Post-dural puncture headache following acupotomy using "Wonli-acupuncture needle" - A case report -

Abstract

Lower back pain (LBP) is one of the most common painrelated complaints that lead patients to seek medical care [1].Underlying disc herniation and subsequent radicular symptoms from direct compression of nerve roots or inflammatory mediators related to disc disruption are frequent causes of the pain, leading to these consultations. Various treatments for these lumbar diseases have been introduced. Acupuncture has also been studied as an alternative treatment modality, with worldwide application, particularly in clinical pain management. Acupuncture has been recognized as relatively safe for patients, especially in East Asia, and many patients with LBP are treated with acupuncture in clinical practice. Spine surgery has limited effects for the management of LBP [2], so the need for non-operative therapies such as pharmacological therapy, physical therapy, and manipulation has increased, but these methods do not have satisfactory therapeutic effects and are not commonly used [3]. Acupuncture was introduced as a way to remove attached tissues, reduce pressure on the nerve, and improve the circulation of the surrounding area in cases of lumbar spinal stenosis or lumbar disc herniation. New acupuncture treatments for these diseases are also being tried [4]. However, the effects of acupuncture are still controversial, and the principles of treatment are unclear. Although many studies have evaluated the effects of acupuncture in the management of LBP, few have evaluated the side effects of acupuncture-related procedures [5].Here, we report a case of dural puncture headache due to acupotomy, a recently introduced long-needle acupuncture technique in the oriental medicine, and discuss the principles of acupuncture treatment necessary to provide useful information for pain physicians. The authors received written permission from the patient to report and provide details about this case.

Safety Considerations When Dry Needling the Multifidi in the Thoracolumbar Region: A Cadaveric Study

“…[2][3][4] Significant and serious adverse events with dry needling have been published [5][6][7] ; however, they are likely underreported. 8 Documented adverse events from needling interventions in areas around the spine include: acute epidural hematoma, 5, 6,9 post-dural puncture headache, 10,11 infection, 12,13 lower extremity weakness, 14 and numbness into an extremity. 14 Other documented adverse events include bleeding, bruising, pain, aggravation of symptoms, nausea, feeling faint, and headaches.…”