Spinal Disease at Longhua Hospital Shanghai | CMCS

Integrative Spine Care in Shanghai

The Department of Spinal Disease at Longhua Hospital — affiliated with Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine — is one of China's most respected centers for the integrative management of cervical and lumbar spine conditions. Combining the precision of modern spinal medicine with the deep musculoskeletal traditions of Traditional Chinese Medicine, the department offers a uniquely comprehensive approach to neck and back conditions — one that prioritizes conservative, non-surgical management wherever possible, while offering modern surgical options for cases that require intervention.

For international patients with cervical spondylosis, lumbar disc disease, spinal stenosis, or chronic neck and back pain who are seeking integrative care that goes beyond surgery and pain medication, Longhua Hospital's spinal disease department represents one of the most compelling options in Asia. China Medical Concierge Shanghai (CMCS) provides seamless end-to-end support for international patients throughout their treatment journey.

About the Department

Longhua Hospital's spinal disease department is a national key TCM clinical specialty with a long history of clinical excellence in the integrative management of cervical and lumbar spine conditions. The department operates dedicated inpatient spinal wards, outpatient clinics for cervical and lumbar conditions, a spinal rehabilitation unit, and a TCM spinal treatment center offering manipulation, traction, acupuncture, herbal medicine, and external therapies.

The department's philosophy is grounded in a conservative-first approach: the majority of spinal conditions can be effectively managed without surgery through an integrated program of TCM manipulation, traction, acupuncture, herbal medicine, and structured rehabilitation. Surgery is reserved for cases with clear surgical indications — progressive neurological deficit, myelopathy, or failure of comprehensive conservative management.

Conditions Treated

• Cervical Spondylosis — Degenerative cervical disc and facet joint disease causing neck pain, stiffness, and referred symptoms
• Cervical Radiculopathy — Nerve root compression causing arm pain, numbness, and weakness
• Cervical Myelopathy — Spinal cord compression causing gait disturbance and hand dysfunction; surgical decompression with TCM perioperative support
• Lumbar Disc Herniation — Disc prolapse causing low back pain and sciatica; TCM manipulation, traction, acupuncture, and herbal therapy
• Lumbar Spinal Stenosis — Narrowing of the spinal canal causing neurogenic claudication
• Lumbar Spondylolisthesis — Vertebral slippage causing instability and nerve compression
• Chronic Low Back Pain — Non-specific and degenerative low back pain; comprehensive TCM management
• Cervicogenic Headache — Headache originating from cervical spine dysfunction; TCM manipulation and acupuncture
• Thoracic Spine Conditions — Thoracic disc disease, Scheuermann's kyphosis, and thoracic outlet syndrome
• Spinal Osteoporosis & Vertebral Fractures — TCM kidney-tonifying herbal therapy for bone density; vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty for painful compression fractures
• Post-Surgical Spinal Rehabilitation — TCM-enhanced recovery after spinal surgery performed at Longhua or elsewhere
• Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation — Acupuncture and TCM herbal therapy as adjunctive rehabilitation for incomplete spinal cord injuries

The Integrative Spine Approach

TCM Spinal Manipulation

TCM spinal manipulation is one of the cornerstones of Longhua's spinal disease program. Longhua's manipulation specialists combine classical Chinese spinal manipulation techniques with modern biomechanical understanding to achieve precise, safe, and effective spinal mobilization and adjustment. Techniques include rotational manipulation, traction-rotation manipulation, and gentle mobilization for patients not suitable for high-velocity techniques. All manipulation is preceded by thorough assessment including imaging review to ensure safety.

Traction Therapy

Cervical and lumbar traction is a well-established conservative treatment for disc herniation and nerve root compression. Longhua offers both mechanical and manual traction in individualized protocols, often combined with TCM manipulation, acupuncture, and herbal medicine for synergistic effects on disc decompression, nerve root relief, and muscle relaxation.

