Cervicogenic headache is a common type of headache in adults which causes disability and difficulty in everyday activities. According to the latest International Headache Society model, cervicogenic headache (CGH) is a secondary headache having C1-C2 dysfunction. SNAGs are highly effective in the treatment approach for these patients. Sternocleidomastoid muscle receive overactive tension from forward neck posture, increasing muscular fatigue and tone of muscles. This tension in SCM causes referred pain in the head and neck region. SNAGs are very effective but musculoskeletal impairments especially the tightness of sternocleidomastoid muscle still persist and can exacerbate symptoms. Manual therapy targeted to the SCM muscle may be effective for reducing headache and neck pain intensity and increasing performance of deep cervical flexors. Findings of this study will aid the therapists in choosing which technique to use while treating the patients. This will save therapist's time and effort as they will not be using the less effective treatment protocol. Furthermore, patient's time and investment will be used in the right direction.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
38
Moist heat therapy: Frequency: 15 minutes, 3 times per week (alternatively) for 2 weeks. • TENS application: Frequency: 15 minutes, 3 times per week (alternatively) for 2 weeks.
Headache SNAGs (Sustained Natural Apophyseal Glides) 5 sets of 10 repetitions. Each repetition will be given with a 10 second hold. • Frequency: 3 times a week for 2 weeks. 6 sessions in total.
Sternocleidomastoid Release: Group B will also receive Sternocleidomastoid release in addition with headache SNAGs. Release to the sternocleidomastoid muscle will be given once per session for 5-8 minutes.Frequency: 3 times a week for 2 weeks. 6 sessions in total.
Foundation University College of Physical Therapy
Rawalpindi, Punjab Province, Pakistan
Pain intensity
Pain will be measured on the basis of Numeric Pain Rating Scale score.
Time frame: 2 weeks
Range of motion
Cervical rotation will be measured through CROM device
Time frame: 2 weeks
Headache Disability
Headache Disability Index will be used
Time frame: 2 weeks
Cervical Proprioception
Joint Position Error Test will be used
Time frame: 2 weeks
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