderate 3–6 months; severe may need ongoing care.

Question 38

Is Chuna effective for stenosis?

Accepted Answer

Yes, decompression and alignment Chuna improves walking distance.

Question 39

Can I exercise with stenosis?

Accepted Answer

Yes, flexion-based exercises preferred — avoid extension-loading.

Question 40

If stenosis worsens, must I have surgery?

Accepted Answer

Surgery indicated for severe symptoms; many cases manage conservatively.

Question 41

Can stenosis and disc coexist?

Accepted Answer

Yes, both conditions commonly coexist, especially in older patients.

Question 42

What is spondylolysis?

Accepted Answer

Stress fracture or defect in the pars interarticularis of the vertebra.

Question 43

Can spondylolysis be treated with Korean medicine?

Accepted Answer

Yes, especially effective for pain management and preventing progression.

Question 44

How long does spondylolysis treatment take?

Accepted Answer

3–6 months typically; longer for active healing fractures.

Question 45

Can I exercise with spondylolysis?

Accepted Answer

Yes, but avoid hyperextension and high-impact activities.

Question 46

Spondylolysis was found in my growing child — what should I do?

Accepted Answer

Early treatment with bracing and activity modification often heals fully.

Question 47

Can spondylolysis progress to spondylolisthesis?

Accepted Answer

Yes, in some cases — proper treatment minimizes risk.

Question 48

Is Chuna safe for spondylolysis?

Accepted Answer

Yes, with experienced practitioners using gentle techniques.

Question 49

What is spondylolisthesis?

Accepted Answer

Forward slipping of one vertebra over another, common in lower lumbar.

Question 50

Can spondylolisthesis be treated without surgery?

Accepted Answer

Yes, grades 1–2 (most cases) are well-managed conservatively.

Question 51

How long does spondylolisthesis treatment take?

Accepted Answer

3–6 months for stabilization; ongoing care for prevention.

Question 52

Is Chuna effective for spondylolisthesis?

Accepted Answer

Yes, with careful technique — avoids manipulation that could worsen slipping.

Question 53

Can I exercise with spondylolisthesis?

Accepted Answer

Yes, stabilization-focused exercises only — avoid extension and high-impact.

Question 54

What's the difference between spondylolisthesis and spondylolysis?

Accepted Answer

Spondylolysis is bone defect; spondylolisthesis is forward slipping (often from spondylolysis).

Question 55

Can spondylolisthesis worsen?

Accepted Answer

Yes, but proper care minimizes progression risk.

Question 56

Is Chuna therapy painful?

Accepted Answer

Generally not painful — most patients find it relaxing or mildly uncomfortable.

Question 57

Is Chuna effective for lumbar disc herniation?

Accepted Answer

Yes, very effective — relieves pressure and improves alignment.

Question 58

Is Chuna therapy covered by health insurance?

Accepted Answer

Yes, since 2019 covered up to 20 sessions per year.

Question 59

Are there precautions after Chuna treatment?

Accepted Answer

Avoid heavy lifting, prolonged sitting, and intense exercise for 24–48 hours.

Question 60

Can Chuna correct scoliosis?

Accepted Answer

Mild scoliosis yes; severe cases require bracing or surgery.

Question 61

Is acupuncture effective for lower back pain?

Accepted Answer

Yes, especially excellent for muscle, ligament, and disc-related pain.

Question 62

How is pharmacopuncture used in lower back treatment?

Accepted Answer

Anti-inflammatory herbal extract injected into specific painful spots for faster relief.

Question 63

What is electroacupuncture?

Accepted Answer

Acupuncture combined with mild electrical stimulation for stronger effect.

Question 64

How often should I receive acupuncture?

Accepted Answer

Acute pain 2–3x weekly; chronic 1–2x weekly; reduce as recovery progresses.

Lower Back Pain

🏥 FAQs by Condition

Acupuncture & Pharmacopuncture

Cupping & Physical Therapy

Herbal Medicine

Chuna Therapy

Cost & Insurance

Other Treatments

Lumbar Disc Herniation

Spinal Stenosis

Sciatica

Spondylolisthesis

Spondylolysis

Vertebral Compression Fracture

💬 All FAQs 78questions