Cervicogenic headache: manual and manipulative therapies

Abstract

This article reviews current literature on the role of manual medicine in the diagnosis and treatment of cervicogenic headache. Manual diagnostic procedures and treatment procedures are described for the cervical spine. Emphasis is placed on accurate diagnosis using a biomechanical model and precise localization of forces. Muscle energy technique is suggested as a safe and effective treatment when somatic dysfunction of the cervical spine is found in association with the diagnostic criteria for cervicogenic headache. Lastly, a suggested clinical approach to this problem from a manual medicine perspective is given.