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Health articles by Korean doctors, with direct links to their clinics

Korean medicinePublished 2026-10-01

[Back Pain] If Your Back Hurts and Your Legs Feel Numb, What to Check First

By Jo Seong-won Korean medicine doctor (KMD) · Inae Korean Medicine Clinic, Ulsan

  • Key points
  • Back pain can occur for various reasons, ranging from muscle strain, disc and nerve irritation, and conditions around the spine, to internal medicine, urological, and gynecological issues.
  • In particular, when pain radiates to the buttocks and legs, or is accompanied by numbness, reduced sensation, or weakness, medical consultation is needed rather than dismissing it as simple fatigue.
  • It is common to experience a heavy sensation in the lower back on days spent sitting for long hours, or to find it difficult to straighten your back after cleaning, childcare, or working out.

What this article covers

  • Quick Answers
  • Cases where only the back hurts vs. cases where discomfort extends to the legs
  • 5 Things to Check Before Your Appointment
  • Back pain warning signs that require prompt medical attention
  • How are examinations and treatment directions determined?
  • Ways to check back strain in daily life
  • Distinguish between ‘numbness/tingling’ and ‘weakness’ when describing symptoms
  • Before combining medication and self-care

You can view the full content in the original post on the official blog at Inae Korean Medicine Clinic, Ulsan.

Original: Read the full article on the Inae Korean Medicine Clinic, Ulsan blog (Korean) ↗

# Pain treatment
Jo Seong-won

Chief Director · Korean medicine doctor (KMD) · Inae Korean Medicine Clinic, Ulsan

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Korean medicine

[Digestive System] If You Experience Recurring Nausea and Gagging, Check Your Autonomic Nervous System as Well

  • Repeated feelings of nausea and retching do not necessarily indicate an autonomic nervous system disorder.
  • Causes vary widely and may include gastroenteritis, reflux esophagitis, medication side effects, migraines, pregnancy, and ear disorders. If you experience weight loss, repeated vomiting, vomiting blood, black stools, severe abdominal pain, dehydration, or new neurological symptoms, prompt medical evaluation is essential.
  • Some people experience an upset stomach when they wake up in the morning, feel the urge to retch before important events, and postpone meals because even a small amount of food makes them feel nauseous.

Jo Seong-won Korean medicine doctor (KMD) · Inae Korean Medicine Clinic, Ulsan

Korean medicine

[Bladder and Urinary Disorders] Overactive Bladder in Ulsan: Why Should You Seek Treatment for Urge Incontinence When It’s Hard to Hold It In?

  • If you find it difficult to hold your urine or experience slight, involuntary leakage, you should get checked out.
  • When you’re tired or under stress, your autonomic nervous system can become disrupted, potentially making the symptoms worse, so you should be cautious.
  • By combining traditional Korean medicine treatments with lifestyle management, you can normalize your urination habits, so we recommend visiting us as soon as possible.

Jo Seong-won Korean medicine doctor (KMD) · Inae Korean Medicine Clinic, Ulsan

Korean medicine

[Endometrial Adhesions] If Your Menstrual Flow Has Decreased and You’re Having Trouble Getting Pregnant, Here’s What to Check First

  • Endometrial adhesions refer to a condition in which the inner walls of the uterus stick together, which can affect the shape of the uterine cavity or the flow of menstrual blood.
  • If your menstrual flow has noticeably decreased or stopped following a D&C after a miscarriage, uterine surgery, or an intrauterine infection, or if you are experiencing recurrent miscarriages or difficulty conceiving, you should consult an OB/GYN to determine whether an evaluation of the uterine cavity is necessary.
  • It can be concerning if your menstrual flow decreases significantly compared to before after a miscarriage or childbirth, or if you experience lower abdominal pain around your expected period but have almost no bleeding.

Jo Seong-won Korean medicine doctor (KMD) · Inae Korean Medicine Clinic, Ulsan

This page is translated from Korean. Please confirm opening hours, booking and other details directly with the clinic.

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