Exploring Acupuncture and Its Effects on Chronic Headache and Musculoskeletal Pain: A Comprehensive Narrative Review

Aims: The objective of this review is to conduct a thorough analysis of the utilization of acupuncture as a non-pharmacological method for managing pain, with a specific focus on its effectiveness in addressing chronic musculoskeletal pain and headaches. Method and Materials: A comprehensive search was conducted on electronic databases such as PubMed and Google Scholar to identify relevant studies published until January 2024. The search employed keywords such as acupuncture, acupuncture mechanism, headache, musculoskeletal pain, and pain management. Studies were included if they assessed the use of acupuncture in different clinical populations and reported outcomes related to pain intensity, functional status, and cost-effectiveness. Ultimately, a total of 6 articles were selected for the final analysis. Findings: The studies included in this review encompassed a diverse range of patient populations, specifically focusing on individuals who received acupuncture treatment. The findings indicated that acupuncture was associated with improved pain control and reduced reliance on medication among patients suffering from chronic musculoskeletal pain and headaches. Additionally, one study demonstrated the long-term cost-effectiveness of utilizing acupuncture in this manner.. Conclusion: The results of this review provide support for the implementation of acupuncture as part of non-pharmacological approaches in clinical settings. Future research should concentrate on identifying the most effective combinations of acupuncture and standard care, as well as elucidating the mechanisms that underlie the synergistic effects of this treatment modality.