• Jun-Hwan Lee, Jae-Heung Cho, and Dae-Jean Jo.
• Department of Oriental Rehabilitation Medicine, Kyung Hee University Hospital at Gangdong, Seoul 134-727, Republic of Korea.
• Complement Ther Med. 2012 Aug 1; 20 (4): 228-31.

Study DesignRetrospective case report.ObjectiveReport of an uncommon complication of cupping and acupuncture.Summary Of Background DataEpidural 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.MethodsA 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.ResultsThe symptoms related to epidural abscess resolved after treatment with antibiotics.ConclusionAlthough 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.Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

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