The Effectiveness of Complex Non-Pharmacological Treatment in Patients with Episodic Migraine and Neck Pain

Abstract

Introduction: Comorbidities and co-occurring conditions contribute to the overall burden of migraine. Treatment co-occurring condition is an important part in providing optimal care. Aim: To investigate the effectiveness of complex non-pharmacological treatment and impact it on daily activities and concomitant anxiety and depression in patients with episodic migraine and co-occurring neck pain. Materials and Methods: We evaluated 56 patients with episodic migraine (with aura 18 and 38 without aura) and co-existing neck pain, 21 men, 35 women, age from 18 to 55 years. Examination including radiography of the cervical spine, visual analogue scale for the pain, “HIT-6”, Beck Depression Inventory and Spilberger-Hanin’s anxiety scale. The Kolmogorov-Smirnov test was used to compare the data. Results: Patients were divided into two treatment groups: the first group of patients 28 patients received only the specified complex of manual therapy, second group - 28 patients underwent a set of manual therapy and acupuncture. After treatment in first group observed decrease of frequency and severity of migraine attacks and a reduce number of days with a headache, but level of anxiety and depressive manifestations less decreased. In second group was more significant reduce the intensity, duration and frequency of migraine, more significant dynamics of anxiety disorders and general well-being. Conclusions: Non-pharmacological treatment neck-pain syndrome in patients with episodic migraine not only to be effective in symptomatic control of pericranial muscles tension but influence on decrease of frequency and severity migraine attacks. Adding acupuncture to manual techniques more significant reduce pain syndrome and psychological disorders that possible lead to reduce drug intake.