Migraine is much more than just a chronic headache. It is a serious and prevalent neurological disease with a wide array of symptoms and varied frequency of episodes that can, for some, be disabling. The associated impact of migraine on sufferers is profound. Beyond the intense and quite varied physical symptoms, social interactions, sleep patterns, emotional states and even behavioral health are typically involved.
The prevalence of migraine is extraordinary. It is estimated that 39 million people in the U.S., or 12% of the population, suffers from migraine. 85% of chronic migraine sufferers are women, and one out of every four women will experience migraine in their lives.
While medication and therapies work well for many migraine sufferers, not everyone can find adequate relief with traditional treatment options. Those patients and ones seeking to enhance the benefits they get with their migraine treatments often look for adjunctive treatment care. Acupuncture treatment has demonstrated its value for many of those patients.
A review of 22 clinical trials that involved 4,985 patients found that acupuncture provided at least a 50% reduction in headaches and migraine frequency in up to 59% of the patients. Equally impressive is that many had lasting improvement for months.
Our approach to treating migraine is simple. We start with a trial tailored to the individual’s condition to determine if acupuncture is appropriate. If it is, patients typically notice a cumulative response and need less frequent treatment. Patients discontinue treatment if there is no noticed change.
If you would like to learn more about the effectiveness of acupuncture, and how The Acupuncture Clinic could help with your migraine attacks, please call 803-256-1000.