Abstract

Objectives : Clinical character of chronic tension-type headache is bilateral, moderate intensity, persistent and chronic, repeating disease and CTTH is a common prevalent disease, but pathophysiology and likely mechanism remain unclear. It impedes subjective quality of life. The purpose of this research is to examine the effect of sa-am acupuncture method for chronic tension-type headache. Methods : In this randomized, single blind, placebo-controlled study, we compared active acupuncture with sham acupuncture for the treatment of chronic tension-type headache. Volunteers who satisfied the requirements were enrolled in study. Evaluation of chronic tension-type headache was measured by VAS and Headache Disability Inventory(HDI), Six point Linkert Scale before and after treatments. Results : 26 subjects finished study. There were not difference between two groups on age, sex, weight, height, blood pressure, pulse, respiratory rate, Byeonjeung, sunrise of treatment. In change of VAS, there were not difference between two groups on before treatment. Before treatment per visit, VAS of 6th and 7th visit were significantly decreased in active acupuncture(each p=0.039, p=0.008) and were not decreased in sham acupuncture. In change of VAS on a withdrawing needling after treatment, VAS of 1st, 2nd, 6th and 7th visit were significantly decreased in active acupuncture (each p=0.001, 0.038, 0.035, 0.008) and VAS of 2nd, 4th and 5th, 6th visit were significantly decreased in sham acupuncture(each p=0.033, 0.032, 0.035, 0.031). In change of VAS on 2hrs after treatment, VAS of 4th and 5th, 6th visit were significantly decreased in active acupuncture(each p=0.014, 0.023, 0.027) and 5th visit were significantly decreased in sham acupuncture(each p=0.004, 0.009). In change of VAS on 4hrs after treatment, VAS of 4th and 5th, 6th visit were significantly decreased in active acupuncture(each p=0.018, 0.011, 0.015) and 5th, 6th visit were significantly decreased in sham acupuncture(each p=0.020, 0.015). In change of VAS on the next day after treatment, VAS of 3th and 4th and 5th, 6th visit were significantly decreased in active acupuncture(each p=0.032, 0.011, 0.005, 0.012) and 4th, 5th visit were significantly decreased in sham acupuncture(each p=0.001, 0.012). In change of VAS according to a current time(before treatment, after a withdrawing needling, 2hrs, 4hrs, the next day), total score of VAS was decreased more active acupuncture group than sham acupuncture group, but there were no statistical significance compared with sham acupuncture group. In change of HDI score, after treatment was decreased than before treatment in two group, but there were no statistical significance compared with two group. In change of Six point Linkert scale score, after treatment was decreased than before treatment in two group on 6th, 7th visit(active acupuncture 6th 7th each p=0.002, 0.003, sham acupuncture 6th 7th each 0.003, 0.009), but there were no statistical significance compared with tow group. Conclusion : Sa-am acupuncture treatment is effective to improve the symptoms and quality of life in patients with chronic tension-type headache.

Keywords

• SA-am Acupuncture;
• chronic tension-type headache;
• VAS;
• Headache Disability Inventory(HDD);
• Six point Linkert Scale