Positive Health Online

Abstract

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

Background

The aim of the study was to compare the effects of a 'use acupuncture' policy with those of an 'avoid acupuncture' policy on headaches, days off sick, and use of resources in patients with chronic headache.

Methodology

401 patients presenting to GP practices in England and Wales with chronic headache, predominantly migraine, were randomized to receive either 12 acupuncture treatments over a period of 3 months or standard care. Headache score, the SF-36, and the use of resources were measured pre and post treatment and at 9 months follow-up.

Results

Headache scores at follow-up in the treatment group were reduced by 34% from baseline, compared to a 16% reduction in patients in the control group (p = 0.0002). Patients in the acupuncture group experienced an average of 22 fewer headache days per year. The acupuncture patients used 15% less medication (p = 0.02), made 25% fewer visits to their GP (p = 0.1), and took 15% fewer days off sick (p = 0.2).

Conclusion

Acupuncture produces persisting, clinically relevant, significant improvements in patients with chronic headache. The provision of acupuncture for chronic headache in the NHS should be expanded.

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. British Medical Journal 328 (7442): 744, Mar 27, 2004.