Complementary and Alternative Medicine Use Among US Adults With Headache or Migraine: Results from the 2012 National Health Interview Survey

• DOI: 10.1111/head.13148
• Publication Date: 2017-07-25T12:44:37Z
• Authors: Yan Zhang; Jeff A. Dennis; Matthew J. Leach; Felicity L. Bishop; Holger Cramer; Vincent C. H. Chung; Craig Moore; Romy Lauche; Ron Cook; David Sibbritt; Jon Adams
• Keywords: Migraine treatment

Background Given the safety concerns regarding pharmacological agents, and considerable impact of headache migraine on sufferer's quality life, many people seek other treatment options beyond conventional medication care to address their symptoms; this includes complementary alternative medicine (CAM). Some CAM interventions have shown promising results in clinical trials management. Nonetheless, there has been little research exploring reasons for using CAM, types used, among population. Objective The study aimed answer following questions: (1) Which modalities are used most frequently migraine/headache sufferers? (2) What self‐reported use Methods This secondary analysis data from 2012 U.S. NHIS (a national cross‐sectional survey) examined sufferers, including main related use. Data were weighted analyzed STATA 14.0. Results sample 34,525 adults included 6558 (18.7%) headache/migraine sufferers. Of a substantial proportion (37.6%, n = 2427) various conditions; however, specifically was much less prevalent (3.3%, 216). those who headache/migraine, about half conjunction with prescription (47.8%, 100) or over‐the‐counter (55.1%, 113). As severity increased so did likelihood (severe odds ratio [OR] 2.32; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.41, 3.82; both recurring headache/severe OR 3.36; CI: 2.08, 5.43; when compared only). modality all sufferers (N 6558) manipulative therapy (22.0%, 1317), herbal supplementation (21.7%, 1389) mind‐body (17.9%, 1100). top 3 general wellness (28.7%, 60/209), improving overall health (26.8%, 56/209), reducing stress (16.7%, 35/209). Conclusions Although is by relatively low United States. also assesses key differences 2007, identifies shortfalls evidence‐base several headache/migraine. information may assist providers consumers making informed decisions safest appropriate approach managing