Acupuncture for Headaches and Migraine

Acupuncture Headaches Migraine Gold Coast

A headache refers to pain or discomfort experienced in the head or face. The characteristics of headaches can differ significantly regarding the location and intensity of the pain, as well as the frequency with which they occur. It is important to note that brain tissue lacks pain-sensitive nerve fibers and is incapable of feeling pain.

Available studies suggest that Acupuncture is at least as effective as, or possibly more effective than, prophylactic drug treatment, and has fewer adverse effects” (45).

Acupuncture for Headaches and Migraines at Gold Coast Acupuncture in Nerang.
Acupuncture for Headaches and Migraines at Gold Coast Acupuncture in Nerang.

Headache Symptoms

The symptoms of headaches depend upon the specific type of headache experienced. Additionally, the frequency of headaches and the severity of the symptoms can also differ.

Tension headaches

Tension headaches are the most common type of headache. Stress and tight muscles are often factors in tension-type headaches. These are common symptoms of a tension-type headache:

  • Gradual onset of the headache
  • The pain is generally felt on both sides of the head
  • The discomfort is dull or resembles a band or vice encircling the head
  • The pain may extend to the posterior region of the head or the neck
  • The intensity of the pain ranges from mild to moderate, but does not reach severe levels

Tension-type headaches usually do not induce nausea, vomiting, or light sensitivity (photophobia).

Migraines

In this particular type of headache, symptoms beyond mere pain manifest as part of the condition. Nausea and vomiting, lightheadedness, sensitivity to light (photophobia), and various visual symptoms are commonly associated with migraines. Additionally, migraines are characterized by distinct phases. It is important to note that not every individual experiences all phases. The phases of a migraine headache may include the following:

  • Premonition or prodromal phase. This phase may involve a shift in mood or behavior occurring hours or even days prior to the onset of the headache.
  • Aura phase. A collection of visual, sensory, or motor symptoms may precede the headache. Examples of these symptoms include alterations in vision, hallucinations, numbness, changes in speech, and muscle weakness.
  • Headache phase. This is the period during which the headache occurs, characterized by throbbing pain on one or both sides of the head. Sensitivity to light and motion is prevalent, along with feelings of depression, fatigue, and anxiety.
  • Resolution phase. During this phase, the pain diminishes, but it may be accompanied by fatigue, irritability, and difficulty concentrating. Some individuals report feeling rejuvenated after an attack, while others do not.

Cluster Headaches

Cluster headaches typically manifest in a series that can persist for weeks or even months. The following are the most prevalent symptoms associated with a cluster headache:

  • Intense pain localized to one side of the head, generally situated behind a single eye.
  • The affected eye may exhibit redness and excessive tearing, accompanied by a drooping eyelid and a constricted pupil.
  • Eyelid swelling.
  • Nasal discharge or blockage.
  • Forehead swelling.

Acupuncture for Migraine prophylaxis Research

[Positive effect]

For migraine prophylaxis, acupuncture was rated as ‘effective’ in the Australian DVA review (2010) and ‘evidence of positive effect’ in the USVA Evidence map of acupuncture {2014} (5, 6). Since March 2013 a narrative review of high quality randomised controlled trials and two systematic reviews including a Cochrane systematic review update, have confirmed that acupuncture is superior to sham acupuncture and seems to be at least as effective as conventional preventative medication in reducing migraine frequency (40-42). Subgroup analysis in the Cochrane systematic review found that 16 or more treatment sessions showed a larger effect size (Z=4.06) than 12 treatments or fewer (Z=2.32). Evidence levels in these three reviews was moderate to high quality.

Acupuncture for Headache Research

(chronic tension-type and chronic episodic) [Positive effect]

Chronic tension-type headaches and chronic episodic headaches were not reviewed in the Australian DVA review (2010) and rated as ‘evidence of positive effect’ in the USVA Evidence map of acupuncture (2014) (5, 6). The most recent Cochrane systematic review update confirmed that acupuncture is effective for frequent episodic and chronic tension-type headaches with moderate to low quality evidence (43). A brief review of systematic reviews and meta-analyses described acupuncture as having a ‘potentially important role as part of a treatment plan for migraine, tension-type headache, and several different types of chronic headache disorders’ (44). Studies in Germany and the UK found acupuncture for chronic headaches to be cost-effective (44).

The above research suggests that Acupuncture may provide beneficial outcomes however other papers did not have the same findings so the evidence is regarded as mixed.

Acupuncture Gold Coast Location

The Gold Coast Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine Clinic is located in the Albert Centre at 5/18 Ferry Street, Nerang.

This is also a great location for our customers in the surrounding suburbs of Nerang including Gilston, Highland Park, Mount Nathan, Carrara, Ashmore, Gaven, Molendinar, Worongary, Helensvale, Coomera, Hope Island, Oxenford, Upper Coomera, Pimpama, Ormeau, Maudsland, Willowvale and Tamborine Mountain.

Book your appointment

Acupuncture is available at our Nerang Clinic. If it is your first visit please make sure you arrive 5 minutes early to fill out paperwork. All our therapists are qualified and trained professionals.

Call our Clinic
You may call us at our Nerang clinic directly.

Phone: 5573 6601

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References

5. Biotext. Alternative therapies and Department of Veterans’ Affairs Gold and White Card arrangements. In: Australian Government Department of Veterans’ Affairs, editor: Australian Government Department of Veterans’ Affairs; 2010.

6. Hempel S, Taylor SL, Solloway MR, Miake-Lye IM, Beroes JM, Shanman R, et al. VA Evidence-based Synthesis Program Reports. Evidence Map of Acupuncture. Washington (DC): Department of Veterans Affairs; 2014.

40. Da Silva AN. Acupuncture for migraine prevention. Headache. 2015 Mar;55(3):470-3.

41. Linde K, Allais G, Brinkhaus B, Fei Y, Mehring M, Vertosick EA, et al. Acupuncture for the prevention of episodic migraine. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2016(6):Cd001218.

42. Yang Y, Que Q, Ye X, Zheng G. Verum versus sham manual acupuncture for migraine: a systematic review of randomised controlled trials. Acupunct Med. 2016 Apr;34(2):76-83.

43. Linde K, Allais G, Brinkhaus B, Fei Y, Mehring M, Shin BC, et al. Acupuncture for the prevention of tension-type headache. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2016;4:Cd007587.

44. Coeytaux RR, Befus D. Role of Acupuncture in the Treatment or Prevention of Migraine, Tension-Type Headache, or Chronic Headache Disorders. Headache. 2016 Jul;56(7):1238-40.

45. Linde K, Allais G, Brinkhaus B, Fei Y, Mehring M, Vertosick EA, et al. Acupuncture for the prevention of episodic migraine. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. (2016) 6:CD001218.