Using Acupuncture for Headache and Migraine Management
Headaches and migraines can be truly awful. They cost us and the economy. time away from work, family and friends. Acupuncture may be a promising option in managing them. Lets explore this in a little more detail.
Is Acupuncture a management option?
Headache is the most commonly reported health related condition in Australia, with around 15% of us taking pain reducing medicine at any given time. It is likely that almost every one of us will encounter a headache within our lifetime. Individuals of all ages can experience the symptoms of headache and migraine, however individuals between the ages of 25 and 44 years are more likely to report it. As an adolescent I experienced them regularly and they were debilitating. Lots of time spent in bed, closing the blinds and staying in quiet hoping that the aspirin I had taken would work. Acupuncture looks to be a an option to consider
Does Acupuncture Help Migraine And Headache?
Let's begin by looking at the research and current consensus. Unfortunately reviewing research papers is a whole skill in itself. It requires a strong and lengthy education to gather the information, critically assess it, compare it to others and build what the consensus is amongst the research community. Fortunately for clinicians like me trying to accurately represent all this complicated information, we have the Cochrane database. The Cochrane database is considered the gold standard of evidence and is used by industry, government and other researchers. They have dedicated teams who collect all of these studies and compare them and their data, assess its quality of methodology and design, its bias, crunch the numbers and publish them on their website.
Acupuncture for Headache - The Research
Cochrane published “Acupuncture for the prevention of tension‐type headache” in 2016
A review of 12 trials with 2349 adults found that acupuncture may be effective in reducing the frequency of headaches.
In two trials, acupuncture added to usual care or treatment of headaches only on onset resulted in 48 of 100 participants having headache frequency at least halved, compared to 17 of 100 participants given usual care only.
In six trials, acupuncture was compared with 'fake' acupuncture. Headache frequency halved in 52 of 100 participants receiving true acupuncture compared with 43 of 100 participants receiving 'fake' acupuncture.
Overall the quality of the evidence was moderate. The authors conclude in their plain language summary “acupuncture is effective for treating frequent episodic or chronic tension‐types, but further trials, particularly comparing acupuncture with other treatment options ‐ are needed.”
Acupuncture for Migraine - Research
In addition to the systematic review looking at headaches they also published one looking at “Acupuncture for the prevention of episodic migraine”
A review of 22 trials with 4985 people found was undertaken
4 trials compared added acupuncture to usual care and compared this against only usual care and found 40% of their headaches halved, whereas with usual care only 17% did.
15 studies compared Acupuncture to was found to more effective than 'fake' acupuncture in reducing headache frequency though the effect was small.
Acupuncture was found to be at least as effective as a prophylactic drug at reducing headache frequency, with fewer side effects and a lower dropout rate in the studies.
Moderate quality of evidence
Overall the reviewers found that a series of at least 6 acupuncture for migraine sessions “may be a valuable option” and that it’s inclusion in management “could reduce the frequency of headaches”. It is worth noting that studies longer than 1 year are lacking.
How do I make an acupuncture appointment?
Booking an appointment is super easy. You can either click the big button below or call us on 03 9041 6569.
At the clinic we have more than a decades experience working with and supporting clients who experience headaches and migraines. At your appointment we will have a chat to you about you circumstances and experiences of headaches and migraines prior to the acupuncture. We may have a peek at your tongue and also take your pulse. If you are open to it we will also discuss, if relevant, lifestyle and dietary recommendations.
So What Causes Headache and Migraines?
There are distinctive categories of headache and migraine, and a wide range of causes, which indicates why the condition is so pervasive. Most headaches have in excess of one contributing variable.Some are hormonal,or related to allergies, a portion of the more typical triggers for headaches and migraines are lifestyle related, for example, less than stellar eating routine, increasing stress, muscle tightness, and absence of activity.
Serious underlying causes are rarely at the root of a headache or migraine, although a severe migraine that has not abated or is getting progressively worse can be red flags that should be immediately looked at by medical professionals. When in doubt, seek medical help
Types of Migraines and Headaches
Headaches can be grouped into two general classes: Primary and secondary. Primary headaches include cluster and tension type headaches. Secondary headaches are usually activated by another condition– for example, disease, infection or a tumour – and are usually a secondary symptom of the principle ailment. It Is always good practice to talk to your GP about them.
Conventional Treatment for Migraine and Headache?
Western pharmaceutical treatment will often depend on the type of headache and migraine but can include pain relievers such as aspirin, prophylactic medications such as Sandomigran, and medications that act upon the arteries. Conventional treatment will also often include changes to diet and lifestyle, stress reduction strategies, exercise.
Final thoughts about the available research
Research is continually evolving and changing. The previous version of the migraine review found that based on the available evidence there was no difference between the effectiveness of sham acupuncture and proper acupuncture, this as we just read has changed. Acupuncture is not as well funded as other industries, so hopefully as more studies come to hand the base of good quality research can expand. Fortunately Cochrane regularly updates their reviews and these can be accessed by clicking the review links.If you notice any errors let me know by clicking here and i will address it promptly.
Our Melbourne Acupuncture Clinic
Based in Melbourne, the Coburg Clinic services people from Coburg and surrounding Northern suburbs such as Brunswick, Pascoe Vale, Preston, Fawkner, Thornbury, Northcote. If you wish to discuss how acupuncture can assist you call us on 03 9041 6569