To consider acupuncture?

[Wilsonicus]

I've had a fairly non stop migraine for about 2 years now. I've seen a neurologist etc and everything is okay internally, but the pain persists. Apparently it's linked to stress. As I'm dealing with infertility this is stress that I do find difficult to manage but I'm doing my best!

My gp has tried numerous medications to get the migraines under control, but they're still storming through my brain and ruining my daily life. A friend suggested acupuncture. Has anyone ever tried it? Is it worth the considerable amount of money?

Has anyone found anything else at all that helps with migraines? I've tried a myriad of medications, but also yoga, cold compresses, avoiding certain foods, etc. The nightmare is never ending!

I have a friend who trained to become an acupuncturist because, in desperation after years of cluster migraines, he tried acupuncture and it was the only thing which helped.

He now also treats women for fertility issues, incidentally.

Acupuncture helped me. Weekly massage helps too but not relaxing massage. Brutally painful sports massage.

I'm normally anti-acupuncture, but to be honest if nothing else is helping I would give it a go. It's not harmful (just make sure you go to someone recommended and hygienic!), migraines are awful things.

Don't suffer from migraines but tried acupuncture for other issues. It really worked for me, so if nothing else is working, why not? The only suggestion on my part would be to ensure that whoever you find is suitably qualified to do what they say they can do.

Total quackery aside of course you aren't U to consider any legitimate cure for any condition.

Debilitating pain of any kind is awful, don't wait for someone to tell you it's OK, give it a try, what could be the downside if you can afford it?

It's been thoroughly scientifically examined, it is total quackery. What's it supposed to do anyhow? Somehow block "chi" channels forcing this mystical fluid into damaged body parts? Bunk. Of course it could still work by some other method, but its been proven it simply doesn't work.

Still, its pretty harmless. Just don't spend too much money on it if you do try it.

It's not quackery to envisage the human body as a system of interconnected points and channels. Have you never had that thing where one part of you twitches when another part is stimulated?

Reading back I don't think I was clear, I don't think acupuncture is quackery, in fact I've found it effective in the past. What I meant was that you should avoid unproven things like juice drinks or niche diets, sorry it wasn't very well expressed.

There's information online that shows you that there is limited evidence that it's effective. Have a read, then make an informed decision about whether you want to spend money on it or not.

In addition to acupuncture, a really good reflexologist is worth a try.

Are you in status migrainosis?

Acupuncture has been effective for me and by chronic migraine at times, yes.

Anything is worth a go! It's also recommended for fertility treatment (by the NHS).

What meds have you been through? Lots of them are incompatible with pregnancy, and are not recommended when TTC.

Have Neurology looked at whether you qualify for Botox or nerve block injections?

Try an acupressure mat, mine came with a pillow and it's honestly saved my sanity. I use it every single day. I lie on it for my back as well. If you get a bit of relief from that, acupuncture may work even better!

I put it at the base of my neck and lie in bed, I could honestly fall asleep on it. It relaxes me so much and gets rid of my tension/stress headaches

@ThisIsMyStory1 do you have a link?

I had acupuncture for a trapped nerve after I had some serious surgery. That and they also did painful massage afterwards. It definitely helped and I think also very good for the mental wellbeing. I go to a Chinese doctors, but who is also registered by my local council, so she has the proper qualifications.

As a curveball - have you thought about an ear piercing? I think it may be called a 'daith' piercing which is the one that can help / eliminate migraines. Something about acupressure on the point that relieves migraines.

I haven't got one but I have heard / read numerous times over the years that it can (for most people), seriously relieve or get rid of migraines. Worth looking into? Good luck

OP, I know you say you have tried everything but please hear me out.

I was blacking out, nearly lost my driving licence, had to resign from work. I have had headpain since the age of 4. I have had every MRI and scan going. I’ve had Reiki, acupuncture, Bowen Therapy, Mctimony, reflexology, the lot.

I even had to inject Dalteparin Sodium (a blood thinner) every day during my pregnancy after 14 years of IVF & ICSI because they thought at one point I had a blood clot on the brain.

Having tried all meds prescribed from multiple neurologists, for The ONLY medication that worked for me has been Topiramote. Have you tried that?

Also, wondering if it’s not sinusitis? Even now I get them confused and go straight for migraine relief before anything else. If the pain isn’t relieved by Ibuprofen I know it’s sinus issues.

I know this post may be wholly irrelevant but I do also know how debilitating migraines are

Wishing you well soon x

Tried acupuncture for infertility and found it pointless waste of money. Left after a while as the woman kept pressuring me to buy some v dodgy pills from China.

Are your migraines linked to your cycle? I’ve noticed that when I have v low progesterone I get a migraine the day before my period starts, but when my progesterone level was more normal / when I was on progesterone pills, I didn’t get headaches.

I’d bet anything it’s linked to the infertility in some way.

Good luck xxx

Ps get your gp to refer you to an endocrinologist to try to balance your hormones.

Acupuncture massively helped my migraines and the results lasted for years! I had it done through a physiotherapist. It was fantastic. Worth a try!

@Hipstermo Topiramate is contraindicated during TTC and pregnancy because of significant links to birth defects.

I had horrific side effects from topiramate, and was being tested for cancers, blood deficiencies etc because of exhaustion and brain fog so bad I thought I was absolutely deranged. I couldn't get out of bed, quite literally, and ended up in a world of trouble at work. Also, the higher the dose, the worse the effects. It started off well for me, but quickly had breakthrough migraines and had to keep upping the dose until I was a zombie on 300mg and still having 4+ migraine per week.

What works for one doesn't work for another sadly.

I'm on Botox, which has brought me down from 23-27 days of migraine per month to around 10-12 days. Also, the pain levels are down from being suicidal at level 10 with it to about 4-6/10. Still a crappy situation, but SO much better than its been!

@Ffsseriously sorry! Didn't see this!

This is the one I have, imo, it's worth the £25. It feels great to stand on it as well, especially after a long day on your feet

TOMSHOO Acupressure Set, Acupressure Mat and Pillow with 2pcs Massage Balls- Pain Relief Therapy Muscle Back Neck with Travel Bag for Men and Women https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07Z3XWKBC/ref=cmswwrcppapiii_BRmzEbGV1D9XP

I had it to relieve muscle contraction and it worked, not a final fix. I had it a couple of more times. Use someone reputable and give it a go.
Even if, as people say here that it’s quackery, the psychological benefits of positive thinking are not.

NICE Guidelines for management of migraines

Acupuncture — NICE recommend considering a course of up to 10 sessions of acupuncture over 5–8 weeks according to the person's preference, comorbidities and risk of adverse events if both topiramate and propranolol are unsuitable or ineffective [NICE, 2012 (updated 2015)].

@ThisIsMyStory1 thank you looks good

My DS suffered badly from migraines, 2 a week where he would have to sleep it off in a dark room. He had acupuncture and has not suffered as badly at all since just the occasional one

What about that ear piercing that’s meant to help? Sorry don’t have the full details but sure google will