Is acupuncture treatment for cervical spondylosis risky?

Update Date: 2024-06-27 Source: Network

Acupuncture treatment for cervical spondylosis carries certain risks. The neck, as a crucial part connecting the head and torso, has numerous vital organs and tissues nearby the cervical vertebrae. During acupuncture, any damage to different parts may lead to diverse consequences.

The spinal cord, located within the vertebral canal, connects to the medulla oblongata through the large foramen magnum upward. When acupuncturing points such as Fengchi, Fengfu, and Yamen, incorrect needle direction or excessive depth may result in puncturing the large foramen magnum and injuring the medulla oblongata, potentially causing severe accidents including medulla oblongata hemorrhage and respiratory depression.

The vertebral artery runs within the transverse processes and ascends into the cranium to supply blood to the cerebellum, medulla oblongata, and thalamus. Improper acupuncture techniques that injure the vertebral artery can lead to vertebral artery hemorrhage, damage to the inner wall of the vertebral artery causing microthrombus, and even posterior circulation infarction in severe cases.

The common carotid artery and internal carotid artery traverse the anterior margin of the sternocleidomastoid muscle. When acupuncturing points like Renying, Tianyou, and Tianding, there is a risk of puncturing these arteries and causing hemorrhage. Injury to the vascular inner wall can lead to thrombosis, and in elderly patients, it may cause plaque detachment from the inner walls of the common carotid and internal carotid arteries, triggering thrombosis and potentially leading to anterior circulation cerebral infarction.

Therefore, acupuncture treatment for cervical spondylosis carries certain risks. It is essential for patients with cervical spondylosis to seek treatment from qualified acupuncture practitioners at reputable traditional Chinese medicine hospitals. Avoid self-administered acupuncture in street-side clinics to prevent potential dangers and accidents.