中醫骨傷科與脊椎指壓

吳宇琛

SUM WU

Sum Wu

Registered Chinese Medicine Practitioner

Bachelor of Health Science in Traditional Chinese Medicine (UTS)

Bachelor of Science Majoring in Psychology (UOW)

Director of Hurstville Chinese Herbs Centre

Vice Dean of College of Traditional Chinese Medicine Orthopedics Australia

Specialising in pain management and mental wellbeing through Tradition Chinese medicine in combination with modern science in mental health, dieting and nutrition.

吳宇琛，澳大利亞政府注册中醫師、針灸師，五龍崗大學心理學學士、悉尼科技大學中醫系學士，澳大利亞松軒中醫藥中心主任醫師，澳大利亞中醫骨傷專科學院副院長。

擅長用傳統針灸理傷手法和中藥治療各種新舊損傷痛症，特別採用中醫中藥和現代心理學、營養學相結合調理治療各種慢性病和亞健康。

TCM Orthopaedics vs Chiropractic:A Comparative Look at Holistic Musculoskeletal Care

中醫骨傷科與脊椎指壓：兩種整體性肌肉骨骼治療管道的比較

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) orthopaedics and chiropractic care are two distinct forms of manual therapy aimed at treating musculoskeletal conditions such as joint pain, back pain, and postural issues. While both disciplines use hands-on techniques and share a non-invasive, holistic philosophy, they differ significantly in their origins, theoretical frameworks, diagnostic methods, and treatment strategies. Understanding these differences can help patients make informed choices about their healthcare options.

中醫骨傷科與脊椎指壓治療是兩種不同的徒手療法，均致力於治療肌肉骨骼系統的問題，如關節疼痛、背痛以及姿勢不良等問題。雖然兩者都採用手法治療，並強調非侵入性與整體性治療理念，但它們在起源、理論體系、診斷管道以及治療策略等方面存在顯著差異。瞭解這些差異有助於患者根據自身需求選擇合適的醫療方案。

TCM orthopaedics, is rooted in ancient Chinese medicine. As it is part of the TCM philosophy, it views body’s health through the changes in Qi, blood circulation, meridians, and the dynamic balance of Yin and Yang. Injury and pain are seen as disruptions in the flow of Qi and blood, often resulting from trauma, overuse, or internal imbalance. Treatment focuses on restoring harmony within the body to promote healing and prevent recurrence.

中醫骨傷科起源於中國古代醫學，作為中醫學的重要組成部分，其診療理念以氣、血、經絡運行及陰陽動態平衡為核心。中醫認為，損傷和疼痛是由於氣血運行受阻所致，常因外傷、勞損或體內失衡引起。治療的重點在於調和氣血、疏通經絡、恢復人體內在平衡，以促進組織修復與預防復發。

Chiropractic, on the other hand, was developed in the United States in the late 19th century. Its foundational concept is the spinal subluxation which are minor misalignments in the vertebrae that are believed to interfere with nervous system function. Chiropractors aim to restore normal joint motion and nervous system communication through spinal adjustments. The philosophy emphasizes structural alignment as the key to overall health, particularly through the spine.

相較之下，脊椎指壓學於19世紀末起源於美國，其核心理念是“脊柱半脫位”（spinal subluxation），即脊椎細小的錯位被認為會影響神經系統的正常功能。脊椎指壓醫師通過調整脊椎，恢復關節活動度及神經傳導功能。該學科強調結構對齊，認為良好的脊柱結構是整體健康的關鍵。

TCM orthopaedics employs a range of hands-on and adjunct therapies. Bone setting is a key technique that involves manually realigning bones and joints. It is often combined with Tuina massage, acupuncture, cupping, moxibustion, and the use of herbal plasters or decoctions to support tissue healing and reduce inflammation. Treatment is individualized based on the patient’s constitution, meridian imbalances, and the nature of the injury.

