Chinese Sumac (Rhus chinensis) has a long history of use in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for a variety of ailments, including backache and musculoskeletal discomfort. In TCM, Chinese Sumac is believed to possess properties such as dispelling wind and dampness, and tonifying the kidney and liver, which are often associated with the health of the lower back and bones. Historical herbal texts like the "Compendium of Materia Medica" mention its use in formulas aimed at alleviating pain, including back pain, although the references are often general rather than specific to backache alone.

Despite its traditional use, there is minimal scientific evidence directly supporting the efficacy of Chinese Sumac for backache. Modern pharmacological studies have focused more on its antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties, but these studies rarely address musculoskeletal pain or backache specifically. As such, while Chinese Sumac remains a part of herbal formulas for backache in traditional settings, its use for this indication is justified by historical tradition rather than by robust clinical research.