NICE guidelines
Acupuncture has gained significant recognition in the medical community for its effectiveness in managing various chronic pain conditions. This recognition is exemplified by its inclusion in the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines, which provide evidence-based recommendations for healthcare in the UK.
NICE guidelines now recommend acupuncture as a treatment option for chronic pain, migraine prevention and chronic tension-type headaches. This recommendation is based on a growing body of research demonstrating acupuncture’s efficacy in these areas.
For chronic pain, NICE suggests considering acupuncture as part of a broader treatment plan. The guidelines acknowledge that acupuncture can provide meaningful pain relief for many patients, often with fewer side effects compared to pharmacological interventions.
In the case of migraine prevention, NICE recommends a course of up to 10 sessions of acupuncture over 5-8 weeks. This recommendation is based on evidence showing that acupuncture can reduce the frequency and intensity of migraines in many patients.
For chronic tension-type headaches, NICE also suggests considering a course of acupuncture. Studies have shown that acupuncture can be effective in reducing the frequency and severity of these headaches, improving the quality of life for sufferers.
These NICE recommendations represent a significant step in the integration of acupuncture into mainstream healthcare, providing patients with a wider range of treatment options for managing chronic pain conditions.
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