|
|
|
 |
DoctorGetWell's Monthly Column
|
|
Dr. Alex Tatevian has maintained a monthly acupuncture column in
the health section of the Federal Hill Gazette since 1999.
|
|
|
|
|
Federall Hill Gazette; May 2004
|
|
Pins and Needles Ease Migraine Pain
|
|
|
Acupuncture may provide lasting relief from the pain of chronic headaches, such as migraines, according to a new study published recently in the March 2004 issue of the British Medical Journal.
Researchers found that compared with standard medical care, acupuncture offers substantial benefits in preventing headaches and improving the quality of life for people who suffer from frequent headaches, especially migraines.
Acupuncture is commonly used to treat other types of chronic pain, and acupuncture benefits are well documented, but researchers say this is the first large-scale study to examine the effectiveness of acupuncture under real-life conditions.
A year later, researchers found those who received acupuncture:
· Experienced 22 fewer days with headaches
· Used 15% less medication
· Made 25% fewer visits to their doctor
· Took 15% fewer days off sick from work than the control group
In a related study published in the same journal, British researchers found that acupuncture improves the quality of life for people with chronic headaches at a small additional cost. They say the findings show that acupuncture is a relatively cost-effective headache therapy compared with other treatments covered by the National Health Service of the United Kingdom.
They say the results indicate that health insurance coverage of acupuncture services should be expanded to include the treatment of chronic headaches and migraine.
The question is will it make its way over the ocean to New England?
|
| |
| |
|
This page last updated: 8-Sep-2010
|
|
|
|
|
