Immediate Effects of Upper Cervical Translatoric Mobilization on Cervical Mobility and Pressure Pain Threshold in Patients With Cervicogenic Headache: A Randomized Controlled Trial

The utilization of dry needling and an upper extremity exercise program for individuals with cervicogenic headaches: A pilot study

OBJECTIVE

To investigate whether a combination of dry-needling treatments and upper extremity neuromuscular reeducation exercises can significantly improve neck pain and/or headache-related disability, joint position error, cervical range of motion, and pain pressure threshold in individuals suffering from cervicogenic headache (CGH).

METHODS

This study is a quasi-experimental design. Seven participants met the inclusion criteria and received dry needling to three muscles that reproduced the participant's headache symptoms and completed the Neck Disability Index (NDI), Headache Disability Inventory (HDI), Visual Analog Scale (VAS), and Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS). Participants performed an exercise regimen designed to address strength and mobility of cervical and scapulothoracic musculature.

RESULTS

There were significant improvements seen in cervical range of motion and neck pain-related disability (NDI) during the 4-week treatment period.

CONCLUSION

Dry needling and neuromuscular re-education (NMR) exercises could be effective components of treatment for individuals suffering from CGH to reduce disability and pain.

The majority of clinical trials assessing mobilization and manipulation for neck pain lack a pragmatic approach: a systematic review of 174 trials

BACKGROUND

Disorders of the cervical spine are some of the costliest musculoskeletal conditions to manage globally. Joint mobilization and manipulation have been shown to be an effective treatment for neck pain. However, the generalizability and clinical translation depends on the nature of the trial designs that inform its use. The extent to which randomized control trials (RCTs) assessing manual therapy treatments for cervical spine disorders fall on the efficacy (explanatory) -effectiveness (pragmatic) spectrum often informs how the findings are translated into clinical practice.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this systematic review was to determine where RCTs of manual therapy for neck disorders fall on the efficacy-effectiveness spectrum.

METHODS

A search of three electronic databases including PubMed, CINAHL, and CENTRAL were completed for trials published from inception to May 2023. RCTs in which joint mobilization or manipulation were used to treat cervical spine disorders were assessed on the effectiveness-efficacy spectrum using the Rating of Included Trials on the Efficacy-Effectiveness Spectrum (RITES) tool and risk of bias using the Revised Cochrane Risk of Bias tool.

RESULTS

A total of 174 trials met eligibility. RITES domain two trial setting (71.3% vs 16.1%), domain three flexibility of intervention(s) (62.1% vs 23%), and domain four clinical relevance of experimental and comparison intervention(s) (51.7% vs 29.3%) all favored efficacy over effectiveness. Domain one participant characteristic(s) had a slightly greater emphasis on effectiveness compared to efficacy (36.8% vs 44.8%). Most studies (96%) had at least some risk of bias.

CONCLUSION

Over half of the RCTs assessing the treatment effect of joint mobilization and manipulation for neck pain favor efficacy (explanatory) over effectiveness (pragmatic) designs. Future RCTs on this topic should consider a greater emphasis on pragmatic trial design components in order to better reflect real-world translation to clinical practice.

Physical Therapist Interventions to Reduce Headache Intensity, Frequency, and Duration in Patients With Cervicogenic Headache: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of physical therapist interventions on the intensity, frequency, and duration of headaches, as well as on the quality of life of patients with cervicogenic headache.

METHODS

The following databases were searched up to October 2022: Physiotherapy Evidence Database, Web of Science, Pubmed, and Cochrane Library. Randomized controlled trials assessing the effect of physical therapist interventions on adults with cervicogenic headache were included. Quality appraisal was conducted using the Cochrane risk of bias 2.0 tool and the Confidence in Network Meta-analysis web app. Synthesis methods were conducted in accordance with the Cochrane Handbook.

RESULTS

Of the 28 identified reports, 23 were included in the quantitative synthesis. Manipulation plus dry needling was the highest-ranked intervention to reduce the short-term headache intensity (mean difference [MD] = -4.87; 95% CI = -8.51 to -1.24) and frequency (MD = -3.09; 95% CI = -4.93 to -1.25) when compared to a control intervention. Other high-ranked and clinically effective interventions (when compared to a control intervention) were muscle-energy technique plus exercise (MD = 4.37; 95% CI = -8.01 to -0.74), as well as soft tissue techniques plus exercise (MD = -3.01; 95% CI = -5.1 to -0.92) to reduce short-term headache intensity, and dry needling plus exercise (MD = -2.92; 95% CI = -4.73 to -1.11) to reduce short-term headache frequency. These results were based on a low certainty of evidence.

CONCLUSION

The 4 most highly ranked interventions can be considered in clinical practice. However, no conclusive recommendation can be made due to the low certainty of evidence.

IMPACT

Combined interventions such as spinal joint manipulation plus dry needling and muscle-energy technique or soft tissue techniques or dry needling plus exercises seem to be the best interventions to reduce short-term cervicogenic headache intensity and/or frequency.

