Complementary and Alternative Approaches to the Treatment of Tension-Type Headache

Tension-Type Headache Management: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-analysis of Complementary and Alternative Medicine

INTRODUCTION

Tension-type headache (TTH) is common but challenging to manage due to limited effectiveness of conventional treatments. This study examines six complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) interventions through network meta-analysis to identify effective TTH management strategies.

METHODS

We searched PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, OVID, CNKI, Wanfang, VIP, and CBM databases for randomized controlled trials on CAM for TTH treatment. Headache frequency and intensity were the primary outcomes. Methodological quality was evaluated on the basis of the Cochrane risk of bias tool. We used R software to conduct this Bayesian network meta-analysis. We used mean difference (MD) with 95% credible intervals (CI) to calculate the continuous outcomes and analyzed the percentages of the surface under the cumulative ranking (SUCRA) curve.

RESULTS

In total, 32 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) with 2405 participants were analyzed. For reducing headache intensity, the network meta-analysis shows that acupuncture therapy combined with traditional Chinese medicine (AT_TCM), manual therapy (MT), psychological treatment (PT), and traditional Chinese medicine combined with acupuncture and manual therapy (TCM_AT_MT) are superior to Western medicine (WM). In the SUCRA curve, TCM_AT_MT is the best for reducing headache frequency (HF).

CONCLUSIONS

This review, assessed as low-quality evidence by GRADE, cautiously suggests potential benefits of PT over other CAM interventions for TTH and indicates TCM_AT_MT might better reduce HF. It proposes that combining CAM interventions could enhance outcomes. Due to the preliminary nature of these findings, further high-quality RCTs are essential to confirm these suggestions and provide clearer clinical guidance.

PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER

CRD42021252073.

Physical Therapy in Tension-Type Headache: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials

(1) Objective: The aim of this study is to synthesize the effects of physical therapy on pain, frequency, or duration management in the short, medium, and long term in adult patients diagnosed with Tension-type headache (TTH). (2) Background: Tension-type headache (TTH) is the most common headache with migraine and its pathophysiology and treatment has been discussed for years without reaching a consensus. (3) Methods: A systematic review was conducted using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. The review was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42020175020). The systematic search for clinical trials was performed in the databases PubMed, CINAHL, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, PEDro, Scopus, SciELO and Dialnet. Articles were selected according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, regarding the effectiveness of physical therapy interventions on adult patients with TTH published in the last 11 years with a score ≥ 6 in the PEDro Scale (Physiotherapy Evidence Database). (4) Results: In total, 120 articles were identified, of which 15 randomized controlled trials were finally included in order to determine the inclusion criteria. Changes in pain intensity, headache frequency or headache duration of individual studies were described (5) Conclusions: This systematic review shows that there is no standardized physical therapy protocol for the approach to tension headache, although all the techniques studied to date address in one way or another the cranio-cervical-mandibular region. The approach to the cranio-cervical-mandibular region reports significant effects in terms of decreasing the intensity of pain and frequency of headache episodes in the short and medium term. More long-term longitudinal studies are needed.

Identifying Chinese Medicine Patterns of Tension-Type Headache and Understanding Its Subgroups

Tension-type headache (TTH) is common among adults. Individualized management strategies are limited due to lack of understanding of subtypes of TTH. Chinese medicine (CM) uses the pattern differentiation approach to subtype all health conditions. There is, however, a lack of evidence-based information on CM patterns of TTH. This study aimed to identity common CM patterns of TTH. TTH sufferers were invited for a survey, consisting of a validated Chinese Medicine Headache Questionnaire (CMHQ), Migraine Disability Assessment Test, and Perceived Stress Scale. The CMHQ consisted of information about headache, aggravating and relieving factors, and accompanying symptoms. Principal component analysis was used for factor extraction and TwoStep cluster analyses for identifying clusters. ANOVA was used to compare cluster groups with disability and stress. In total, 170 eligible participants took part in the survey. The commonest headache features were continuous pain (64%); fixed location (74%); aggravated by overwork (74%), stress (74%), or mental strain (70%); and relieved by sleeping (78%). The commonest nonpain symptoms were fatigue (71%) and neck stiffness (70%). Four clusters, differing in their key signs and symptoms, could be assigned to three different CM patterns including ascendant hyperactivity of liver yang (cluster 1), dual qi and blood deficiency (cluster 2), liver depression forming fire (cluster 3), and an unlabelled group (cluster 4). Additionally, over 75% participants in clusters 1 and 2 have episodic TTH, over one-third participants in cluster 3 have chronic TTH, and a majority of participants in cluster 4 have infrequent TTH. The three patterns identified also differed in levels of disability and some elements of coping as measured with PSS. The three CM patterns identified are common clinical presentations of TTH. The new information will contribute to further understanding of the subtypes of TTH and guide the development of targeted intervention combinations for clinical practice and research.

