Treating tension-type headache with acupuncture
It could be a valuable non-pharmacological tool in patients with frequent episodic or chronic tension-type headaches, according to this Cochrane review.
First, the details.
- 11 trials with 2317 participants met the inclusion criteria.
And, the results.
- 2 large studies of acupuncture vs treatment of acute headaches or routine care found significant and clinically relevant short-term (up to 3 months) benefits of acupuncture in the number of headache days and pain intensity.
- A meta-analysis of 5 studies of acupuncture vs sham acupuncture reported significant benefits of acupuncture over sham for response and several other outcomes.
- 3 of 4 comparisons of acupuncture vs physiotherapy, massage, or relaxation had study design problems that made data interpretation difficult.
The bottom line?
With the addition of 6 studies since the last review, the authors conclude that acupuncture could be a valuable non-pharmacological tool in patients with frequent episodic or chronic tension-type headaches.
1/23/09 22:09 JR