Impact of Movement Control Training Using a Laser Device on the Neck Pain and Movement of Patients with Cervicogenic Headache: A Pilot Study

This study verified the effect of movement control training using a laser device on the neck pain and movement of patients with cervicogenic headache. A total of twenty outpatients recruited from two Busan hospitals were equally divided into two groups. The experimental group underwent movement control training with visual biofeedback, while the control group performed self-stretching. Both groups received therapeutic massage and upper cervical spine mobilization. A four-week intervention program was also conducted. Measurement tools including the cervical flexion-rotation test, visual analog scale, Headache Impact Test-6, pressure pain threshold, range of motion, sensory discrimination, and Neck Disability Index helped assess the participating patients before and after the intervention. Additionally, the Wilcoxon signed-rank test and the Mann-Whitney U test helped determine inter and intra-group variations, respectively, before and after the intervention. Most of the measurement regions revealed significant changes post-intervention within the experimental group, while only the cervical flexion-rotation test, visual analog scale, Headache Impact Test-6, and Neck Disability Index indicated significant changes post-intervention within the control group. There were also considerable inter-group differences. Thus, movement control training using a laser device more effectively improves neck pain and movement of patients with cervicogenic headache.

Are there differences between a real C0-C1 mobilization and a sham technique in function and pressure pain threshold in patients with chronic neck pain and upper cervical restriction? A randomised controlled clinical trial

BACKGROUND

Chronic neck pain is one of the main reasons for visiting a healthcare professional. In recent years, it has been shown that upper cervical restriction may be a factor involved in neck pain.

OBJECTIVE

To compare the immediate effects of a real cervical mobilization technique versus a sham cervical mobilization technique in patients with chronic neck pain and upper cervical restriction.

METHODS

This was a randomised, controlled, double-blind clinical trial. Twenty-eight patients with chronic neck pain were recruited and divided into two groups (14 = real cervical mobilization; 14 = sham mobilization). Both groups received a single 5-minute treatment session. Upper cervical range motion, flexion-rotation test, deep cervical activation and pressure pain threshold were measured.

RESULTS

In the between-groups comparison, statistically significant differences were found in favour of the real cervical mobilization group in upper cervical extension (p= 0.003), more restricted side of flexion-rotation test (p< 0.001) and less restricted side of flexion-rotation test (p= 0.007) and in the pressure pain threshold of the right trapezius (p= 0.040) and right splenius (p= 0.049). No differences in deep muscle activation were obtained.

CONCLUSION

The real cervical mobilization group generates improvements in upper cervical spine movement and pressure pain threshold of right trapezius and right splenius compared to the sham group in patients with chronic neck pain and upper cervical restriction.

The effectiveness of manual and exercise therapy on headache intensity and frequency among patients with cervicogenic headache: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Cervicogenic headache is a secondary headache, and manual therapy is one of the most common treatment choices for this and other types of headache. Nonetheless, recent guidelines on the management of cervicogenic headache underlined the lack of trials comparing manual and exercise therapy to sham or no-treatment controls. The main objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to assess the effectiveness of different forms of manual and exercise therapy in people living with cervicogenic headache, when compared to other treatments, sham, or no treatment controls.

METHODS

Following the PRISMA guidelines, the literature search was conducted until January 2022 on MEDLINE, CENTRAL, DOAJ, and PEDro. Randomized controlled trials assessing the effects of manual or exercise therapy on patients with cervicogenic headache with headache intensity or frequency as primary outcome measures were included. Study selection, data extraction and Risk of Bias (RoB) assessment were done in duplicate. GRADE was used to assess the quality of the evidence.

RESULTS

Twenty studies were included in the review, with a total of 1439 patients. Common interventions were spinal manipulation, trigger point therapy, spinal mobilization, scapulo-thoracic and cranio-cervical exercises. Meta-analysis was only possible for six manual therapy trials with sham comparators. Data pooling showed moderate-to-large effects in favour of manual therapy for headache frequency and intensity at short-term, small-to-moderate for disability at short-term, small-to-moderate for headache intensity and small for headache frequency at long-term. A sensitivity meta-analysis of low-RoB trials showed small effects in favor of manual therapy in reducing headache intensity, frequency and disability at short and long-term. Both trials included in the sensitivity meta-analysis studied spinal manipulation as the intervention of interest. GRADE assessment showed moderate quality of evidence.

CONCLUSION

The evidence suggests that manual and exercise therapy may reduce headache intensity, frequency and disability at short and long-term in people living with cervicogenic headache, but the overall RoB in most included trials was high. However, a sensitivity meta-analysis on low-RoB trials showed moderate-quality evidence supporting the use of spinal manipulation compared to sham interventions. More high-quality trials are necessary to make stronger recommendations, ideally based on methodological recommendations that enhance comparability between studies. Trial registration The protocol for this meta-analysis was pre-registered on PROSPERO under the registration number CRD42021249277.

Combination of Two Manipulative Techniques for the Treatment of Cervicogenic Dizziness: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Cervicogenic dizziness is clinically associated with upper cervical spine dysfunctions. It seems that manual therapy decreases the intensity of dizziness in these subjects, but what happens to pain measured by pressure pain threshold (PPT) has not been studied. Purpose: analyze the short-term effects of combination two manipulation techniques protocol in worst dizziness intensity (wVAS), dizziness and cervical disability, upper cervical spine mobility and mechanosensivity of cervical tissue. Methods: Assessor-blinded randomized controlled trial was developed. A total of 40 patients with cervicogenic dizziness were randomly divided into two groups. The experimental group received three treatments consisting of a functional massage and a manipulation technique, and compared with a control group. The wVAS, dizziness handicap inventory (DHI), neck disability index (NDI), UCS mobility, and PPTs were measured. Measurements were made at the baseline, first follow-up 48 h after intervention and second follow-up 1 month after the intervention. Results: at second follow-up wVAS (p < 0.001), NDI (p < 0.001), DHI (p < 0.001), and upper right trapezius (p < 0.022) and right suboccipital (p < 0.043) PPTs showed a difference between groups in favor of the experimental group. Conclusions: apparently, the proposed intervention protocol decreases the intensity of dizziness and the mechanosensitivity of the cervical tissue and improves the feeling of disability due to neck pain and dizziness.