Manual therapy in adults with tension-type headache: A systematic review

INTRODUCTION

Tension-type headache is the most common primary headache, with a high prevalence and a considerable socioeconomic impact. Manual physical therapy techniques are widely used in the clinical field to treat the symptoms associated with tension-type headache. This systematic review aims to determine the effectiveness of manual and non-invasive therapies in the treatment of patients with tension-type headache.

DEVELOPMENT

We conducted a systematic review of randomised controlled trials in the following databases: Brain, PubMed, Web of Science, PEDro, Scopus, CINAHL, and Science Direct. Ten randomised controlled trials were included for analysis. According to these studies, manual therapy improves symptoms, increasing patients' well-being and improving the outcome measures analysed.

CONCLUSIONS

Manual therapy has positive effects on pain intensity, pain frequency, disability, overall impact, quality of life, and craniocervical range of motion in adults with tension-type headache. None of the techniques was found to be superior to the others; combining different techniques seems to be the most effective approach.

The effectiveness and safety of Tuina for tension-type headache: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Tension-type headache (TTH) is one of the most common primary headache diseases in the world and has a serious negative impact on the physical and mental health of patients. Tuina is now widely used to treat tension-type headaches. This article aims to systematically review the evidence about the effectiveness of Tuina on the effectiveness rate, pain intensity, and impact of headache in individuals with TTH.

METHODS

Eight databases for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of Tuina were included in treatments for TTH. Cochrane Collaboration's tool was applied to evaluate the quality of the studies. Confidence in the effect estimates was determined with the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) tool. We use the software STATA 12.0 for meta-analysis and TSA software for test sequence analysis.

RESULTS

Seven studies were included with a total sample of 1228 individuals. Meta-analysis results showed that Tuina was superior to drugs for improving the effectiveness rate (RR = 1.49, 95%CI: 1.25 to 1.77, p < 0.01, low evidence). A visual analog scale (VAS) score of Tuina was significantly lower than that of drugs (WMD = -0.738, 95% CI: -1.128 to -0.349, p < 0.01, moderate evidence). The trial sequential analysis showed that the effectiveness of Tuina for TTH was accurate. Adverse events were tolerable.

CONCLUSION

Tuina has a certain effect in treating tension headache. However, due to the low level of methodological quality included in the article, this conclusion should be considered cautiously. More studies are necessary to strengthen the evidence regarding the effectiveness and safety of Tuina for subjects with TTH.

Chinese Herbal Formula Xuefu Zhuyu for Tension-Type Headache with Qi-Stagnation and Blood-Stasis Pattern (CheruXTH): Study Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial

Background

Tension-type headache (TTH) is the most common headache disorder. Current treatments for TTH have been reported to be associated with insufficient long-term benefits and unwanted adverse events (AEs). The Chinese herbal formula Xuefu Zhuyu (XFZY) has been utilized in TTH treatment, but the evidence supporting its efficacy remains unclear. This study will evaluate the efficacy and safety of XFZY for TTH.

Methods

This multicenter, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial will be undertaken in China. A total of 174 eligible participants will be randomly assigned to either an XFZY group or a placebo group (20 ml each dose, three times daily for 4 weeks) at a ratio of 1 : 1. The primary outcome is the change in mean headache intensity measured by a 10 cm visual analogue scale (VAS). Secondary outcomes include the area-under-the headache curve (AUC), headache frequency, rescue medication use, qi-stagnation and blood-stasis pattern measurement, quality of life measured by the EuroQol-5-Dimensions-5-Level (EQ-5D-5L), global evaluation of medication, and health economic indexes. Discussion. The results of the study are expected to provide evidence of high methodological and reporting quality on the efficacy and safety of XFZY for TTH. This trail is registered with ChiCTR1900026716 (registered on 19 October, 2019).

Relaxation training for management of paediatric headache: A rapid review

The objective of this review was to assess the evidence on relaxation training for management of paediatric headaches. Our methodology was a rapid review of English-language peer reviewed published literature focused on studies evaluating relaxation training as a primary or adjunct management option for headache in a paediatric population (0 to 18 years of age). Seven studies involving 571 children were included in the review. The quality of evidence was very low using GRADE criteria. Headache frequency, duration, and intensity were the primary outcomes in the included studies. Results for the effects of relaxation training for paediatric headache are inconsistent. Four of the seven studies reported decreased headache frequency, two of the five studies reported decreased headache duration, and two of the six studies reported decreased headache intensity following relaxation training. No adverse events were reported. The current state of the evidence for relaxation training for management of paediatric headache is both inconsistent and of very low quality. High-quality research evaluating the effects of relaxation training for paediatric headaches is required to advance the field.

