Abstract
BackgroundThe prevalence of migraine with co-existing tension-type headache and neck pain is high in the general population. However, there is very little literature on the characteristics of these combined conditions. The aim of this study was to investigate a) the prevalence of migraine with co-existing tension-type headache and neck pain in a clinic-based sample, b) the level of physical activity, psychological well-being, perceived stress and self-rated health in persons with migraine and co-existing tension-type headache and neck pain compared to healthy controls, c) the perceived ability of persons with migraine and co-existing tension-type headache and neck pain to perform physical activity, and d) which among the three conditions (migraine, tension-type headache or neck pain) is rated as the most burdensome condition.MethodsThe study was conducted at a tertiary referral specialised headache centre where questionnaires on physical activity, psychological well-being, perceived stress and self-rated health were completed by 148 persons with migraine and 100 healthy controls matched by sex and average age. Semi-structured interviews were conducted to assess characteristics of migraine, tension-type headache and neck pain.ResultsOut of 148 persons with migraine, 100 (67%) suffered from co-existing tension-type headache and neck pain. Only 11% suffered from migraine only. Persons with migraine and co-existing tension-type headache and neck pain had lower level of physical activity and psychological well-being, higher level of perceived stress and poorer self-rated health compared to healthy controls. They reported reduced ability to perform physical activity owing to migraine (high degree), tension-type headache (moderate degree) and neck pain (low degree). The most burdensome condition was migraine, followed by tension-type headache and neck pain.ConclusionsMigraine with co-existing tension-type headache and neck pain was highly prevalent in a clinic-based sample. Persons with migraine and co-existing tension-type headache and neck pain may require more individually tailored interventions to increase the level of physical activity, and to improve psychological well-being, perceived stress and self-rated health.
Highlights
The prevalence of migraine with co-existing tension-type headache and neck pain is high in the general population
There were no differences in sex and age, but educational attainment was significantly different, between migraine and co-existing tension-type headache (TTH) and neck pain (NP) and healthy controls
NP associated with the migraine attack was reported by 54%, NP associated with TTH was reported by 94% and NP without headache was reported by 66%
Summary
The prevalence of migraine with co-existing tension-type headache and neck pain is high in the general population. The prevalence of migraine in Europe is 15% [1], and persons with migraine often suffer from co-morbidities such as tension-type headache (TTH) and neck pain (NP). This study focuses on persons with migraine and coexisting TTH and NP. There is very little literature on the characteristics of persons with migraine and coexisting TTH and NP. There are, to our knowledge, no studies that describe their symptomatology, physical activity, psychological well-being, perceived stress or self-rated health. These characterizations are important when considering potential treatment strategies
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