Post-acupuncture paravertebral infection: case report and literature review

Abstract

AbstractAcupuncture originated in China approximately 2000 years ago and is a growing modality of treatment worldwide sought by patients for a variety of conditions including lumbar pain. We report a case of a 74 years old man who had received acupuncture to treat lower back pain, who subsequently presented an increased in his pain; an infection was diagnosed, and treated. Despite acupuncture can be considered inherently safe in the hands of well-trained practitioners, we found different reports of complications in worldwide literature; most of them minor, and usually as a result of inappropriate technique. The popularity of this alternative treatments, has made organizations, such as World Health Organization (WHO), create guidelines to reassure its safety. The knowledge of the possible complications, allow the early diagnosis and treatment. The case is discussed, and pertinent review of literature is included.