Danger of injudicious use of tui-na therapy in ankylosing spondylitis

Eur Spine J. 2017 May;26(Suppl 1):178-180. doi: 10.1007/s00586-017-5002-1. Epub 2017 Feb 17.

Abstract

Tui-na is a very important component of Chinese medicine. It is a well-respected treatment modality known to be helpful and safe for a wide range of conditions. It can be considered as a certain kind of massage which is performed at acupoints, meridians, and collaterals by pushing, finger twisting, grasping thumb waving pressing, patting, palm twisting, and other manipulation techniques. At present, it is extensively used for relieving pain and stiffness associated with ankylosing spondylitis in China, even though there is a lack of evidence to support its validation and feasibility. The patient in this case was treated by tui-na massage at acute flare-up of ankylosing spondylitis and ended up with catastrophic results.

Keywords: Ankylosing spondylitis; Cervical dislocation; Tui-na therapy.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Cervical Vertebrae / diagnostic imaging
  • Cervical Vertebrae / injuries*
  • Fatal Outcome
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Massage / adverse effects*
  • Massage / methods
  • Medicine, Chinese Traditional / adverse effects
  • Medicine, Chinese Traditional / methods
  • Pain Management / adverse effects
  • Pain Management / methods
  • Radiography
  • Spinal Fractures / diagnostic imaging
  • Spinal Fractures / etiology*
  • Spondylitis, Ankylosing / therapy*