NCT03919630

Mobilization Versus Manipulation for the Treatment of Cervicogenic Headaches

Non-Thrust Versus Thrust Mobilizations to the Upper Segments of Cervical Spine Plus Exercise for Treatment of Cervicogenic Headaches

• Status: Completed
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 48 (actual)
• Sponsor: Franklin Pierce University · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: 18 Years – 65 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Not accepted

Summary

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.

Detailed 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.

Conditions

• Cervicogenic Headache

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
OTHER	Thrust Mobilization	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
OTHER	Non-Thrust Mobilizations	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.

Timeline

• Start date: 2019-05-01
• Primary completion: 2020-04-14
• Completion: 2020-04-14
• First posted: 2019-04-18
• Last updated: 2020-04-28

Locations

1 site across 1 country: United States