Efficacy of Physiotherapy Interventions for The Management of Adults With Cervicogenic Headache: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses of Randomized Controlled Trials

OBJECTIVE

To update and appraise the efficacy of physiotherapy for adults with cervicogenic headache.

LITERATURE SURVEY

Bibliographic searches were conducted up to September 2021 for randomized controlled trials, assessing the efficacy of physiotherapy interventions for adults with cervicogenic headache, in five databases: CINAHL, PEDro, PubMed, Sage Journals and Wiley Online Library.

METHODS

Data extraction of included trials was conducted by two reviewers according to a standardized extraction form. The PEDro tool and the GRADE approach were used for grading evidence. Results from trials with similar interventions and with similar outcome measures were pooled into separate meta-analyses. A qualitative synthesis was performed for studies that were not pooled into meta-analyses.

SYNTHESIS

Fourteen trials were included. Moderate-certainty evidence indicates that manual therapy significantly reduces headache frequency (MD: -0.93 episodes/week; 95%CI: -1.40 to -0.46; 2 RCTs; n=265) compared to sham manual therapy, and headache frequency (MD: -1.23 episodes/week; 95%CI: -1.55 to -0.91; 3 RCTs; n=126) and intensity (MD: -1.63/10; 95%CI: -2.15 to -1.10; 4 RCTs; n=208) compared to no treatment in the short term. At 12-month follow-up, moderate-certainty evidence indicates that manual therapy did not lead to greater reduction in headache intensity (MD VAS 0-10: -0.12; 95%CI: -0.49 to 0.26; 2 RCTs; n=265) nor frequency (MD: -0.32 episodes/week; 95%CI: -0.91 to 0.28; 2 RCTs; n=265) when compared to a sham manual therapy. In the long-term, in one high quality trial, neck exercise significantly reduces headache intensity compared to no treatment (MD: -1.51/10; 95%CI: -2.52 to -0.50; n=100) or to aerobic exercises in another trial of moderate quality (MD: -1.15/10; 95%CI: -2.1 to -0.20; n=180).

CONCLUSIONS

Manual therapy in the short term and neck exercise in the long term may be efficacious to treat adults with cervicogenic headache. More high quality evidence is needed and future results may change the current conclusions. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Is Cervical Stabilization Exercise Immediately Effective in Patients with Chronic Neck Pain and Upper Cervical Spine Dysfunction? Randomized Controlled Trial

Purpose: To compare the effectiveness of a single exercise session with manual therapy techniques in the segments of the upper cervical spine (C0−1, C1−2 and C2−3), against a single exercise session in patients with chronic neck pain and mobility deficits in the upper cervical spine. Methods: A single-blind randomized controlled trial was performed. Fifty-eight patients were recruited (29 for the manual therapy and exercise group and 29 for the exercise group) who presented chronic neck pain and upper cervical spine dysfunction. The exercise focused on the deep muscles. The manual therapy combined manipulations and mobilizations with these exercises. Cervical range of motion, flexion-rotation test, pressure pain threshold and pain intensity were measured by a blind evaluator before and after the intervention. Results: Compared to pre-intervention, after intervention, the exercise group was significantly lower in terms of the range of motion, flexion-rotation test, and pressure pain threshold (p < 0.05). The manual therapy and exercise group improved in upper cervical flexion, the flexion-rotation test and intensity of pain (p < 0.05). Conclusions: It may be necessary to normalize the mobility of the upper cervical spine before cervical stabilization training, in patients with chronic neck pain and mobility deficits in the upper cervical spine.

Effectiveness of manual therapy in the treatment of cervicogenic headache: A systematic review

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to identify the manual therapy (MT) methods and techniques that have been evaluated for the treatment of cervicogenic headache (CH) and their effectiveness.

BACKGROUND

MT seems to be one of the options with the greatest potential for the treatment of CH, but the techniques to be applied are varied and there is no consensus on which are the most indicated.

METHODS

A systematic search in Scopus, Medline, PubMed, Cinahl, PEDro, and Web of Science with the terms: secondary headache disorders, physical therapy modalities, musculoskeletal manipulations, cervicogenic headache, manual therapy, and physical therapy. We included articles published from 2015 to the present that studied interventions with MT techniques in patients with CH. Two reviewers independently screened 365 articles for demographic information, characteristics of study design, study-specific intervention, and results. The Oxford 2011 Levels of Evidence and the Jadad scale were used.

RESULTS

Of a total of 14 articles selected, 11 were randomized control trials and three were quasi-experimental studies. The techniques studied were: spinal manipulative therapy, Mulligan's Sustained Natural Apophyseal Glides, muscle techniques, and translatory vertebral mobilization. In the short-term, the Jones technique on the trapezius and ischemic compression on the sternocleidomastoid achieved immediate improvements, whereas adding spinal manipulative therapy to the treatment can maintain long-term results.