Acupuncture for Spinal Conditions

Acupuncture is one of the most evidence-supported interventions for spinal pain. Longhua's acupuncture team uses specialized spinal protocols including:

• Huatuojiaji Points (华佗夹脊穴) — Paravertebral acupuncture points with direct segmental effects on spinal nerve roots — a uniquely TCM approach to spinal pain
• Electroacupuncture — Electrical stimulation for nerve root pain, muscle spasm, and post-surgical rehabilitation
• Warm Needling & Moxibustion — For cold-pattern spinal conditions with stiffness and poor circulation
• Acupoint Injection — Injection of herbal extracts at paravertebral acupoints for nerve root pain

TCM Herbal Medicine for Spinal Conditions

• Anti-Inflammatory Herbal Formulas — Classical prescriptions including Du Huo Ji Sheng Wan and Juan Bi Tang for cervical and lumbar degenerative disease with evidence for pain reduction
• Nerve-Nourishing Herbal Therapy — Herbal compounds to support nerve recovery in radiculopathy and myelopathy
• Bone-Strengthening Formulas — Kidney-tonifying herbal therapy for spinal osteoporosis and degenerative disc disease
• Topical Herbal Preparations — Herbal plasters, liniments, and hot packs for local pain relief and muscle relaxation

Spinal Rehabilitation Program

• Core Stabilization Exercise — Evidence-based core strengthening for lumbar spine stability and recurrence prevention
• Cervical Stabilization Exercise — Deep cervical flexor training and postural correction for cervical spondylosis
• TCM Exercise Therapy — Ba Duan Jin (八段锦) and Yi Jin Jing (易筋经) — classical TCM exercise forms with specific benefits for spinal health and flexibility
• Postural Education — Ergonomic assessment and postural correction for occupation-related spinal conditions
• Tuina Therapeutic Massage — TCM manual therapy for muscle tension, trigger points, and soft tissue restrictions around the spine

When Surgery Is Needed

While Longhua's philosophy prioritizes conservative management, the department offers modern surgical options for cases with clear indications:

• Anterior Cervical Discectomy & Fusion (ACDF) — For cervical radiculopathy or myelopathy not responding to conservative treatment
• Cervical Disc Replacement — Motion-preserving alternative to fusion for selected cervical disc herniations
• Laminoplasty — Posterior cervical decompression for multi-level cervical myelopathy
• Lumbar Microdiscectomy — Minimally invasive disc fragment removal for refractory lumbar radiculopathy
• Lumbar Decompression & Fusion — For lumbar stenosis with instability or spondylolisthesis
• Vertebroplasty & Kyphoplasty — Cement augmentation for painful osteoporotic vertebral fractures

All surgical patients receive structured TCM perioperative support — pre-operative constitutional optimization and post-operative recovery protocols — to minimize complications and accelerate functional recovery.

Why International Patients Choose Longhua Spinal Disease

• Conservative-First Philosophy — Comprehensive non-surgical management that avoids unnecessary surgery for the majority of spinal conditions
• TCM Spinal Manipulation Expertise — Sophisticated Chinese spinal manipulation techniques combined with modern biomechanical assessment
• Integrated Multimodal Care — Manipulation, traction, acupuncture, herbal medicine, and rehabilitation working together for superior outcomes
• Huatuojiaji Acupuncture — Specialized paravertebral acupuncture protocol with direct segmental effects on spinal nerve roots
• TCM Exercise Therapy — Ba Duan Jin and Yi Jin Jing for long-term spinal health maintenance
• Cost-Effectiveness — World-class integrative spinal care at significantly lower cost than equivalent treatment in Western countries

The CMCS Patient Journey

1. Initial Inquiry — Share your spinal history, MRI and X-ray reports, neurological symptoms, prior treatments, and functional limitations with CMCS.
2. Medical Record Preparation — We translate and organize your records and imaging for specialist pre-consultation review.
3. Specialist Matching — We identify the most appropriate spinal specialist based on your condition — cervical, lumbar, or post-surgical rehabilitation.
4. Priority Scheduling — We secure a consultation with minimal waiting time.
5. Travel & Logistics — Assistance with visa invitation letters, accommodation near Longhua Hospital, and Shanghai airport transfers.
6. On-Site Concierge — Bilingual coordinators accompany you throughout your hospital visits, managing registration, translation, and communication.
7. Treatment Coordination — Full coordination of manipulation sessions, traction therapy, acupuncture, herbal prescription dispensing, and rehabilitation program enrollment.
8. Post-Treatment Follow-Up — Treatment summary translation, exercise program guidance, herbal prescription renewal, and remote follow-up after you return home.

Book a Consultation

If you are seeking integrative spinal care in Shanghai — whether for cervical spondylosis, lumbar disc disease, spinal stenosis, chronic back pain, or post-surgical spinal rehabilitation — CMCS can arrange a specialist consultation with Longhua Hospital's spinal disease team.

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