Unconventional

TENS treatment

Unconventional medical approaches include diagnostic and therapeutic methods whose efficacy and tolerability have not yet been investigated with the necessary rigor and quality. This does not necessarily mean that they are ineffective.

Many of today's established conventional therapies were once unconventional. The sap of the willow tree, for example, which contains the active ingredient in aspirin, is a good example. However, the therapeutic effect of unconventional methods cannot be calculated because adequate scientific studies are lacking. Undoubtedly, there would be no place for unconventional methods at all if conventional treatments were sufficiently effective for everyone. Therefore, one should approach the topic with a relatively open mind.

Acupuncture
is a Chinese method that is approximately 4,000 years old and is said to be effective for all kinds of illnesses and ailments. However, there is no single, monolithic "acupuncture." Rather, a whole range of different methods are used: body acupuncture, ear acupuncture, auriculotherapy, moxibustion, acupuncture injections, needle acupuncture with electrical stimulation, electroacupuncture, laser acupuncture, and others.

In classical Chinese acupuncture, needles made of steel, gold, or silver are inserted into specific points on the skin. These points are located on specific lines that cover the entire body and were called Jing luo by the Chinese, roughly translated as "network-like connecting vascular-nervous systems." Western doctors refer to these lines as meridians, in analogy to the Earth's latitude and longitude system. According to traditional teachings, vital energy (Qi) flows along these lines. Inserting the acupuncture needles is intended to regulate and normalize disrupted energy flow.

Today, attempts are being made to explain the effects of acupuncture using modern concepts of pain perception. It is believed that inserting acupuncture needles stimulates the body's own pain defense systems.

Studies evaluating acupuncture are plagued by significant methodological problems. Unfortunately, the results of these studies are highly contradictory. No significant therapeutic effect can be demonstrated in these studies.

It is certain, however, that the frequency of migraines often decreases during the initial phase of acupuncture treatment. In this respect, acupuncture does not differ from treatment with a placebo. Considering these study results, it must be concluded that, according to current knowledge, the various acupuncture treatments show, at best, only short-term and moderate therapeutic effects. Since acupuncture is a simple, inherently inexpensive method with few side effects, it should be freed from all myths and ideologies as soon as possible. An unbiased evaluation of the procedures in scientific studies could then reveal its true value.

Acupressure:
In this method, patients themselves press or massage specific points on the body with their thumb or forefinger, points that are connected to the meridian system of acupuncture. Relaxation and rest are also essential. There are no scientifically controlled studies on its effectiveness for migraines, so we cannot assume it will be effective.

Chiropractic
methods attempt, among other things, to correct the alignment of the vertebral joints in the cervical spine. Although numerous studies exist on the effectiveness of chiropractic methods in treating headaches, almost all of them are rejected due to significant methodological flaws.

A methodologically sound study found no difference between chiropractic treatment, gentle cervical spine exercises, and massage. Furthermore, chiropractic manipulation can, in rare cases, trigger a stroke. Therefore, there seems to be no reason to take this risk when the treatment is ineffective.

Diets:
A natural, balanced diet is undoubtedly healthier than denatured industrial food and a one-sided diet. Abstinence from harmful substances is also an important aspect of a healthy lifestyle. Special dietary programs have been developed, such as the Evers diet, the FXMayer diet, and other methods. However, aside from avoiding specific trigger factors, a specific effect of special diets in the treatment of headaches has not yet been proven by controlled scientific studies.

Electrical stimulation:
The stimulation of the neck or other body parts with electrical current has been used to treat headaches for over 100 years. Today, electrical treatments are offered in the form of "transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation" (TENS) or "point-specific transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation" (PuTENS). Both methods use skin electrodes through which the current can stimulate nerves via the skin (transcutaneously).

The two methods differ in the type of electrodes used: either large-area or point-like electrodes are employed. Device manufacturers recommend these procedures for preventing migraine attacks. However, scientific studies show that only some patients experience temporary relief.

Focal treatment:
Chronic infections, particularly in the teeth, are believed to lead to the development of chronic diseases. By eliminating the source of infection (the focus), the disease is thought to disappear. Therefore, treatment involves restoring diseased teeth, and sometimes even removing the entire dentition. However, the effectiveness of this approach in treating headaches has not yet been established through controlled scientific studies.