CONCLUSIONS

The manual therapy techniques could be effective in the treatment of patients with CH. The combined use of MT techniques improved the results compared with using them separately. This review has methodological limitations, such as the inclusion of quasi-experimental studies and studies with small sample sizes that reduced the generalizability of the results obtained.

Effectiveness of spinal mobilization and postural correction exercises in the management of cervicogenic headache: A randomized controlled trial

OBJECTIVE

The study aims to assess the effect of spinal mobilization and postural correction exercises in patients suffering from cervicogenic headache.

METHODS

A randomized controlled trial was conducted with 72 patients. Patients were randomly allocated into three groups: spinal mobilization (n = 24), postural correction exercises (n = 24), and control group (n = 24). The primary outcome measure was headache impact test-6, and secondary outcomes were headache intensity, neck pain intensity, and neck pain-related disability measured at baseline, postintervention, and follow-up period.

RESULT

Comparison of baseline data (at 0 weeks) among groups showed a statistically nonsignificant difference. There was statistically significant improvement at postintervention (immediately after fourth week) in postural correction exercises group [headache disability: 14.95 ± 7.91 (p < .001); headache intensity: 2.58 ± 1.24 (p < .001); neck disability: 27.66 ± 18.71 (p < .001); neck pain: 1.91 ± 1.44 (p < .001)] and spinal mobilization group [headache disability: 13.83 ± 6.21 (p < .001); headache intensity: 2.29 ± 1.23 (p < .001); neck disability: 23.39 ± 19.51 (p < .001); neck pain: 1.72 ± 0.84 (p < .001)] as compared to the control group. The result of within-group analysis suggests that there was a statistically significant improvement in postintervention (immediately after fourth week) and follow-up (immediately after eighth week) scores as compared to baseline (at 0 weeks) scores for all outcomes in postural correction exercises [headache disability (p < .001), headache intensity (p < .001), neck disability (p < .001), neck pain (p < 0 .001)] as well as in spinal mobilization group [headache disability (p < .001), headache intensity (p < .001), neck disability (p < .001), neck pain (p < .001 for pre versus post; p = .001 for pre versus follow-up)]. There was a statistically nonsignificant difference between postintervention and follow-up scores of all the outcomes in the postural correction exercise and spinal mobilization group, which indicates that improvement in these groups was maintained during the follow-up period.

CONCLUSION

Spinal mobilization and postural correction exercises are effective in the management of cervicogenic headache.

Comparison of an exercise program with and without manual therapy for patients with chronic neck pain and upper cervical rotation restriction. Randomized controlled trial

Background

Cervical exercise has been shown to be an effective treatment for neck pain, but there is still a need for more clinical trials evaluating the effectiveness of adding manual therapy to the exercise approach. There is a lack of evidence on the effect of these techniques in patients with neck pain and upper cervical rotation restriction.

Purpose

To compare the effectiveness of adding manual therapy to a cervical exercise protocol for the treatment of patients with chronic neck pain and upper cervical rotation restriction.

Methods

Single-blind randomized clinical trial. Fifty-eight subjects: 29 for the Manual Therapy+Exercise (MT+Exercise) Group and 29 for the Exercise group. Neck disability index, pain intensity (0–10), pressure pain threshold (kPa), flexion-rotation test (°), and cervical range of motion (°) were measured at the beginning and at the end of the intervention, and at 3-and 6-month follow-ups. The MT+Exercise Group received one 20-min session of manual therapy and exercise once a week for 4 weeks and home exercise. The Exercise Group received one 20-min session of exercise once a week for 4 weeks and home exercise.

Results

The MT+Exercise Group showed significant better values post-intervention in all variables: neck disability index: 0% patient with moderate, severe, or complete disability compared to 31% in the Exercise Group (p = 0.000) at 6-months; flexion-rotation test (p = 0.000) and pain intensity (p = 0.000) from the first follow-up to the end of the study; cervical flexion (p = 0.002), extension (p = 0.002), right lateral-flexion (p = 0.000), left lateral-flexion (p = 0.001), right rotation (p = 0.000) and left rotation (p = 0.005) at 6-months of the study, except for flexion, with significative changes from 3-months of follow up; pressure pain threshold from the first follow-up to the end of the study (p values range: 0.003–0.000).

Conclusion

Four 20-min sessions of manual therapy and exercise, along with a home-exercise program, was found to be more effective than an exercise protocol and a home-exercise program in improving the neck disability index, flexion-rotation test, pain intensity, and pressure pain threshold, in the short, medium, and medium-long term in patients with chronic neck pain and upper rotation restriction. Cervical range of motion improved with the addition of manual therapy in the medium and medium-long term. The high dropout rate may have compromised the external validity of the study.

Effects of dry needling of the obliquus capitis inferior on sensorimotor control and cervical mobility in people with neck pain: A double-blind, randomized sham-controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Impairments of sensorimotor control relating to head and eye movement control and postural stability are often present in people with neck pain. The upper cervical spine and particularly the obliquus capitis inferior (OCI) play an important proprioceptive role; and its impairment may alter cervical sensorimotor control. Dry needling (DN) is a valid technique to target the OCI.

