Effectiveness of electroacupuncture and manual acupuncture in patients with tension-type headache: a study protocol for a randomized, usual care-controlled, three-arm clinical trial.

Researchers are launching a study to compare different acupuncture treatments for tension-type headaches, a common condition that causes pain, reduces quality of life, and is often linked to anxiety and depression. Because these headaches can be chronic and pain medications may cause side effects or lead to medication-overuse headaches, non-drug treatments are increasingly important. The study will enroll 75 adults aged 18-65 with tension-type headaches lasting at least one year. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of three groups: electroacupuncture (acupuncture with mild electrical stimulation), manual acupuncture (traditional needle insertion without electricity), or continuing their usual care. Both acupuncture groups will receive 12 treatment sessions over four weeks, using the same acupuncture points and treatment setup. All participants will continue taking their current medications. Researchers will measure several outcomes including headache intensity (the main focus), number of headache days and hours, how much pain medication participants use, quality of life, and levels of anxiety and depression. These measurements will be taken at the beginning of the study and again at 4, 8, and 12 weeks to see both immediate effects and whether benefits last over time. While acupuncture is already recommended by NICE guidelines for headache treatment, there's limited research comparing electroacupuncture with manual acupuncture specifically for tension-type headaches. This study aims to fill that gap and help patients and healthcare providers make more informed decisions about which type of acupuncture might work best for tension headaches. If you're considering acupuncture for headaches, seek treatment from a qualified, licensed acupuncturist.

This single-blind, three-arm randomized controlled trial will evaluate the comparative effectiveness of electroacupuncture versus manual acupuncture and usual care for tension-type headache. The study will enroll 75 adults (18-65 years) with chronic or episodic TTH, minimum one-year headache history, and stable treatment for at least three months. Participants will be randomized to receive either electroacupuncture, manual acupuncture (identical protocol with sham electrode placement), or usual care control. Both acupuncture groups will receive 12 sessions over four weeks (3x weekly, 30 minutes) using 14 paired and 3 midline acupoints, with all groups continuing concurrent medications. The primary outcome is headache intensity, with secondary outcomes including headache frequency, duration, acute medication consumption, quality of life, anxiety, and depression assessed at baseline and weeks 4, 8, and 12. This trial addresses a significant evidence gap regarding EA versus MA effectiveness for TTH, potentially informing clinical practice guidelines and treatment selection for this prevalent condition.