Arched-back rigidity

Also opisthotonos; arched rigidity of the neck. Rigidity of the neck and back causing them to arch or bow backward. Arched-back rigidity occurs in child fright wind, lockjaw (tetanus), and other forms of tetany, which may be attributable to wind, cold, damp or fire stagnating in the channels, or to insufficiency of blood, fluid and qì, allowing vacuity wind to stir internally.

Biomedical correspondence: opisthotonos (occurring in encephalitis, meningitis and tetanus).

Etymology

Chin 角 jiǎo, horn; 弓 gōng, bow; 反 fǎn, back; 张 zhāng, tensed. Tensed backward like a horn and bow.