Homeopathy
enjoys great popularity because it suggests a medicinal effect along with the added promise of optimal tolerability. Many people want to trust this gentle and side-effect-free method, which is quite understandable and reasonable. Homeopathy is based on the principle of similarity, the simile principle. Like cures like, or so Samuel Hahnemann thought 200 years ago. To date, homeopathy has failed to provide conclusive evidence for this. It's important to be aware that homeopathy doesn't work through a medicinal effect (it no longer contains any active ingredient), but rather through ritual and the placebo effect. The homeopath takes their time, listens, lets the patient speak, and is interested in all aspects of their life – they have a "holistic" view of the patient. Ideally, the treating physician also shares this view, which makes the patient feel well cared for.

Homeopathy has failed to provide any proof of efficacy in over 200 years. At high potencies, no molecule of the active ingredient can be detected; it is believed that water has a memory capacity.

Hypnosis
is a special, deep relaxation method. Its effectiveness is undeniably proven for some applications. However, to date, there is no study that proves this method is effective for headaches.

Cryotherapy
, the application of cold to treat headaches, is an old method. Cold compresses are placed around the temples, ice packs are used, or special cooling gels are applied. The assumed mechanism of action is that the cold causes the blood vessels to constrict. Some studies show that these methods can have a pleasant effect on mild headaches, but are not sufficient as a standalone treatment.

Kneipp therapy
, including water treading, alternating baths, and knee, thigh, arm, and face affusions, is recommended for headaches. Controlled studies on its effectiveness that meet scientific criteria are lacking. However, since Kneipp therapy encompasses far more than just water applications—primarily promoting a balanced lifestyle—a prophylactic effect based on these aspects is conceivable.

Magnetic field therapy:
Magnetic fields of varying strengths have been used to treat headaches. Studies proving its effectiveness in treating headaches are not known.

Neck massages:
To date, there is no controlled scientific study on whether massages can be helpful for migraines. On the contrary, some patients report that massages can even trigger migraine attacks.

Neural therapy
attempts, among other things, to eliminate interference fields through injections of local anesthetics. This form of therapy is used for a wide variety of conditions. Its effectiveness in treating headaches has not been established through controlled scientific studies.

Psychophony:
Under the neologism "Psychophony," a therapy is being promoted with the slogan "Listen Yourself Healthy," claiming to be effective against migraines in addition to a variety of other ailments—such as sleep disorders and depression. The procedure consists of several steps. First, an electroencephalogram (EEG) is recorded and entered into a computer. It is crucial that this EEG is recorded outside the time frame of a migraine attack. The electrical activity is then converted by the computer into audible sounds. The patient receives a cassette tape containing this "music," which is to be listened to regularly. The goal is to make the brain's electrical activity patterns audible in order to promote relaxation.

The method has not yet been sufficiently scientifically tested. It is also not a biofeedback method, as the current EEG activity cannot be fed back and actively influenced. Rather, it involves the repeated presentation of the same tone, which at best induces a non-specific relaxation.

Sauna
visits can significantly improve well-being. However, in some people, they also trigger migraine attacks. Controlled studies on their effectiveness for headaches are not known. It is conceivable, however, that the balancing effect of sauna bathing on the autonomic nervous system could play a positive role in prevention.

Sleep therapy:
During sleep therapy, patients are placed in a light, twilight sleep for several days. The depth of sleep still allows for trips to the toilet. However, controlled scientific studies have not yet proven its effectiveness in treating headaches.

Snake, spider, and scorpion venom:
The injection of venom originates from Chinese culture and is still used by alternative practitioners today. The venoms are said to affect the nervous and immune systems. No plausible explanation for this therapeutic method exists.

Stellate ganglion blocks
involve injecting local anesthetics into the stellate ganglion (a nerve cluster in the neck). It is believed that this can correct circulatory disorders. However, its effectiveness in treating headaches has not yet been proven.

Dental Treatments:
Although headaches and facial pain can undoubtedly be caused by disorders of the masticatory system, there is still no conclusive evidence that migraines are caused by such abnormalities. Sometimes braces or bite splints are recommended for migraines. However, studies proving the effectiveness of such therapies for migraines are lacking.