Neck and back problems: treatment in China
Neck problems such as cervical spondylosis, and lower back problems such as a herniated (slipped) disc, are among the most common reasons people come to Chinese hospitals. China treats them with a combination of traditional Chinese medicine — acupuncture and tuina — rehabilitation, pain treatment and, when it is needed, spine surgery.
Who it may suit
- Neck problems: long-term neck pain and stiffness, cervical spondylosis, pain or tingling spreading to the shoulder, arm or hand
- Lower back problems: a herniated or slipped disc, sciatica (pain down the leg), long-term lower back pain
- People who have tried treatment at home without enough improvement, or who face a long wait for specialist care
Which department treats it in China
In China, the same problem can be treated by several departments. We help you choose based on your scans and how you want to be treated.
| Department | What it offers | Usually suits |
|---|---|---|
| Acupuncture and tuina departments (TCM hospitals) | Acupuncture, tuina, cupping and other traditional treatments | Most people, as a first step without surgery |
| Rehabilitation medicine | Physiotherapy, exercise programs, traction and other physical treatments | People who want an active program to strengthen and move better |
| Pain management | Injections and minimally invasive pain procedures | Persistent nerve pain that has not settled |
| Spine surgery (orthopedics) | Assessment and surgery, including minimally invasive techniques | Severe or worsening nerve symptoms, or when other treatment has not helped |
Most neck and back problems are treated without surgery. [1] Whether surgery is right for you is decided by the hospital's surgeons after examining you and your MRI.
How treatment usually works
- Before you travel: we send your MRI and reports to the department and confirm the plan with you.
- First consultation: the doctor examines you, reviews your scans and suggests a treatment plan.
- Course of treatment: for acupuncture, tuina and cupping, usually a series of sessions, often daily. The doctor decides how many you need.
- Review: the doctor checks your progress and adjusts the plan, or refers you to another department if needed.
How long, and how much
- Length: depends on the treatment the doctor recommends. We tell you after the first consultation, so you can plan your stay.
- Hospital costs: each hospital sets its own prices; the total depends on your treatment.
- Our fees: a half-day escort for a single consultation, a short-stay package for a course of 3–5 days, or a comprehensive package if you have surgery.
When you need urgent care at home, not a trip
Get emergency care straight away if back pain comes with numbness around your bottom or genitals, being unable to pee, loss of control of your bladder or bowels, or loss of feeling in one or both legs. [1] Sudden weakness, or pain after a serious accident, also needs urgent care. These should not wait for a trip abroad.
How we support you
- We suggest the right hospital and department and book your appointment with your passport.
- Your escort translates every consultation and helps you understand the options, including whether surgery is really needed.
- For a course of treatment, we set up your routine and stay in touch throughout.
- You leave with a summary in English or French, and exercises to continue at home.
Your escort does not diagnose or prescribe. Your treatment is decided by the hospital's doctors, with you.
Before you travel
- An MRI of your neck or back from the last 6 months, as image files
- Reports from your doctors and a list of your medicines
- Loose, comfortable clothing
Questions
Do I need surgery? Usually not. Most people are treated without it. If a surgeon suggests surgery, your escort helps you ask about the reasons, the risks and the alternatives before you decide.
Can I combine TCM and rehabilitation? Yes. Many patients do both during the same stay.
I don't have an MRI. Can I have one in China? Yes. The doctor can order one at your first visit. Waiting times vary by hospital; we book it as soon as it is ordered.
Talk to us about your neck or back
Tell us where it hurts, how long it has lasted and what you have tried. We'll suggest where to go — free.