Is accupuncture a waste of money?

I’ve started having chronic migraines. I also clench my teeth at night and have some type of TMJ dysfunction (mouth guard made it worse). My doctor referred me for physiotherapy but that hasn’t helped at all and now the physiotherapist has suggested trying accupuncture. I’m sceptical about this but also desperate for anything that would help, even a little.

This would not be on the NHS so I would have to pay. Has anyone tried it? Is it worth paying for or is it quackery?
«13

Comments

  • unforeseen
    unforeseen Posts: 7,376 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Photogenic Name Dropper
    Is acupuncture a waste of money?


    I think its a bit of a stab in the dark
  • keithdc
    keithdc Posts: 459 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 100 Posts Name Dropper Combo Breaker
    ripplyuk wrote: »
    I’ve started having chronic migraines. I also clench my teeth at night and have some type of TMJ dysfunction (mouth guard made it worse). My doctor referred me for physiotherapy but that hasn’t helped at all and now the physiotherapist has suggested trying accupuncture. I’m sceptical about this but also desperate for anything that would help, even a little.

    This would not be on the NHS so I would have to pay. Has anyone tried it? Is it worth paying for or is it quackery?

    Quackery!

    If it was clinically and cost-effective, the NHS would pay.
  • theoretica
    theoretica Posts: 12,689 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper Photogenic
    The placebo effect is very powerful, and I am not convinced the NHS harness it well. But if you are sceptical about acupuncture it might not be the best way of harnessing the placebo effect.

    On the other hand I believe that there is no more evidence for negative side effects (ok cost and your time) than positive results.
    But a banker, engaged at enormous expense,
    Had the whole of their cash in his care.
    Lewis Carroll
  • carolbee
    carolbee Posts: 1,805 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Name Dropper
    Ive had it three times on the NHS, for different things, and once privately. Amazing. Made a huge difference to me for a frozen shoulder
    Carolbee
  • gsymoo
    gsymoo Posts: 133 Forumite
    I've had it once for severe shoulder pain (muscular). I didnt think it would work so was shocked by how much of a difference it made. Wouldn't hesitate in getting it again... but, that wasn't for migraines so not sure. Hope you find something that helps x
  • jackieblack
    jackieblack Posts: 10,470 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper Photogenic
    My Dad, who was hugely sceptical, was driven by desparation to try acupuncture when he was in a lot of pain waiting for his hips to be replaced.
    He was astonished at how effective he found it.

    I think the skill of the practitioner plays a massive part in how effective people find it.
    2.22kWp Solar PV system installed Oct 2010, Fronius IG20 Inverter, south facing (-5 deg), 30 degree pitch, no shading
    Everything will be alright in the end so, if it’s not yet alright, it means it’s not yet the end
    MFW #4 OPs: 2018 £866.89, 2019 £1322.33, 2020 £1337.07
    2021 £1250.00, 2022 £1500.00, 2023 £1500, 2024 £1350
    2025 target = £1200, YTD £575
    Quidquid Latine dictum sit altum videtur
  • beanielou
    beanielou Posts: 94,912 Ambassador
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Academoney Grad Mortgage-free Glee!
    keithdc wrote: »
    Quackery!

    If it was clinically and cost-effective, the NHS would pay.

    You can get it own the NHS.

    I personally find it makes an amazing difference.
    I am a Forum Ambassador and I support the Forum Team on Mortgage Free Wannabe & Local Money Saving Scotland & Disability Money Matters. If you need any help on those boards, do let me know.Please note that Ambassadors are not moderators. Any post you spot in breach of the Forum Rules should be reported via the report button , or by emailing forumteam@moneysavingexpert.com. All views are my own & not the official line of Money Saving Expert.

    Lou~ Debt free Wanabe No 55 DF 03/14.**Credit card debt free 30/06/10~** MFW. Finally mortgage free O2/ 2021****
    "A large income is the best recipe for happiness I ever heard of" Jane Austen in Mansfield Park.

    ***Fall down seven times,stand up eight*** ~~Japanese proverb.
    ***Keep plodding*** Out of debt, out of danger. ***Be the difference.***
    One debt remaining. Home improvement loan.
  • jenniewb
    jenniewb Posts: 12,842 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Photogenic Combo Breaker
    keithdc wrote: »
    Quackery!

    If it was clinically and cost-effective, the NHS would pay.
    AFAIK The NHS do offer acupuncture. I had it once, but sadly the nurse giving the treatment didn't seem to be aware how important it was to keep the regular appointments- I was advised to have one every 7-10 days but she was either always booked up for weeks at a time or she went on holiday. 4 sessions happened over 6 months...and funnily enough I noticed no difference but I got the feeling it could have helped (chronic back pain) if they'd stuck to the treatment guidelines.
  • donnac2558
    donnac2558 Posts: 3,637 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Name Dropper
    A friend had a course on the NHS for her spin problems. She was amazed at how well it worked for the pain, but when the course prescribed ended she was told if she wished to continue it would have to go private as the waiting list was so long.
  • ripplyuk
    ripplyuk Posts: 2,938 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Photogenic Name Dropper
    Thank you for the replies. I should have worded my OP better. The NHS do offer it but my GP has told me they have an 18mth waiting list in my area. I can’t wait that long and the alternative treatment they have offered is an anti-seizure drug with some very nasty side effects, along with diazepam, which I’m scared I’ll end up addicted to.

    I’m still sceptical but I think the accupuncture is worth a go. I don’t know how much of it I’ll be able to afford but these problems are bad enough that I’ll get into debt if necessary, to get any relief.
This discussion has been closed.
Meet your Ambassadors

🚀 Getting Started

Hi new member!

Our Getting Started Guide will help you get the most out of the Forum

Categories

  • All Categories
  • 350.2K Banking & Borrowing
  • 252.8K Reduce Debt & Boost Income
  • 453.2K Spending & Discounts
  • 243.2K Work, Benefits & Business
  • 597.6K Mortgages, Homes & Bills
  • 176.5K Life & Family
  • 256.2K Travel & Transport
  • 1.5M Hobbies & Leisure
  • 16.1K Discuss & Feedback
  • 37.6K Read-Only Boards

Is this how you want to be seen?

We see you are using a default avatar. It takes only a few seconds to pick a picture.