中醫骨傷科採用多種手法和輔助手段進行治療。正骨手法是其中的核心，主要通過徒手手法將錯位的關節或骨骼復位。此外還常與推拿、針灸、拔罐、艾灸及中草藥膏藥或湯劑結合使用，以加快組織修復、消腫止痛。治療通常根據患者體質、經絡失調狀況和具體損傷性質進行個體化製定。

Chiropractic treatment primarily involves spinal manipulation, typically using high-velocity, low-amplitude (HVLA) thrusts to adjust vertebrae. Some chiropractors also use soft tissue techniques, mobilization, or corrective exercises. The approach is generally standardized and focused on improving joint function and nervous system performance.

脊椎指壓治療則以脊柱手法調整為主，通常採用高速低幅度推力（HVLA）來矯正椎體位置。有些脊椎指壓醫師也會使用軟組織科技、關節鬆動術或矯正性訓練。該治療方法較為標準化，目標是改善關節功能及神經系統運作。

TCM practitioners diagnose through palpation, observation, and patient history, guided by traditional concepts like meridian flow and syndrome differentiation. While not typically reliant on imaging, TCM orthopaedics can integrate modern diagnostic tools in a clinical setting, especially in Chinese hospitals.

中醫骨傷科診斷以望、聞、問、切等傳統管道為主，輔以觸診和辨證論治的理念來評估氣血運行和經絡阻滯。儘管通常不依賴影像檢查，但在現代臨床環境下，特別是在中國的中醫院，亦可結合現代診斷工具進行輔助判斷。

Chiropractors often use X-rays, orthopaedic tests, and posture analysis to identify spinal misalignments and biomechanical issues. Their scope is generally focused on the spine and related neuromuscular disorders, although many also treat limb joints and provide postural advice.

脊椎指壓治療則廣泛使用X光、體態分析和骨科功能測試來檢測脊柱錯位和生物力學問題。其治療範圍多集中於脊柱及相關的神經肌肉功能障礙，但不少醫生也會處理四肢關節問題並提供姿勢與生活方式建議。

TCM orthopaedics is effective for a broad range of conditions, from acute sprains and fractures (non-surgical) to chronic issues like arthritis and lower back pain. Chiropractic care is widely used for spinal conditions such as neck pain, headaches, and herniated discs.

中醫骨傷科適用於多種病症，從急性扭傷、非手術性骨折，到慢性疾病如關節炎、下背痛等均有良好療效。脊椎指壓治療廣泛應用於頸椎痛、頭痛及椎間盤突出等脊柱相關疾病。

In some cases, patients may benefit from combining both approaches: using TCM for tissue healing and energy balance, and chiropractic for spinal alignment and nerve function.

在某些情况下，患者也可從兩種治療管道的結合中獲益：中醫骨傷科可促進組織修復與氣血平衡，脊椎指壓則可加强結構對齊與神經功能恢復。

Both TCM orthopaedics and chiropractic offer unique, hands-on methods for treating musculoskeletal problems. TCM draws on centuries of holistic healing principles, while chiropractic is rooted in modern structural and neurological theory. Their differences make them suitable for different patient needs, and in some cases, complementary when used together for integrative care.

中醫骨傷科與脊椎指壓學各有特色，皆提供有效的徒手治療手段來改善肌肉骨骼問題。中醫以其幾千年的整體醫學智慧為基礎，而脊椎指壓則建立在現代結構與神經科學之上。兩者的差异使其適用於不同患者的需求，而在某些情况下，兩者的結合也可提供更全面、綜合性的治療方案。

如有疑問想咨詢吳宇琛中醫師，可以在微信或whatsapp搜索61 404836368，加吳宇琛中醫師微信或whatsapp，也可以發短信或致電0404836368作語音留言，吳宇琛中醫師有空就會回復。

（吳宇琛中醫師，澳大利亞政府注册中醫師、針灸師，五龍崗大學心理學學士、悉尼科技大學中醫系學士，悉尼好思維松軒藥行主任中醫師，澳大利亞中醫骨傷專科學院副院長，本文僅供參考，具體診療應諮詢專業人士。）