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Is accupuncture a waste of money?

ripplyuk
Posts: 2,938 Forumite


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?
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?
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Comments
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Is acupuncture a waste of money?
I think its a bit of a stab in the dark0 -
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.0 -
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 Carroll0 -
Ive had it three times on the NHS, for different things, and once privately. Amazing. Made a huge difference to me for a frozen shoulderCarolbee0
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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 x0
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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 shadingEverything will be alright in the end so, if it’s not yet alright, it means it’s not yet the endMFW #4 OPs: 2018 £866.89, 2019 £1322.33, 2020 £1337.07
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Quidquid Latine dictum sit altum videtur0 -
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.
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Quackery!
If it was clinically and cost-effective, the NHS would pay.0 -
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.0
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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.0
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