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Open Access 01-12-2013 | Short report

Self-reported efficacy of complementary and alternative medicine: the Akershus study of chronic headache

Authors: Espen Saxhaug Kristoffersen, Kjersti Aaseth, Ragnhild Berling Grande, Christofer Lundqvist, Michael Bjørn Russell

Published in: The Journal of Headache and Pain | Issue 1/2013

Abstract

Background

Chronic headache is associated with disability and high utilisation of health care including complementary and alternative medicine (CAM).

Findings

We investigated self-reported efficacy of CAM in people with chronic headache from the general population. Respondents with possible self-reported chronic headache were interviewed by physicians experienced in headache diagnostics. CAM queried included acupuncture, chiropractic, homeopathy, naprapathy, physiotherapy, psychological treatment, and psychomotor physiotherapy. Sixty-two % and 73% of those with primary and secondary chronic headache had used CAM.

Self-reported efficacy of CAM ranged from 0-43% without significant differences between gender, headache diagnoses, co-occurrence of migraine, medication use or physician contact.

Conclusion

CAM is widely used, despite self-reported efficacy of different CAM modalities is modest in the management of chronic headache.

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Title: Self-reported efficacy of complementary and alternative medicine: the Akershus study of chronic headache
Authors: Espen Saxhaug Kristoffersen
Kjersti Aaseth
Ragnhild Berling Grande
Christofer Lundqvist
Michael Bjørn Russell
Publication date: 01-12-2013
Publisher: Springer Milan
Published in: The Journal of Headache and Pain / Issue 1/2013
Print ISSN: 1129-2369
Electronic ISSN: 1129-2377
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/1129-2377-14-36

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Self-reported efficacy of complementary and alternative medicine: the Akershus study of chronic headache

Abstract

Background

Findings

Conclusion

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Findings

Conclusion

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