Pain relief in cervicogenic headache: A pilot study on manipulative therapy efficacy

Abstract

Background: Cervicogenic headache (CGH) is a common condition originating from cervical spine dysfunction, often leading to persistent pain and reduced quality of life. Manipulative therapy has emerged as a potential non-pharmacological intervention for managing CGH symptoms. Objective: This pilot study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of manipulative therapy in reducing pain intensity and improving functional outcomes in patients with cervicogenic headache. Methods: A pilot study was conducted on a sample of patients diagnosed with cervicogenic headache. Participants received a structured manipulative therapy intervention over a specified period. Pain intensity was assessed using the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS), and functional improvements were measured using the Neck Disability Index (NDI) both pre- and post-intervention. Results: Preliminary findings indicated a significant reduction in pain intensity and improvement in neck function following manipulative therapy. Patients reported enhanced mobility, reduced headache frequency, and overall improvement in daily activities. Conclusion: Manipulative therapy appears to be an effective approach for managing pain and improving function in patients with cervicogenic headache. Further large-scale studies are recommended to validate these findings and optimize treatment protocols.