Positive Health Online

Abstract

VICKERS and co-workers, Integrative Medicine Service, Biostatistics Service, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Avenue, NY, NY 10021, USA, vickersa@mskcc.org, have conducted a large randomized trial of acupuncture for chronic headache.

Background

The aim of the study was to compare the effects of a 'use acupuncture' policy with a policy of 'avoid acupuncture' in terms of health status, days off sick, and use of health care resources, in patients with chronic headaches.

Methodology

In this randomized controlled trial, 401 patients with chronic headaches, predominantly migraine, were recruited from GP practices. They were randomly allocated to receive either up to 12 acupuncture treatments over three months in addition to standard care, or standard care. Headache Score, SF-36, and use of medication were assessed at baseline, after 3 months and after 12 months.

Results

Headache Scores at 12 months were lowered by about 34% from baseline in the acupuncture group compared to 16% in the control group. Patients in the acupuncture group experienced the equivalent of 22 fewer days of headache through the year, used 15% less medication, made 25% fewer visits to GPs and took 15% fewer days off sick. SF-36 data also favoured acupuncture although not all differences reached significance.

Conclusion

Acupuncture leads to persisting, clinically relevant benefits for chronic headache patients. Expansion of NHS acupuncture services should be considered.

References

Vickers AJ, Rees RW, Zollman CE, McCarney R, Smith CM, Ellis N, Fisher P, van Haselen R. Acupuncture for chronic headache in primary care: large, pragmatic, randomised trial. BMJ 328 (7442): 744, Mar 15, 2004.