Successfully treating Migraine headaches with acupuncture and dry needling with personalized strategies
Migraine is a neurological disorder that affects millions of people worldwide. It is characterized by severe headaches, sensitivity to light and sound, nausea, and vomiting. Many individuals with migraines rely on medications to manage their symptoms, but these drugs may have adverse side effects or fail to provide long-term relief. In recent years, there has been growing interest in acupuncture as a safer and more effective treatment for migraines. This post will explore the effectiveness of using dry needling and acupuncture in treating migraines.
Acupuncture began as a form of traditional Chinese medicine that involves the insertion of thin needles into specific points on the body. It was believed to restore balance and promote the body's natural healing process. This theory has evolved over the last two thousand years and now enjoys the backing of modern biological science to explain its outcomes. Likewise, dry needling is a contemporary reinterpretation of some specific acupuncture techniques. The two are compatible modes of treatment, although rarely employed to maximum effect by most physicians.
The effectiveness of the unique methods we use at our clinic are well illustrated in the research journals. One study published in the very prestigious Journal of American Medical Association evaluated the effectiveness of acupuncture in treating migraines. The study included 249 patients who had been diagnosed with migraines and had been experiencing headaches for at least one year. The participants were divided into three groups, with one group receiving acupuncture treatment and the other receiving “fake acupuncture” or being put on a waiting list, meaning they got no treatment at all. The results showed that acupuncture was as effective as medication in reducing the frequency and intensity of headaches. Furthermore, the acupuncture group reported fewer side effects than the medication group. The most interesting thing to note is deep in the study, the authors mention that despite being a safe and effective treatment, a limiting factor was the inability to make personalized therapies based on the individual patient and to use multiple points for the needles.
This need to customize and combine techniques has been the cornerstone of our treatment for years and the reason we have had such good results in treating migraine patients. (https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamainternalmedicine/fullarticle/2603492)
One satisfied patient who had tried everything else is Jane (not her real name), a 35-year-old woman who had been suffering from migraines for over a decade. She had tried numerous medications, including over-the-counter pain relievers and prescription drugs, but none provided long-term relief. Jane was hesitant to try acupuncture but decided to give it a chance after hearing positive reviews from friends that had been to our clinic before. She was pleasantly surprised to find that the acupuncture treatments reduced the frequency and intensity of her headaches. "I was skeptical at first, but I'm so glad I tried acupuncture," Jane said. "It's been a game-changer for me. I feel like I have my life back."
To wrap up, needle therapy is an effective treatment for migraines. Research has shown that acupuncture/dry-needling can reduce the frequency and intensity of headaches, and has fewer side effects than medication. If you have been suffering from migraines and have not found relief with medication, acupuncture may be worth considering. As Jane's experience shows, acupuncture can be life-changing for migraine sufferers who have tried everything else.