OBJECTIVES

To investigate if a single DN session of the OCI muscle improves head and eye movement control-related outcomes, postural stability, and cervical mobility in people with neck pain.

METHODS

Forty people with neck pain were randomly assigned to receive a single session of DN or sham needling of the OCI. Cervical joint position error (JPE), cervical movement sense, standing balance and oculomotor control were examined at baseline, immediately post-intervention, and at one-week follow-up. Active cervical rotation range of motion and the flexion rotation test were used to examine the global and upper cervical rotation mobility, respectively.

RESULTS

Linear mixed-models revealed that the DN group showed a decrease of JPE immediately post-intervention compared to the sham group (mean difference [MD]= -0.93°; 95% confidence interval [CI]: -1.85, -0.02) which was maintained at one-week follow-up (MD= -1.64°; 95%CI: -2.85, -0.43). No effects on standing balance or cervical movement sense were observed in both groups. Upper cervical mobility showed an increase immediately after DN compared to the sham group (MD= 5.14°; 95%CI: 0.77, 9.75) which remained stable at one-week follow-up (MD= 6.98°; 95%CI: 1.31, 12.40). Both group showed an immediate increase in global cervical mobility (MD= -0.14°; 95%CI: -5.29, 4.89).

CONCLUSION

The results from the current study suggest that a single session of DN of the OCI reduces JPE deficits and increases upper cervical mobility in patients with neck pain. Future trials should examine if the addition of this technique to sensorimotor control training add further benefits in the management of neck pain.

Effectiveness of different physiotherapy interventions in the management of cervicogenic headache: a pilot randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Cervicogenic headache is a secondary headache which leads to decreased functional activity, quality of life and functional disability.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the feasibility and acceptability of different physiotherapy interventions in the management of cervicogenic headache and to determine sample size for a full trial.

TRIAL DESIGN

A pilot randomized controlled trial.

SETTINGS

Various physiotherapy outpatient department.

METHODS

Participants suffering from cervicogenic headache with age 20- 60 years were randomly allocated into four groups. Sessions were given over 4 weeks 4 times a week (16 sessions). The primary outcomes were feasibility of participant recruitment, assessment procedure, retention, adherence, and acceptability. The secondary outcomes were headache impact test-6 for a headache disability, headache diary for headache intensity, frequency, duration, and neck disability index for neck pain, disability measured at baseline, 4th week, and follow up after 1 month.

RESULT

178 subjects were screened based on selection criteria. Out of them, 93 (52%) were eligible and 80 (86%) participated in the study. 96.25% of participants completed the final 8-week assessment. Overall 93.75% of participants completed the entire assessment item across all time points. 95% completed all treatment sessions. 97.5-100% of participants were satisfied with the treatment protocol. No adverse effects were reported by participants. Based on the data obtained from the pilot trial, sample size was determined as 35 participants in each group.

CONCLUSION

The results indicate that the trial methodology and intervention are feasible for implementing a full-powered randomized controlled trial to determine the effectiveness of physiotherapy intervention in the management of cervicogenic headache.

Effects of occipital-atlas stabilization in the upper cervical spine kinematics: an in vitro study

This study compares upper cervical spine range of motion (ROM) in the three cardinal planes before and after occiput-atlas (C0–C1) stabilization. After the dissection of the superficial structures to the alar ligament and the fixation of C2, ten cryopreserved upper cervical columns were manually mobilized in the three cardinal planes of movement without and with a screw stabilization of C0–C1. Upper cervical ROM and mobilization force were measured using the Vicon motion capture system and a load cell respectively. The ROM without C0–C1 stabilization was 19.8° ± 5.2° in flexion and 14.3° ± 7.7° in extension. With stabilization, the ROM was 11.5° ± 4.3° and 6.6° ± 3.5°, respectively. The ROM without C0–C1 stabilization was 4.7° ± 2.3° in right lateral flexion and 5.6° ± 3.2° in left lateral flexion. With stabilization, the ROM was 2.3° ± 1.4° and 2.3° ± 1.2°, respectively. The ROM without C0–C1 stabilization was 33.9° ± 6.7° in right rotation and 28.0° ± 6.9° in left rotation. With stabilization, the ROM was 28.5° ± 7.0° and 23.7° ± 8.5° respectively. Stabilization of C0–C1 reduced the upper cervical ROM by 46.9% in the sagittal plane, 55.3% in the frontal plane, and 15.6% in the transverse plane. Also, the resistance to movement during upper cervical mobilization increased following C0–C1 stabilization.

Effect of Manual Therapy and Therapeutic Exercise Applied to the Cervical Region on Pain and Pressure Pain Sensitivity in Patients with Temporomandibular Disorders: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

To assess the effectiveness of cervical manual therapy (MT) on patients with temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) and to compare cervico-craniomandibular MT vs cervical MT.

DESIGN

Systematic review and meta-analysis (MA).

METHODS

A search in PubMed, EMBASE, PEDro, and Google Scholar was conducted with an end date of February 2019. Two independent reviewers performed the data analysis, assessing the relevance of the randomized clinical trials regarding the studies' objectives. The qualitative analysis was based on classifying the results into levels of evidence according to the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE).

RESULTS

Regarding cervical MT, MA included three studies and showed statistically significant differences in pain intensity reduction and an increase in masseter pressure pain thresholds (PPTs), with a large clinical effect. In addition, the results showed an increase in temporalis PPT, with a moderate clinical effect. MA included two studies on cervical MT vs cervico-craniomandibular MT interventions and showed statistically significant differences in pain intensity reduction and pain-free maximal mouth opening, with a large clinical effect.

