Acupuncture for Headaches & Migraine
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), headache disorders—including chronic headaches and migraine—impact almost half of adults. The Global Burden of Disease Study in 2013 reported that headaches were the third highest cause of years lost due to disability and migraine just by itself was number six.
However, despite this prevalence, diagnosis and treatment for headaches, headache disorders, and migraine are often neglected. WHO points out that many impacted by these kinds of ailments don’t receive the care they need. In fact, they report that in the U.S. and U.K., “…only half of those identified with migraine had seen a doctor for headache-related reasons in the previous 12 months, and only two-third had been correctly diagnosed. Most were solely reliant on over-the-counter medications.”
But everyone deserves the care they need to keep them out of pain. Folks who suffer from headaches, headache disorders, and migraine may find themselves calling out of work, excusing themselves from activities, relying on over-the-counter medication, or even neglecting their health due to lack of accessible diagnosis and treatment.
Acupuncture, however, may be able to offer some relief that does not rely on pharmaceuticals and over-the-counter medications. Studies have found increasingly consistent evidence that acupuncture can treat migraine and headaches with clinically relevant efficacy.
A study conducted in 2020 asserts that “Compared with medication, acupuncture therapy is relatively low-cost and has fewer side effects…” and goes on to state, “…acupuncture demonstrably attenuates and prevents migraine.”
Another study including almost 5,000 participants found that, “Acupuncture was associated with a moderate reduction of headache frequency… after treatment headache frequency at least halved in 41% of participants receiving acupuncture…” while another article detailing the findings of other, similar studies, asserts that acupuncture treatments are beneficial for folks that suffer acute migraine attacks, showing to be “at least as effective” as preventative pharmaceutical drugs without as many adverse side effects.
It may be best summarized in an article from Dr. Albrecht Molsberger where he concludes with the statements, “On the basis of the existing evidence, acupuncture should be an option for the first-line treatment of migraine to supplement other non-pharmacologic treatment options. It is at least as effective as prophylactic drug therapy, has longer lasting effects, is safe, seems to be cost-effective and reduces drug intake with possibly severe unwanted effects.”
Headaches and migraines, while incredibly common in adults across the world, too often go undiagnosed or untreated. Many people who suffer from these kinds of conditions find themselves relying on medications or other treatments that leave them with disagreeable side effects. However, acupuncture offers these people a real chance at relief.
If you suffer from headaches or migraines, we encourage you to email us at info@loveacu.net or call our offices at (503) 343 9851. Our providers are well-versed in treating these kinds of conditions, and many patients find relief after visiting us. You shouldn’t have to live your life in pain, and our office may be able to help you get back to doing what you love without the burden of chronic headaches.
If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911. Do not wait for an appointment with us. We are happy to work with you on chronic or ongoing health conditions; however, we are not equipped for or specialized in urgent or emergent care.