The Effects of Manipulation (Toggle Recoil Technique) for Headaches with Upper Cervical Joint Dysfunction: A Pilot Study

Ellis W, Molyneux T, Whittingham W Journal of Chiropractic 1994 Jul; 17(6): 369-75

Objective: The objective of this pilot study was to investigate the of spinal manipulation for the relief of chronic headache of cervical origin, utilizing a specific technique, toggle recoil, to treat the two upper cervical vertebrae. This study will help delineate the design for a future, larger study.

Design: Twenty-six patients were accepted for a continuous time series analysis (6 wk) design.

Setting: Chiropractic outpatient research clinic.

Patients: The patients-16 females (average age 42.1 yr, SD 11.03) and 10 males (average age 52.1 yr, SD 10.69) all had chronic headaches ( > 3 mo) with upper cervical joint dysfunction.

Intervention: All the patients received four upper cervical toggle recoil adjustments over a 2 wk period.

Main Outcome Measures: Standardized headache history, daily questionnaires for the duration of the trial, measuring; frequency; and severity of the headache, plain film with dynamic spinal radiographs and motion palpation.

Results: The results indicate statistically significant outcomes (p < .001) that indicates changes in headache frequency, duration and severity in all but two of the patients. The overall duration of headaches decreased from 110 hr pre treatment to 25 hr post treatment, a decrease of 77%. The overall score for severity dropped from 55 to 22 - a 60% improvement in perceived pain. The frequency of headaches over a 2-wk period dropped from 18 to 7, an improvement of 62%.

Conclusions: Since the results of this pilot study were not adequately controlled they cannot be seen as proof supporting the clinical efficacy of manipulation for chronic headaches. However, as a group for duration, severity and frequency all measures were significant. These findings would suggest that further study of upper cervical manipulation for the treatment of chronic headaches with upper cervical joint dysfunction in a randomized, controlled clinical trial is needed.

SOTO | USA > SOT Literature > Headache > Chiropractic and Headaches > The Effects of Manipulation (Toggle Recoil Technique) for Headaches with Upper Cervical Joint Dysfunction: A Pilot Study

Editor Recommends
Most Read Articles

Editor Recommends

This SOT Literature Page and all its contents herein are published by SOTO-USA solely for the purpose of education. All rights reserved by SOTO-USA to accept, reject or modify any submission for publication. The opinions stated in the electronically printed material herein are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the opinions of SOTO-USA or other individuals associated with SOTO-USA. SOTO-USA does not guarantee or make any representation that the printed material contained herein is valid, reliable or accurate. SOTO-USA does not assume any responsibility for injury arising from any use or misuse of the printed material herein. The printed material contained herein is assumed to be from reliable sources and there is no implication that the printed material herein present the only, or the best methodologies or procedures for the care or treatment of conditions discussed. It is incumbent upon the reader to verify the accuracy of any diagnosis and treatment information contained herein, and to make modifications as new information and/or research arises.