Lack of efficacy of manual therapy in children and adolescents with suspected cervicogenic headache: results of a prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled, and blinded trial

Abstract

Objective: Clinical trials concerning cervical spine manipulation and mobilization in children and adolescents with cervicogenic headache are lacking.

Methods: We performed a multicenter, prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled, and blinded trial in 52 children and adolescents (21 boys, 31 girls) aged 7-15. After prospective baseline documentation for 2 months patients were either assigned to placebo or true manipulation with another 2-month follow-up. Main outcome measures were defined as: percentage of days with headache, total duration of headache, days with school absence due to headache, consume of analgesics, intensity of headache.

Results: We did not find a significant difference comparing the groups with placebo and true manipulation with respect to the defined main outcome measures.

Conclusions: We were not able to show an efficacy of cervical spine manipulation in 52 children and adolescents.