Acupuncture For Headaches & Stiff Necks

Acupuncture is an ancient Eastern form of treating chronic pain that entails inserting small needles into the skin. The needles can have a positive effect on your energy and relieve tension, which is a cause for headaches. Acupuncture is an effective treatment method for both mild and severe headaches, such as migraines, as well as a stiff neck, which often develops in tandem with a headache or on its own.

Tension Headaches

Tension headaches typically occur infrequently; however, some people experience tension headaches several times each month. These types of headaches cause muscles to tense and constrict blood flow, leading to discomfort or pain in the head, neck or scalp. According to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, acupuncture can help relieve tension headaches. More than 2,300 headache patients participated in 11 different acupuncture studies. Results showed patients experienced fewer headaches with acupuncture treatment.

Migraine Headaches

Acupuncture is also a viable option if you develop migraine headaches. Medical News Today reports that acupuncture is a safe and effective treatment method for relieving chronic pain conditions, such as migraine headaches. Migraine is a more severe type of headache than tension headache and can disable you. Generally, nausea, vomiting and light-sensitivity are associated with migraine headaches. Acupuncture therapy for migraine is common in Germany, where it is often covered by health insurance. The therapy is gaining traction in the United States, with approximately 8.2 million Americans having tried acupuncture, based on a 2002 National Health Interview Survey.

Stiff Neck

A stiff neck is often a side effect of a headache, but can also develop on its own. Acupuncture is still a treatment option in such cases. According to the "Journal of Chinese Medicine," the reason for acupuncture's effectiveness is that treatment is not limited to the area on the neck that feels stiff. Acupuncture treats the surrounding area as well to relieve tension that has built up and spread in the muscles. Furthermore, deep needle penetration acupuncture helps release any built-up stress in the neck, which can bring about faster relief than conventional treatments.

Sham Acupuncture

Research has shown that sham, or "fake," acupuncture has a healing effect on patients and helps reduce headaches. During a sham acupuncture, the needles are inserted at various locations that do not necessarily match up with any predetermined relief points as specified by traditional acupuncture guidelines. According to researchers at the University of Munich, sham acupuncture has the same healing effects on headaches as traditional acupuncture. The simple act of undergoing an acupuncture treatment has a relaxation and soothing effect on patients, which can help reduce pain and discomfort from headaches.