Effects of Cervical Manual Therapy on Cervicogenic Headache
| Status: | Completed |
|---|---|
| Conditions: | Migraine Headaches, Pain |
| Therapuetic Areas: | Musculoskeletal, Neurology |
| Healthy: | No |
| Age Range: | 18 - 70 |
| Updated: | 4/6/2019 |
| Start Date: | February 15, 2018 |
| End Date: | January 1, 2019 |
Effects of Cervical Spine Manual Therapy on Range of Motion, Joint Position Sense, and Balance in Participants With Cervicogenic Headache
The effects of cervical spine manual therapy, including mobilization and manipulation, on
cervical spine range of motion, joint position sense, and balance is unknown among
individuals with cervicogenic headache. Previous studies have indicated improved frequency of
headache, decreased perceived disability, and demonstrated improved neuromuscular function
following upper cervical manipulation. Other authors report improved cervical spine range of
motion, joint position sense, and balance following cervical spine manual therapy for
individuals with cervicogenic dizziness. Through an experimental design, this study aims to
determine the effects of cervical spine manual therapy on variables such as cervical spine
range motion, joint position sense, and balance among individuals with headache of a cervical
spine origin.
cervical spine range of motion, joint position sense, and balance is unknown among
individuals with cervicogenic headache. Previous studies have indicated improved frequency of
headache, decreased perceived disability, and demonstrated improved neuromuscular function
following upper cervical manipulation. Other authors report improved cervical spine range of
motion, joint position sense, and balance following cervical spine manual therapy for
individuals with cervicogenic dizziness. Through an experimental design, this study aims to
determine the effects of cervical spine manual therapy on variables such as cervical spine
range motion, joint position sense, and balance among individuals with headache of a cervical
spine origin.
A convenience sample will be utilized to obtain subjects who suffer from cervicogenic
headaches, as defined by the International Headache Classification. Subjects will be given an
online medical screening questionnaire to differentiate and screen additional types of
headache symptoms (migraine, cluster, tension-type, for example) and identify possible
contraindications for manual therapy treatment techniques and exclude individuals if
necessary. Subjects will be randomized into one of three groups (upper cervical mobilization,
upper cervical manipulation, or control) and be tested with the Cervical Flexion Rotation
Test, Joint Position Error testing, and sensorimotor balance testing via NeuroCom Balance
Master. Subjects with cervicogenic headaches will receive their assigned intervention and
dependent variables will be reassessed immediately, as well as 4-weeks after initial
intervention. Individuals in either intervention group (mobilization or manipulation) will
also complete a specific home-exercise program, which has been reported to improve upper
cervical range of motion, to the C1/2 segment.
headaches, as defined by the International Headache Classification. Subjects will be given an
online medical screening questionnaire to differentiate and screen additional types of
headache symptoms (migraine, cluster, tension-type, for example) and identify possible
contraindications for manual therapy treatment techniques and exclude individuals if
necessary. Subjects will be randomized into one of three groups (upper cervical mobilization,
upper cervical manipulation, or control) and be tested with the Cervical Flexion Rotation
Test, Joint Position Error testing, and sensorimotor balance testing via NeuroCom Balance
Master. Subjects with cervicogenic headaches will receive their assigned intervention and
dependent variables will be reassessed immediately, as well as 4-weeks after initial
intervention. Individuals in either intervention group (mobilization or manipulation) will
also complete a specific home-exercise program, which has been reported to improve upper
cervical range of motion, to the C1/2 segment.
Inclusion Criteria:
- Over the age of 18
- Signs and symptoms consistent with cervicogenic headache (including unilateral
headache, headache that improves or resolves as cervical disorder or lesion improves
or resolves, headache that is made worse with cervical movement or sustained painful
neck positions, reduced cervical range of motion
- Headache frequency of at least once a week for 3 months
Exclusion Criteria:
- Bilateral headaches
- Non-musculoskeletal red flags
- Two or more positive neurologic signs indicative of nerve root compression
- Diagnosed with cervical spinal stenosis
- Bilateral upper extremity symptoms
- Symptoms indicative of central nervous system lesion
- History of whiplash injury within the previous 6 weeks
- Prior head or neck surgery
- Has received treatment for head or neck pain from any practitioner within the previous
month
- Has received physical therapy or chiropractic treatment for head or neck pain within
the previous 3 months
- Having a known vestibular or balance dysfunction (BPPV, unilateral vestibular loss,
etc.)
- Other headaches that do not originate from the cervical spine, primarily migraine,
vascular (cervical artery dysfunction), and tension-type headache.
We found this trial at
1
site
Winchester, Virginia 22601
Principal Investigator: Aaron J Hartstein, PT, DPT
Phone: 540-327-7454
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