title: Cervical epidural abscess after cupping and acupuncture.
abstract: METHODS
  Retrospective case report.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  Report of an uncommon complication of cupping and acupuncture.
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  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.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Oriental Rehabilitation Medicine, Kyung Hee University Hospital at Gangdong, Seoul 134-727, Republic of Korea.
authors.forename: Jun-Hwan
authors.initials: JH
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.forename: Jae-Heung
authors.initials: JH
authors.lastname: Cho
authors.forename: Dae-Jean
authors.initials: DJ
authors.lastname: Jo
mesh_terms: D015670:Acupuncture Therapy / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000379:methods; D001415:Back / Q000473:pathology; D002574:Cervical Vertebrae; D020802:Epidural Abscess / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D012189:Retrospective Studies