Herbal supplements: Research findings and safety

Herbal supplements are used extensively worldwide without much awareness regarding their safety and efficacy. Extensive research to determine the safety, utility, and level of research support for commonly used herbs has culminated in an easily accessible summary chart for NP providers.

The effect of myofascial release and microwave diathermy combined with acupuncture versus acupuncture therapy in tension-type headache patients: A pragmatic randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Nonpharmacological therapies for tension-type headache (TTH) and cervicogenic cephalalgia are often a treatment choice, despite the weak to moderate evidence. The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of an acupuncture/stretching protocol versus acupuncture/stretching plus physiotherapy techniques, in patients with TTH cephalalgia.

METHODS

A single-blind, prospective, multicentre, randomized controlled trial was designed considering the pragmatic situation of administering such protocols and treating the 44 headache patients participating in this study. The patients were randomly assigned in 2 treatment groups (control group, n = 20, acupuncture/stretching; experimental group, n = 24, acupuncture/stretching plus physiotherapy) and completed 10 treatment sessions within 4 weeks with measurements taking place before treatment, after the fifth treatment and after the 10th treatment. The mechanical pressure pain threshold (PPT) was considered as the main outcome measure, using a mechanical algometer to measure 7 bilateral somatic points. Acupuncture in both groups included 17-20 acupuncture points, whereas stretching was initially taught and subsequently self-administered (self-stretches), following a standardized set of movements of the cervical spine. Physiotherapy consisted of microwave diathermy and myofascial release with hands-on techniques.

RESULTS/FINDINGS

An improvement was noted in both groups/treatments regarding the main outcome measure PPT, all the way from the first to fifth and the 10th treatment, at all measuring sites and at all measurements in both groups (p < .001). When comparing the 2 groups, differences were noted after the 10th treatment (p < .05).

DISCUSSION

In conclusion, patients with TTH headache were benefited from acupuncture and stretching but further PPT improvements were evidenced when physiotherapy hands-on techniques were added. In clinical terms, the combination of physiotherapy in the form of myofascial release and microwave diathermy with acupuncture and stretching in order to improve the analgesic effect (PPT) is strongly recommended.

Acupuncture for the Prevention of Tension-Type Headache (2016)

Linde K, Allais G, Brinkhaus B, et al. Acupuncture for the prevention of tension-type headache.Cochrane Database Syst Rev2016, Issue 48. Art No.: CD007587. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD007587.pub2.

BACKGROUND

Acupuncture is often used for prevention of tension-type headache but its effectiveness is still controversial. This is an update of our Cochrane review originally published in Issue 1, 2009 of The Cochrane Library.

OBJECTIVES

To investigate whether acupuncture is (a) more effective than no prophylactic treatment/routine care only; (b) more effective than "sham" (placebo) acupuncture; and (c) as effective as other interventions in reducing headache frequency in adults with episodic or chronic tension-type headache.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched CENTRAL, MEDLINE, EMBASE, and AMED to 19 January 2016. We searched the World Health Organization (WHO) International Clinical Trials Registry Platform to 10 February 2016 for ongoing and unpublished trials.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We included randomized trials with a post-randomization observation period of at least eight weeks, which compared the clinical effects of an acupuncture intervention with a control (treatment of acute headaches only or routine care), a sham acupuncture intervention or another prophylactic intervention in adults with episodic or chronic tension-type headache.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two review authors checked eligibility; extracted information on participants, interventions, methods and results; and assessed study risk of bias and the quality of the acupuncture intervention. The main efficacy outcome measure was response (at least 50% reduction of headache frequency) after completion of treatment (three to four months after randomization). To assess safety/acceptability we extracted the number of participants dropping out due to adverse effects and the number of participants reporting adverse effects. We assessed the quality of the evidence using Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE).

