Complementary and alternative treatments

Abstract

It is estimated that more than 30% of patients do not respond to pharmacologic interventions for headache. As a result, and to avoid potential side effects, patients have begun seeking nontraditional modes of therapy for the management of headache. Among the alternative therapies are behavioral treatments (relaxation therapy, biofeedback therapy, and cognitive-behavioral therapy), acupuncture, and nutritional therapies (herbal remedies and vitamin or mineral supplementation). This article briefly describes these alternative therapies and evaluates the evidence for their effectiveness.