Cervical epidural abscess after cupping and acupuncture
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Published on: September 27, 2024
Jun-Hwan Lee1, Jae-Heung Cho, Dae-Jean Jo
1Department of Oriental Rehabilitation Medicine, Kyung Hee University Hospital at Gangdong, Seoul 134-727, Republic of Korea.
Study Design:
Retrospective case report.
Objective:
Report of an uncommon complication of cupping and acupuncture.
Summary Of Background Data:
Epidural abscess after cupping and acupuncture therapies is quite rare. Only a few cases of epidural abscess after acupuncture have been reported. The present report describes a case of cervical epidural abscess that developed after cupping and acupuncture.
Methods:
A 47-year-old woman presented with swelling and pain in the posterior nuchal region. Magnetic resonance imaging of the cervical spine revealed a well-enhanced epidural mass at the C1-C3 level that was determined to be an epidural abscess.
Results:
The symptoms related to epidural abscess resolved after treatment with antibiotics.
Conclusion:
Although a rare complication, epidural abscess is a possibility when applying cupping and acupuncture. Therapists need to be aware of human anatomy in the vicinity of the puncture and must give continuous attention to hygiene throughout the procedure.