Acupuncture for Chronic Headache or Migraine

Acupuncture is a common alternative to pharmacological medication for chronic headaches or migraines, and the research shows why. Read below to learn about a study entitled “Acupuncture for chronic headache in primary care.”

Methods: The study involved 401 patients with chronic headache, mainly migraine, who were randomly divided into an experimental and control group. The experimental group received up to 12 acupuncture treatments over the course of three months while the control group received usual care.

Using a Likert scale, the patients assessed the intensity of their headache. Every three months for a year after the beginning of the study, patients also completed questionnaires.

Results: After 12 months, there was a greater reduction in the headache score of the acupuncture group than the control group. Specifically, it was 34% lower in the acupuncture group and only 16% lower in the control group. Patients who received acupuncture experienced an equivalent of 22 fewer days of headache per year. These patients also used 15% less medication, made 25% fewer visits to general practitioners, and took 15% fewer days off sick.

Conclusion: Acupuncture shows benefits for people with chronic headache, especially migraine.

Curious to see if treatment will be a good fit for you? Reach out or book an appointment here.

Source

Vickers, Andrew J., et al. Acupuncture for chronic headache in primary care: large, pragmatic, randomised trial. BMJ. March 2004; 328:744.