Mar
Does dry needling help with migraines?
Dry needling can be effective in treating migraine by addressing muscle knots and trigger points that can cause migraine headaches. This treatment method targets tense muscles in the neck, shoulders and jaw area, which often form migraine triggers. By relaxing these muscles and improving blood circulation, dry needling can reduce the frequency and intensity of migraine attacks.
What is dry needling and how does it work for migraine?
Dry needling is a treatment technique where thin needles are inserted into trigger points and tense muscles to reduce pain and tension. Unlike acupuncture, which works with energy lines, dry needling specifically targets anatomical structures such as muscle knots and connective tissue.
For migraine, dry needling works by addressing tense muscles in the neck, shoulders and jaw area, which often function as migraine triggers. These muscles can cramp due to stress, poor posture or overuse and exert pressure on nerves and blood vessels. By placing the needles precisely in these trigger points, the muscle is stimulated to relax.
The technique activates the body’s natural healing process and improves blood circulation to the treated area. This can help break the pain cycle that often occurs with migraine. Many people with this form of migraine experience tension in the neck muscles before an attack begins.
What benefits does dry needling offer for migraine patients?
Dry needling offers several specific benefits for people suffering from migraine. The treatment can reduce attack frequency by addressing underlying muscle tension, which often forms migraine triggers.
The main benefits are:
- Reduction in the intensity and duration of migraine attacks
- Relaxation of chronically tense muscles in neck and shoulders
- Improved blood circulation to head and neck area
- Relief of accompanying symptoms such as neck pain and migraine headaches
- Preventive effect against future attacks
The treatment works particularly well for people who experience aura spots or other warning signals before a migraine attack begins. Through regular dry needling, these early signals can occur less frequently. Migraine tips from therapists often include dry needling as part of a broader treatment strategy.
Who is dry needling suitable for with migraine complaints?
Dry needling is particularly suitable for migraine patients who experience muscle tension in the neck, shoulders or jaw area as a precursor to their attacks. The treatment works best for people with tension headaches that develop into migraine, or for chronic migraine with clear trigger points.
The treatment is suitable for:
- Adults with chronic or frequent migraine
- Patients with clear muscle tension as a migraine trigger
- People who do not respond well to medication alone
- Patients seeking a natural supplement to their treatment
Dry needling is less suitable for pregnant women, people with bleeding disorders or extreme needle phobia. Also, during acute migraine with aura symptoms, treatment is usually postponed. Patients can expect a brief, sharp sensation during treatment when the needle hits the trigger point, followed by muscle relaxation.
What are the possible side effects of dry needling?
Dry needling generally has mild side effects that disappear within a few days. The most common side effects are temporary muscle pain, slight bruising at the insertion sites and a feeling of fatigue after treatment.
Possible side effects are:
- Muscle pain that can last 24-48 hours
- Small bruises around the insertion sites
- Temporary fatigue or slight dizziness
- Brief increase in sensitivity in the treated area
These reactions are normal and indicate that the body is responding to the treatment. Patients should contact their practitioner if the pain gets worse instead of better, if signs of infection occur such as redness or warmth, or if new symptoms develop that persist for longer than a week.
How Ruggensteun helps with migraine using dry needling
We offer a holistic approach to migraine treatment, where dry needling is combined with chiropractic care for optimal results. Our specialised therapists have extensive expertise in treating migraine and understand the complex relationship between spine, nervous system and headache complaints.
Our approach includes:
- Thorough analysis of your specific migraine triggers and patterns
- Combination of dry needling with chiropractic corrections
- Personal migraine tips and preventive strategies
- Treatment of underlying causes rather than just symptoms
- Flexible scheduling with quick availability for acute complaints
Through our holistic vision, we look not only at migraine headaches, but at your entire nervous system and posture. You can contact us directly, without referral from your GP. More information about our migraine treatments can be found on our website, or contact us for a personal consultation. Discover on our homepage how we can help you find long-lasting relief from your migraine complaints.
Frequently Asked Questions
How quickly can I expect results from dry needling for migraine?
Most patients experience a reduction in muscle tension and headache frequency within 2-3 treatments. For optimal results, usually 6-8 sessions are needed, spread over several weeks. Some people feel relief after the first treatment, while others only notice significant improvement after multiple sessions.
Can I combine dry needling with my current migraine medication?
Yes, dry needling can be safely combined with most migraine medications. The treatment works as a supplement to medication and may even lead to you needing less medication. Always discuss with your practitioner which medications you are using, so that the treatment can be optimally tailored.
What should I do if my migraine gets worse after the first dry needling treatment?
A temporary increase in sensitivity is normal after the first treatment and usually lasts 24-48 hours. Use ice on the treated area and get adequate rest. If the headache does not improve after 3 days or becomes significantly worse, contact your therapist to adjust the treatment strategy.
How often should I have dry needling done for migraine prevention?
For acute migraine complaints, treatment is usually given 1-2 times per week. For prevention, monthly maintenance treatments are often sufficient. The frequency depends on the severity of your migraine, how well you respond to the treatment, and your personal triggers such as stress and posture.
What preparation is needed for a dry needling treatment?
Make sure you are well hydrated and eat a light meal before treatment to prevent dizziness. Wear comfortable clothing that provides easy access to neck and shoulders. Avoid alcohol 24 hours before treatment and inform your therapist about any medication use or health problems.
Is dry needling also effective for hormonal migraine?
Dry needling can help with hormonal migraine by reducing muscle tension that hormonal fluctuations can worsen. Although it does not remove the hormonal cause, it can reduce the intensity and frequency of attacks. Combination with other treatments such as nutrition and stress management often gives the best results.
What are the costs of dry needling for migraine and is this reimbursed?
Costs vary per practice, but usually range between €40-80 per session. Many health insurers reimburse dry needling as part of physiotherapy or with a registered therapist. Check your policy and ask your practitioner about reimbursement options and any excess.
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