Management of Cervicogenic Headache - A Case Study

Abstract

Purpose: To describe the use of manual therapy and muscle reeducation for an individual with cervicogenic headache. Background: This patient was a 30-year-old woman with complaint of headache. She was functionally limited with posture. She also demonstrated impairments in cervical mobility and muscular performance. Methods and measures: This patient was treated 8 sessions over a 8 week period. Study design: Case study Intervention: Intervention included manual upper cervical spine mobilization techniques, muscle re-education for deep neck flexors muscles and scapular stabilization exercises. Results: Following treatment, the patient demonstrated in an increase in cervical mobility, improved muscular performance, a decrease in headaches, and resolution of functional limitations. Statistical analysis of the data showed significant differences from pre to post intervention from Day 1 to Day 8. There was clinical and statistical significance found in ROM and functional ability. Conclusion: Findings suggest that the mulligans manual therapy with exercises is more effective in reducing headache, improving range of motion of cervical spine and functional ability in patients with Cervicogenic Headache. Keywords: Cervicogenic headache (CGH), mulligans mobilization, snags, manual therapy, sub occipital muscle release.