MAIN RESULTS

Twelve trials (11 included in the previous version and one newly identified) with 2349 participants (median = 56, range: 10-1265) met the inclusion criteria. Acupuncture was compared with routine care or treatment of acute headaches only in two large trials (1265 and 207 participants), but they had quite different baseline headache frequency and management in the control groups. Neither trial was blinded but trial quality was otherwise high (low risk of bias). While effect size estimates of the two trials differed considerably, the proportion of participants experiencing at least 50% reduction of headache frequency was much higher in groups receiving acupuncture than in control groups (moderate quality evidence; trial 1: 302/629 (48%) versus 121/636 (19%); risk ratio (RR) = 2.5; 95% confidence interval (CI): 2.1-3.0; trial 2: 60/132 (45%) versus 3/75 (4%); RR = 11; 95% CI: 3.7-35). Long-term effects (beyond four months) were not investigated. Acupuncture was compared with sham acupuncture in seven trials of moderate- to high-quality (low risk of bias); five large studies provided data for one or more meta-analyses. Among participants receiving acupuncture, 205 of 391 (51%) had at least 50% reduction of headache frequency compared to 133 of 312 (43%) in the sham group after treatment (RR = 1.3; 95% CI: 1.09-1.5; four trials; moderate quality evidence). Results six months after randomization were similar. Withdrawals were low: 1 of 420 participants receiving acupuncture dropped out due to adverse effects and 0 of 343 receiving sham (six trials; low quality evidence). Three trials reported the number of participants reporting adverse effects: 29 of 174 (17%) with acupuncture versus 12 of 103 with sham (12%; odds ratio (OR) = 1.3; 95% CI: 0.60-2.7; low quality evidence). Acupuncture was compared with physiotherapy, massage, or exercise in four trials of low to moderate quality (high risk of bias); study findings were inadequately reported. No trial found a significant superiority of acupuncture and for some outcomes the results slightly favored the comparison therapy. None of these trials reported the number of participants dropping out due to adverse effects or the number of participants reporting adverse effects. Overall, the quality of the evidence assessed using GRADE was moderate or low, downgraded mainly due to a lack of blinding and variable effect sizes. AUTHORS׳ CONCLUSIONS: The available results suggest that acupuncture is effective for treating frequent episodic or chronic tension-type headaches, but further trials-particularly comparing acupuncture with other treatment options-are needed.

Physical therapy for headaches

Background Headache is the medical problem most commonly observed by neurologists. Non-pharmacological treatments are commonly demanded by individuals with headaches, but their evidence of effectiveness is conflicting. Aim The current review provides an updated discussion on what is supported by current scientific evidence about physical therapies for tension-type headache (TTH), migraine, and cervicogenic headache (CeH), and which gaps there still may be in our understanding of the interventions. Methods PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, AMED, CINAHL, EBSCO, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Cochrane Collaboration Trials Register, PEDro, and SCOPUS were searched from their inception through March 2015. Results/Discussion Several physical therapies including spinal joint manipulation/mobilization, soft tissue interventions, therapeutic exercises and needling therapies are proposed to be effective for the management of headaches. Current evidence has shown that the effectiveness of these interventions will depend on proper clinical reasoning since not all interventions are equally effective for all headache pain conditions. For instance, evidence of physical therapy in migraine is more controversial than in TTH, since migraine pathogenesis involves activation of sub-cortical structures and the trigemino-vascular system, whereas pathogenesis of TTH is more associated with musculoskeletal disorders, e.g. muscle pain. It seems that multimodal approaches including different interventions are more effective for patients with TTH, migraine and CeH.

Efficacy of manual therapy in the treatment of tension-type headache. A systematic review from 2000-2013

OBJECTIVES

To study the efficacy of manual therapy in the treatment of tension-type headache (TTH) by assessing the quality of randomized control trials (RCTs) published from the year 2000 to April 2013.

METHODS

A search was performed in the following databases: MEDLINE, EBSCO, CINAHL, SCOPUS, PEDRO and OVID. An analysis was made of RCT including patients with TTH receiving any manual therapy, and assessing outcome measures including the intensity, and frequency or duration of the headache. Two independent referees reviewed the methodological quality of RCTs using the Jadad scale. Data from the studies were extracted by two different reviewers.

RESULTS

A total of fourteen RCTs were selected. Twelve studies showed acceptable quality (Jadad scale ≥3), and the remaining 2 had low quality (Jadad=2). The studies showed positive results, including reduction in headache intensity and/or frequency, reduction of medication consumption, and improvement in quality of life.

CONCLUSIONS

The effectiveness of manual therapy for TTH cannot be completely assessed due to the heterogeneity in study design, outcome measures, and different treatments. Nevertheless, the results suggest patients with TTH receiving manual therapies showed better progress than those receiving conventional treatment or placebo. Further studies of high quality using manual therapy protocols, and also including standardized outcome measures, are now needed to clarify the efficacy of manual therapy in the management of TTH.

Headache and facial pain: differential diagnosis and treatment

Headaches affect 90% of the population sometime during their life. Most are benign and fleeting, some are serious and life-threatening, and others require ongoing medical consultation and treatment. A careful history and physical is necessary to establish a differential diagnosis and to guide the choice of testing to make an accurate diagnosis. The most common types of headaches are discussed in this review. They are divided into primary and secondary headache disorders as classified by the International Headache Society. Primary headache disorders include migraine without and with aura, cluster and tension-type headaches. Secondary headaches are those that occur as a result of some other disorder and include brain tumors, rhinosinusitis, diseases of intracranial and extracranial vasculature, and temporomandibular joint disease.