CONCLUSIONS

Cervical MT treatment is more effective in decreasing pain intensity than placebo MT or minimal intervention, with moderate evidence. Cervico-craniomandibular interventions achieved greater short-term reductions in pain intensity and increased pain-free MMO over cervical intervention alone in TMD and headache, with low evidence.

The efficiency and safety of manual therapy for cervicogenic cephalic syndrome (CCS): A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Manual therapy is a common technique for the treatment of (CCS) cervicogenic cephalic syndrome, but the efficiency is various. The aim of the study is to evaluate the evidence pertaining to the efficiency and safety of using manual therapy to treat patients with CCS.

METHODS

We searched the electronic databases including PubMed, ScienceDirect, and the Cochrane Library. Only randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were enrolled in this systematic review and cumulative meta-analysis.

RESULTS

A total of 8 RCTs with 395 patients were included for meta-analysis. Patients who underwent manual therapy showed lower scores of visual analog scale (VAS) (weighted mean difference) WMD = 1.7, 95% confidence interval CI = 0.74-2.65, P = .0005); dizziness handicap inventory (DHI) (WMD = 0.66, 95%CI = 0.31-1, P = .0002); and neck disability index (NDI) (WMD = 0.59, 95%CI = 0.23-0.96, P = .002) and better rotation range of motion (ROM) of the cervical spine (WMD = -6.54, 95%CI = -7.60 to -5.48, P < .0001). However, these patients did not show much benefit from manual therapy with respect to the frequency of CCS episodes and head repositioning accuracy (HRA). No serious adverse effects were reported in our included studies lasting longer than 24 hours.

CONCLUSIONS

Manual therapy offers an effective and safe approach to treat CCS with lower VAS, DHI, and NDI scores and better cervical spinal movement. Further high-quality RCTs are required to provide more conclusive evidence.

SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION NUMBER

PROSPERO172740.

Effects of the Manual Therapy Approach of Segments C0-1 and C2-3 in the Flexion-Rotation Test in Patients with Chronic Neck Pain: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Background: Flexion-rotation test predominantly measures rotation in C1-2 segment. Restriction in flexion-rotation may be due to direct limitation in C1-2, but also to a premature tightening of the alar ligament as a result of lack of movement in C0-1 or C2-3. The aim of this study was to compare the effect of a 20-min single cervical exercise session, with or without manual therapy of C0-1 and C2-3 segment in flexion-rotation test, in patients with chronic neck pain and positive flexion-rotation test. Methods: Randomized controlled clinical trial in 48 subjects (24 manual therapy+exercise/24 exercise). Range of motion and pain during flexion-rotation test, neck pain intensity and active cervical range of motion were measured before and after the intervention. Results: Significant differences were found in favour of the manual therapy group in the flexion-rotation test: right (p < 0.001) and left rotation (p < 0.001); pain during the flexion-rotation test: right (p < 0.001) and left rotation (p < 0.001); neck pain intensity: (p < 0.001); cervical flexion (p < 0.038), extension (p < 0.010), right side-bending (p < 0.035), left side-bending (p < 0.002), right rotation (p < 0.001), and left rotation (p < 0.006). Conclusions: Addition of one C0-C1 and C2-C3 manual therapy session to cervical exercise can immediately improve flexion-rotation test and cervical range of motion and reduce pain intensity.

Does Upper Cervical Manual Therapy Provide Additional Benefit in Disability and Mobility over a Physiotherapy Primary Care Program for Chronic Cervicalgia? A Randomized Controlled Trial

Introduction: Neck pain is a condition with a high incidence in primary care. Patients with chronic neck pain often experience reduction in neck mobility. However, no study to date has investigated the effects of manual mobilization of the upper cervical spine in patients with chronic mechanical neck pain and restricted upper cervical rotation. Objective: To evaluate the effect of adding an upper cervical translatoric mobilization or an inhibitory suboccipital technique to a conventional physical therapy protocol in patients with chronic neck pain test on disability and cervical range of motion. Design: Randomized controlled trial. Methods: Seventy-eight patients with chronic neck pain and restricted upper cervical rotation were randomized in three groups: Upper cervical translatoric mobilization group, inhibitory suboccipital technique group, or control group. The neck disability index, active cervical mobility, and the flexion-rotation test were assessed at baseline (T0), after the treatment (T1), and at three-month follow-up (T2). Results: There were no statistically significant differences between groups in neck disability index. The upper cervical translatoric mobilization group showed a significant increase in the flexion-rotation test to the more restricted side at T1 (F = 5.992; p < 0.004) and T2 (F = 5.212; p < 0.007) compared to the control group. The inhibitory suboccipital technique group showed a significant increase in the flexion-rotation test to the less restricted side at T1 (F = 3.590; p < 0.027). All groups presented high percentages of negative flexion-rotation tests. (T1: 69.2% upper neck translator mobilization group; 38.5% suboccipital inhibition technique group, 19.2% control group; at T2: 80.8%; 46.2% and 26.9% respectively). No significant differences in the active cervical mobility were found between groups. Conclusion: Adding manual therapy to a conventional physical therapy protocol for the upper cervical spine increased the flexion-rotation test in the short- and mid-term in patients with chronic neck pain. No changes were found in the neck disability index and the global active cervical range of motion.

