Changes in Headache Pain Intensity and Perception Following Acupuncture Treatment

Aim of the study: The aim of this research was to investigate changes in pain intensity and pain perception in patients with headaches following acupuncture therapy, compared with baseline values.

Methods

The research was conducted at the Institute for Pain Management at KBC Osijek on 20 patients diagnosed with headaches who underwent a two-week course of acupuncture therapy. At the beginning of the therapy, each patient filled out an anamnestic questionnaire and rated their pain on a Numerical Rating Scale (NRS). Pain rating was repeated on the fifth day and at the end of the therapy. Additionally, they completed the Chronic Pain Acceptance Questionnaire (CPAQ-8), the Pain Detect Questionnaire (PDQ), and the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS-14) before and after the therapy.