Migraine headaches currently affect more than one billion people across the globe and are the second-leading cause of disability worldwide. Nearly one-quarter of U.S. households have at least one member who suffers from migraines. An estimated 85.6 million workdays are lost as a result of migraine headaches each year.
Yet many who suffer with migraine dismiss their pain as simply a bad headache. Rather than seeking medical care, the condition often goes undiagnosed , even when other incapacitating symptoms occur alongside the pain, including light and sound sensitivity, nausea, vomiting and dizziness.
Researchers have discovered that genetics and environmental factors play a role in the condition of migraine. They happen when changes in your brainstem activate the trigeminal nerve , which is a major nerve in the pain pathway. This cues your body to release inflammatory substances such as CGRP , short for calcitonin gene-related peptide. This molecule, and others, can cause blood vessels to swell, producing pain and inflammation.
For some, medication has its limits
A migraine can be debilitating. Those who are experiencing one are often curled up in a dark room accompanied by only their pain. Attacks can last for days; life is put on hold. The sensitivity to light and sound, coupled with the unpredictability of the disease, causes many to forego work, school, social gatherings and time with family.
Numerous prescription medications are available for both the prevention and treatment of migraine. But for many people, conventional treatment has its limitations. Some people with migraine have a poor tolerance for certain medications. Many can’t afford the high cost of the medicines or endure the side effects. Others are pregnant or breastfeeding and can’t take the medications.
However, as a board-certified neurologist who specializes in headache medicine, I’m always amazed at how open-minded and enthusiastic patients become when I discuss alternative options.
Published on theconversation.com, published: July 11, 2022 1.29pm BSTAccess the article here: https://theconversation.com/migraine-sufferers-have-treatment-choices-a-neurologist-explains-options...
Physiotherapists are increasingly offering needling therapies in addition to their standard care. Many Australian physiotherapists in private practice now offer dry needling or Western medical acupuncture as part of a treatment approach.
Is it just a fad or does science support it?
Article published on theconversation.com, published: June 27, 2022 4.47am BST
Access the article here: https://theconversation.com/physio-dry-needling-and-acupuncture-whats-the-difference-and-what-does-t...
From time.com, April 29, 2022.
Access the article here: https://time.com/6171247/acupuncture-health-benefits-research/
Medical Dialogues 23 March 2021
Normally when people get their butt out on Instagram, it’s to showcase their hot new underwear range. Not so for Dwayne Johnson: last month he bared all to praise the ‘quiet healing’ power of acupuncture. His devotion is one shared by Lizzie McManus, founder of ethical business consultants Warrior. Despite her scepticism, she decided to visit an acupuncturist in 2019 to see if they could ease the back pain that had prevented her sleeping or moving properly for two years. ‘I was living on medication for it but it wasn’t working and I was so miserable,’ says Lizzie. ‘It was a masseuse who suggested acupuncture. It really was a last resort for me and I didn’t actually expect it to work but it made a massive difference within just a few sessions. ‘The acupuncturist explained that your body can harbour emotions and I realised the pain started when I lost two grandparents in two months. I’m now living pain-free 99 per cent of the time and feel so much happier and more energetic.’
From The Metro, 25 March 2021Twitter: https://twitter.com/MetroUK | Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MetroUK/
Appointments for medical reasons are permitted and I continue to adhere to the guidance from the British Acupuncture Council and have implemented a range of COVID secure measures to protect clients and myself in the treatment space.
These include:
- Wearing PPE, including FFP2 face masks and eye goggles for me and face masks for all clients, unless medical exemptions apply
- appropriate spacing of appointments
- hands free hand sanitiser dispenser in the entrance
- thorough cleaning with antiviral products
- use of medical grade UVC light to clean the room between clients and at the end of clinic
Thanks
Steph
Appointments for health reasons are permitted and I continue to adhere to the guidance from the British Acupuncture Council and have implemented a range of COVID secure measures to protect clients and myself in the treatment space.
Thanks
Steph
After taking steps to ensure my clinics are COVID-19 secure, they will reopen from 27th July 2020.
My clinics closed as of 23rd March 2020 until further notice. This decision was made in the light of the current coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak and UK government advice.
I am committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for all of my clients. The health and well-being of my clients is my number one priority during this difficult time. I look forward to welcoming clients back as soon as possible for acupuncture and Tui na massage treatment. Kind Regards Steph
- Samantha Fletcher had her first migraine aged 13 and described it as 'terrifying'
- Migraine is thought to be caused by changes to nerves, chemicals, blood vessels in brain
- In 2018 Samantha turned to the Migraine Trust where they listed acupuncture
Click hereto read the full article published in the Daily Mail, 14 January 2020.
Pioneering research by The Christie NHS Foundation Trust in Manchester has found that acupuncture can help more than half of patients who suffer from neuropathy, a debilitating numbness, which can be caused by chemotherapy.
Believed to be the largest study of its kind ever undertaken, the aim was to discover if acupuncture, added to standard of care medication for patients experiencing severe chemo-inducted peripheral neuropathy, can significantly improve the condition for many.
Press release posted 28 December 2019.
Click here to read the full article.