A Randomized Controlled Trial of the Effect of Spinal Manipulation in the Treatment of Cervicogenic Headache

Nilsson NJournal of Manipulative and Physiolgical Therapeutics1995 Sep;18(7):435-40

Purpose: To determine whether the isolated intervention of low-amplitude spinal manipulation in the cervical spine has any effect on cervicogenic headache. Design: Randomized controlled trial with a blind observer.

Setting: Ambulatory output facility in an independent NHS-funded chiropractic research institution.

Participants: Thirty-nine subjects suffering from frequent headaches who fulfilled the IHS criteria for cervicogenic headache (excluding radiological criteria). These subjects were recruited from among some 400 headache sufferers who responded to newspaper advertisements. Intervention: Half of the group received high-velocity, low-amplitude cervical manipulation twice/wk for 3 wk. The other half received low-level laser in the upper cervical region and deep friction massage (including trigger points)in the lower cervical/upper thoracic region, also twice/wk for 3 wk. per day, headache intensity per episode and number of headache hr per day.

Results:Despite a significant reduction in the manipulation group on all three outcome measures, differences between the two treatment groups failed to reach statistical significance.

Conclusion: The results suggest a possible effect of manipulation on cervicogenic headache, but because of methodological problems, such an effect could not be unequivocally demonstrated.

SOTO | USA > SOT Literature > Headache > Vertebrogenic Headaches > A Randomized Controlled Trial of the Effect of Spinal Manipulation in the Treatment of Cervicogenic Headache

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.