Mind-body therapies for headache


Author: Sierpina V, Astin J, Giordano J

Affiliation: University of Texas Medical Center, Galveston, Texas, USA. vssierpi@utmb.edu
Conference/Journal: Am Fam Physician
Date published: 2007 Nov 15
Other:
 Volume ID: 76   ,  Issue ID: 10   ,  Pages: 1518-22   ,  Word Count: 106  
    Headache is one of the most common and enigmatic problems encountered by family physicians. Headache is not a singular entity, and different pathologic mechanisms are involved in distinct types of headache. Most types of headache involve dysfunction of peripheral or central nociceptive mechanisms. Mind-body therapies such as biofeedback, cognitive behavior therapy, hypnosis, meditation, and relaxation training can affect neural substrates and have been shown to be effective treatments for various types of headache. Meta-analyses of randomized controlled trials show that the use of mind-body therapies, alone or in combination, significantly reduces symptoms of migraine, tension, and mixed-type headaches. Side effects generally are minimal and transient.

PMID: 18052018