The purpose of this research is to compare two different approaches for treating patients with cervicogenic headaches: non-thrust mobilization and exercise versus thrust manipulation and dry needling. Physical therapists commonly use all of these techniques to treat cervicogenic headaches. This study is attempting to find out if one treatment strategy is more effective than the other.
Patients with cervicogenic headaches will be randomized to receive 1-2 treatment sessions per week for 4 weeks (up to 8 sessions total) of either: (1) Dry Needling and HVLA thrust manipulation group, or the (2) Exercise and non-thrust mobilization group
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
DOUBLE
Enrollment
142
HVLA thrust manipulation to upper cervical and upper thoracic regions. Dry needling to cervicothoracic and craniofacial regions. Up to 8 treatment sessions over 4 weeks.
Non-thrust mobilization and exercise to upper cervical and upper thoracic regions. Up to 8 treatment sessions over 4 weeks.
Alabama Physical Therapy & Acupuncture
Montgomery, Alabama, United States
Change in Headache Intensity (NPRS) (Rating Score)
Rating Score. Baseline score must exceed 2/10 to be included in the study.
Time frame: Baseline, 1 week, 4 weeks, 3 months
Change in Headache Frequency (Number of headaches in the last week)
Number of headaches in the last week
Time frame: Baseline, 1 week, 4 weeks, 3 months
Change in Disability (NDI 0-50 points)
10 Questions each worth 0-5 points with maximum score of 50 points possible. Baseline score must exceed 10/50 to be included in study.
Time frame: Baseline, 1 week, 4 weeks, 3 months
Change in Global Rating of Change Score
Time frame: 1 week, 4 weeks, 3 months
Change in Medication Intake (Frequency of medication intake in last week)
Time frame: Baseline, 3 months
Change in Headache Duration (Total hours of headaches in the last week)
Total hours of headaches in the last week
Time frame: Baseline, 1 week, 4 weeks, 3 months
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