Mobilization Versus Manipulation for the Treatment of Cervicogenic Headaches

Franklin Pierce University

Status: Completed

Conditions: Cervicogenic Headache

Treatments: Other: Non-Thrust Mobilizations; Other: Thrust Mobilization

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT03919630

JC432019

Details and patient eligibility

About

There is currently a gap within the literature as to the effects of a thrust versus non-thrust mobilizations techniques specifically to the upper cervical spine C0-C3 along with home exercise program to help reduce frequency and intensity of cervicogenic headaches. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to examine the effectiveness of in treating headaches using non-thrust or thrust mobilizations in addition to postural corrective exercises on patient outcomes measures.

Full description

Cervicogenic headaches are classified as secondary headaches and typically rise from a musculoskeletal, cervical spine, disc, or soft tissue elements and are accompanied by neck pain. Dominant features of cervicogenic headache include unilateral head pain, external pressure over the ipsilateral upper neck, limited cervical range of motion, and trigger attacks by various neck motions. Cervicogenic headaches typically originate from the atlanto-occipital and upper 3 segments of the cervical spine and can radiate to the head or face region. Physical therapist have for some time been treating cervicogenic headaches with a variety of different treatment techniques ranging from conservative therapy, passive and active range of motion, stretching for cervical, strengthening exercises for the upper extremity, and manual therapy. However, little is known about the effects of thrust and non-thrust manipulative physical therapy treatments along with exercises to help reduce cervicogenic headaches. The purpose of this study is to assess the effectiveness of physical therapy in treating headaches using non-thrust to the upper 3 segments of the cervical spine or thrust mobilizations to the upper 3 segments, plus the addition of postural corrective exercises in treating cervicogenic headaches.

Enrollment: 48 patients

Sex: All

Ages: 18 to 65 years old

Volunteers: No Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

1. Patient must be English-speaking and have appropriate medical literacy to participate in the study
2. The physical examination must yield a reproducible familiar/concordant neck, head, jaw symptom or dysfunction
3. Pain reports of at least 2/10 for a headache or neck pain intensity
4. Neck Disability reports of at least a 20% or greater impact
5. Patients that report having at least two headaches within one month

Exclusion criteria

1. The presence of any know red flags (i.e., tumor, metabolic diseases, RA, osteoporosis, prolonged history of steroid use, etc.)
2. Patients who exhibit any red flag symptoms: positive upper or lower motor neuron testing. Signs or symptoms consistent cervical myelopathy or radiculopathy with nerve root compression (muscle weakness involving a major muscle group of the upper extremity, diminished upper extremity muscle stretch reflex, or diminished or absent sensation to pinprick in any upper extremity dermatome
3. Patients who exhibit any red flag symptoms of cervical instability tests, or have a positive VBI or CAD testing, showing signs of the 5 D's (dizziness, drop attacks, dysarthria, dysphagia, diplopia) or patient who have signs of 3 N's (Nystagmus, nausea, other neurological symptoms).
4. Prior surgery to the cervical spine or head (including cerebral shunts)
5. Women who are pregnant in their third trimester

Trial design

Primary purpose: Treatment

Allocation: Randomized

Interventional model: Parallel Assignment

Masking: Single Blind

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48 participants in 2 patient groups

Cervical Thrust Mobilizations

Experimental group

Description:

Once therapist has assessed subject and has found the patients most comparable sign they will be performing a high velocity thrust at the end of the patients available range, as described by Maitland's Approach. The thrust will be performed only once. The therapist will perform either a localized cervical rotation thrust which primary movement is rotation or a longitudinal cephalad C1 and C2 thrust, both targeting the upper cervical spine.

Treatment:

Other: Thrust Mobilization

Cervical Non-Thrust Mobilizations

Active Comparator group

Description:

Therapists will perform unilateral posterior to anterior mobilization (UPA) or central posterior to anterior (CPA) mobilizations grades I-IV as described above by Maitland concepts at levels C0-C3 which reproduce the patient's most comparable sign. Therapists will be instructed to perform 3x 30 second bouts of mobilizations at that level.

Treatment:

Other: Non-Thrust Mobilizations