Migraine headaches are debilitating for those who suffer from them. According to the Migraine Research Foundation, approximately 39 million people in the U.S. suffer from migraine disease. Some migraine studies predict that up to 12% of adults in the U.S. experience migraines, with 4 million suffering from chronic migraines. Worldwide, it is estimated that 1 billion men, women, and even children suffer from migraine disease.
Migraines are serious and often incapacitating. Here are some additional statistics from the Migraine Research Foundation:
- Migraine disease is the 6th most disabling illness in the world.
- Every 10 seconds, someone in the U.S. goes to the emergency room complaining of head pain, and approximately 1.2 million visits are for acute migraine attacks.
- While most sufferers experience attacks once or twice a month, more than 4 million people have chronic daily migraine, which is defined as at least 15 migraine days per month.
- More than 90% of migraine sufferers are unable to work or function normally during their migraine.
Here are three benefits of using acupuncture to treat migraines
1) Prevention
Evidence shows that acupuncture can reduce migraine frequency and possibly even prevent the onset of migraines in some people. A 2015 study published by the American Headache Society found that acupuncture may help prevent migraine headaches or decrease occurrences and could be more effective than more traditional headache remedies, including prescription drugs.1
2) Saving Money
It’s also important to note that some migraine treatments are expensive. Acupuncture treatments just might help you reduce the cost of managing your chronic migraine pain. Check with your insurance company, because some plans do cover acupuncture treatments.
3) Fewer Side Effects
Most people suffering from migraine disease deal with it by taking prescription medication. However, studies show acupuncture may help relieve the pain associated with migraines. According to a 2016 Cochrane review, approximately half of people regularly seeing an acupuncturist say they have reduced their reliance on painkillers after they have received acupuncture treatment.2 As with many prescription medications, some carry significant side effects. Acupuncture is a wonderful drug-free option to investigate if you suffer from chronic migraine pain.
Talk to your acupuncturist and see what treatment options are available for your chronic migraine pain. It’s also helpful to keep a log of headache symptoms both before and after treatment. Before-treatment notes can help your acupuncturist understand your symptoms and potential triggers so they can tailor a treatment plan that is right for you. Tracking your symptoms in a log during the course of your acupuncture treatment helps you see how impactful the treatments are.
Don’t spend another day with chronic migraine pain. Make an appointment with us today and get the help you need.
Sources:
- https://americanheadachesociety.org/news/headache-quality-measurement/
- https://training.cochrane.org/handbook/current/chapter-26
Disclaimer: This article contains general information about health topics and it is for educational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice. If you have any questions related to your condition, you should contact your doctor or healthcare provider. If you think you may be suffering from any medical condition, you should seek immediate medical attention.
