Study Questions Value of Acupuncture for Migraine

Study Questions Value of Acupuncture for Migraine

"TUESDAY, May 3 (HealthDay News) -- Migraine headache sufferers who use acupuncture get no more pain relief than those who undergo a sham treatment.

But they do get relief.

That is the result of a randomized, multi-center trial, one of the largest and most rigorous studies yet to examine acupuncture's effectiveness for migraine, the study's German authors report.

Both treatments reduced the number of days that patients experienced moderate to severe pain, with more than half of each treatment group reporting at least a 50 percent reduction in migraine attacks.

But having observed inconsistent results among patients who have used acupuncture, Dr. Seymour Diamond, director of the Diamond Headache Clinic in Chicago, offered a less optimistic view.

'I no longer use it in my practice and do know that some patients use it as a last resort after all other forms of treatment have failed,' he said. 'I would never consider acupuncture as first-line treatment.'"

My Take:

I have tried acupuncture and it worked immediately! And the moment the needles were removed the migraine was back full force. I believe the needles block the transmission of pain signals to the brain, but they do nothing to actually change the underlying brain chemistry.

But the study did indicate that many users experienced some relief. Once you have eliminated other treatments, I say acupuncture is worth trying. Sometimes temporary relief is all we need -- while the meds kick in.