Mobilization versus massage therapy in the treatment of cervicogenic headache: a clinical study

Abstract

Background and objective: Cervicogenic headache (CGH) is a common problem associated with neck pain. In this study the effect of cervical mobilizations was compared with that of massage therapy in the management of CGH.

Design: Thirty-six subjects with CGH, randomly assigned into two groups, participated in the study. The first group was treated with spinal mobilization techniques of the upper cervical spine, while the second group was treated with massage therapy of the neck region. All subjects underwent active neck range of motion, isometric and dynamic strengthening and endurance exercises in two sessions/week for 6 weeks. Pre- and post-treatment outcomes were assessed with means and standard error of the means of measured headache pain intensity, frequency and duration of headache attacks as well as via the functional Neck Disability Index (NDI) and active neck range of motion.

Results: The results of the study showed significant improvement in all measured variables in each treatment group. Comparison between the two groups showed significant differences in all measured variables after intervention in favor of mobilization techniques with the exception of the functional NDI.

Conclusion: Upper cervical spine mobilization demonstrated more clinical benefits than massage therapy with regard to headache pain parameters and neck mobility for CGH subjects.