Biomechanics of the upper cervical spine ligaments in axial rotation and flexion-extension: Considerations into the clinical framework

Context:

The motion of the upper cervical spine (UCS) has a great interest for analyzing the biomechanical features of this joint complex, especially in case of instability. Although investigators have analyzed numerous kinematics and musculoskeletal characteristics, there are still little data available regarding several suboccipital ligaments such as occipito-atlantal, atlantoaxial, and cruciform ligaments.

Objective:

The aim of this study is to quantify the length and moment arm magnitudes of suboccipital ligaments and to integrate data into specific 3D-model, including musculoskeletal and motion representation.

Materials and Methods:

Based on a recent method, suboccipital ligaments were identified using UCS anatomical modeling. Biomechanical characteristics of these anatomical structures were assessed for sagittal and transversal displacements regarding length and moment arm alterations.

Results:

Outcomes data indicated length alterations >25% for occipito-atlantal, atlanto-axial and apical ligaments. The length alteration of unique ligaments was negligible. Length variation was dependent on the motion direction considered. Regarding moment arm, larger magnitudes were observed for posterior ligaments, and consistent alteration was depicted for these structures.

Conclusion:

These outcomes supply relevant biomechanical characteristics of the UCS ligaments in flexion-extension and axial rotation by quantifying length and moment arm magnitude. Moreover, 3D anatomical modeling and motion representation can help in the process of understanding of musculoskeletal behaviors of the craniovertebral junction.

"Short- and mid-term effects of adding upper cervical manual therapy to a conventional physical therapy program in patients with chronic mechanical neck pain. Randomized controlled clinical trial."

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effect of adding an Upper Cervical Translatoric Mobilization (UCTM) or an Inhibitory Suboccipital Technique (IST) to a physiotherapy treatment in the symptomatology and function of mechanical chronic neck pain patients.

DESIGN

Randomized controlled trial.

SETTING

Primary Care Center in Cornellà, Spain.

SUBJECTS

78 patients (64 women), with mean age (SD) of 59.96 (13.30) years with mechanical chronic neck pain were divided in three groups: control, IST and UCTM groups.

INTERVENTIONS

All groups received 15 physiotherapy sessions for three weeks. The UCTM and IST groups added 5 minutes of the assigned technique during six sessions.

MAIN MEASURES

Neck disability index (NDI) and numeric pain rating scale (NPRS) for neck pain were measured baseline, three-weeks and 15-weeks follow-up.

RESULTS

NDI (SD) at baseline, three-weeks and 15-weeks were 11.62 (7.08), 9.65 (6.25), 7.58 (5.64) for the control group, 14.38 (6.92), 8.50 (6.11), 7.12 (4.98) for the IST group and 13.19(7.23), 5.35(6.10), 4.35(2.76) for the UCTM group. NPRS (SD) at baseline, three-weeks and 15-weeks were 58.69 (19.46), 45.19 (23.43), 44.58 (24.08) for the control group; 64.08 (19.26), 42.19 (19.69), 34 (21.14) for the IST group; and 67.65 (20.65), 36.23 (20.10), 39.85 (25.44) for the UCTM group.

CONCLUSIONS

Compared with no treatment, both forms of mobilization were associated with reduced disability at three weeks, and UCTM remained better than control at 15 weeks; there were no significant differences between the two mobilization groups.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

This study was registered in Clinicaltrials.gov (NCT02832232).

Does the Addition of Manual Therapy Approach to a Cervical Exercise Program Improve Clinical Outcomes for Patients with Chronic Neck Pain in Short- and Mid-Term? A Randomized Controlled Trial

Chronic neck pain is one of today’s most prevalent pathologies. The International Classification of Diseases categorizes four subgroups based on patients’ associated symptoms. However, this classification does not encompass upper cervical spine dysfunction. The aim is to compare the short- and mid-term effectiveness of adding a manual therapy approach to a cervical exercise protocol in patients with chronic neck pain and upper cervical spine dysfunction. Fifty-eight subjects with chronic neck pain and upper cervical spine dysfunction were recruited (29 = Manual therapy + Exercise; 29 = Exercise). Each group received four 20-min sessions, one per week during four consecutive weeks, and a home exercise regime. Upper flexion and flexion-rotation test range of motion, neck disability index, craniocervical flexion test, visual analogue scale, pressure pain threshold, global rating of change scale, and adherence to self-treatment were assessed at the beginning, end of the intervention and at 3- and 6-month follow-ups. The Manual therapy + Exercise group statistically improved short- and medium-term in all variables compared to the Exercise group. Four 20-min sessions of Manual therapy + Exercise along with a home-exercise program is more effective in the short- to mid-term than an exercise protocol and a home-exercise program for patients with chronic neck pain and upper cervical dysfunction.

Immediate and Short-Term Effects of Upper Cervical High-Velocity, Low-Amplitude Manipulation on Standing Postural Control and Cervical Mobility in Chronic Nonspecific Neck Pain: A Randomized Controlled Trial

This study aimed to determine the immediate and short-term effects of a single upper cervical high-velocity, low-amplitude (HVLA) manipulation on standing postural control and cervical mobility in chronic nonspecific neck pain (CNSNP). A double-blinded, randomized placebo-controlled trial was performed. Forty-four patients with CNSNP were allocated to the experimental group (n = 22) or control group (n = 22). All participants were assessed before and immediately after the intervention, with a follow-up on the 7th and 15th days. In each evaluation, we assessed global and specific stabilometric parameters to analyze standing postural balance and performed the cervical flexion-rotation test (CFRT) to analyze upper cervical mobility. We obtained statistically significant differences, with a large effect size, in the limited cervical rotation and global stabilometric parameters. Upper cervical HVLA manipulation produced an improvement in the global stabilometric parameters, significantly decreasing the mean values of velocity, surface, path length, and pressure in all assessments (p < 0.001; ƞ 2 p = 0.323–0.856), as well as significantly decreasing the surface length ratio (L/S) on the 7th (−0.219 1/mm; p = 0.008; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.042–0.395) and 15th days (−0.447 1/mm; p < 0.001; 95% CI: 0.265–0.629). Limited cervical rotation values increased significantly immediately after manipulation (7.409°; p < 0.001; 95% CI: 6.131–8.687) and were maintained during follow-up (p < 0.001). These results show that a single upper cervical HVLA manipulation produces an improvement in standing postural control and increases the rotational range of motion (ROM) in the upper cervical spine in patients with CNSNP.

Effectiveness of dry needling for improving pain and disability in adults with tension-type, cervicogenic, or migraine headaches: protocol for a systematic review

Background

Headache is the most common neurological symptoms worldwide, as over 90% of people have noted at least one headache during their lifetime. Tension-type headaches, cervicogenic headaches, and migraines are common types of headache which can have a significant impact on social, physical, and occupational functioning. Therapeutic management of headaches mainly includes physical therapy and pharmacological interventions. Dry needling is a relatively new therapeutic approach that uses a thin filiform needle without injectate to penetrate the skin and stimulate underlying tissues for the management of neuromusculoskeletal pain and movement impairments.

The main objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to evaluate the effectiveness of dry needling in comparison to other interventions on pain and disability in patients with tension-type headache, cervicogenic headache, and migraine.

Methods/design

We will focus on clinical trials with concurrent control group(s) and comparative observational studies assessing the effect of dry needling in patients with tension-type headache, cervicogenic headache, and migraine. Electronic databases from relevant fields of research (PubMed/ Medline, Scopus, Embase®, PEDro, Web of Science, Ovid, AMED, CENTRAL, and Google Scholar) will be searched from inception to June 2019 using defined search terms. No restrictions for language of publication or geographic location will be applied. Moreover, grey literature, citation tracking, and reference lists scanning of the selected studies will be searched manually. Primary outcomes of this study are pain intensity and disability, and secondary outcomes are cervical spine ROM, frequency of headaches, health-related quality of life, and TrPs tenderness. Studies will be selected by three independent reviewers based on prespecified eligibility criteria. Three reviewers will independently extract data in each eligible study using a pre-piloted Microsoft Excel data extraction form. The assessment of risk of bias will be implemented using the Cochrane Back and Neck Review Group 13-item criteria and NOS. Direct meta-analysis will be performed using a fixed or random effects model to estimate effect size such as standardized mean difference (Morris’s d_ppc) and 95% confidence intervals. Statistical heterogeneity will also be evaluated using the I² statistic and the χ² test. All meta-analyses will be performed using Stata V.11 and V.14 softwares. The overall quality of the evidence for the primary outcomes will be assessed using GRADE.

Discussion

All analyses in this study will be based on the previous published papers. Therefore, ethical approval and patient consent are not required. The findings of this study will provide important information on the value of dry needling for the management of tension-type headache, cervicogenic headache, and migraine.

Trial registration

PROSPERO registration number: CRD42019124125.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s12998-019-0266-7) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Physical therapist clinical reasoning and classification inconsistencies in headache disorders: a United States survey

Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate the decision-making processes of physical therapists relating to evaluation and categorization of patients with headaches, including consistency with criteria proposed by the International Headache Society (IHS).Methods: A national online survey was distributed in cooperation with the Academy of Orthopaedic Physical Therapy of the American Physical Therapy Association. Three hypothetical patient case vignettes featuring headache disorders were used as assessment instruments. Additionally, data on physical therapist education, clinical experience, manual therapy training, self-efficacy, and familiarity & consistency with IHS criteria were collected. Physical therapist identification and valuation of clinical features of headache disorders were also examined in the decision-making processes.Results: Among the 384 respondents, 32.3% classified the tension-type headache case consistent with IHS criteria. The cervicogenic and migraine headache cases were classified at 54.8% and 41.7% consistent with IHS categories, respectively. Experienced clinicians and those with formal manual training categorized patient presentations with greater consistency. Clinician familiarity with IHS classification criteria was low with 73.6% collectively somewhat and not familiar, while 26.4% of physical therapists were self-described as very or moderately familiar.Discussion: Clinicians' headache categorization was significantly affected by symptom misattribution and weighting of individual examination findings. Weighting by practitioners of clinical features varied markedly with greatest emphasis being placed on detailed manual examination procedures, including passive intervertebral movements. Inconsistencies in valuation of clinical features in headache categorization suggest a need for further formal education in physical therapy educational curricula and in post-graduate education, including of IHS criteria and classification.Level of Evidence: 2a.