Manual joint mobilisation techniques, supervised physical activity, psychological treatment, acupuncture and patient education for patients with tension-type headache. A systematic review and meta-analysis

Therapeutic Patient Education as Part of the Physiotherapy Management of Adults with Headache: A Scoping Review

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Physiotherapy interventions for headache mostly include exercise and manual therapy. Yet, the complex nature of headache, sometimes characterized by symptoms of facilitated central pain mechanisms, demands an individualized approach in which therapeutic patient education could be supportive. This scoping review aimed to summarize the position of therapeutic patient education within the physiotherapy management of adults with headache. PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Scopus were searched. The search-query comprised terminology relating to "headache", "education", and "physiotherapy". Eligibility criteria were: adults with headache, interventions including education within the domain of physiotherapy, reviews, clinical trials, cohort, case report, case-control studies.

RECENT FINDINGS

Eleven publications were included from the 281 retrieved publications. These publications were clinical trials (n = 4), reviews (n = 4), case-reports (n = 2), and a guideline (n = 1). Type of headaches studied were migraine (n = 3), post-traumatic headache (n = 2), tension-type headache (n = 2), cervicogenic headache (n = 1), primary headaches (n = 1), chronic daily headache (n = 1), and mixed migraine-cervicogenic headache (n = 1). Education seems an umbrella-term for postural education, lifestyle advice, and pain education. Three themes emerged across the publications: handling headache triggers (migraine, post-traumatic headache), promoting active lifestyle (post-traumatic headache, chronic daily headache, migraine), evaluating posture (post-traumatic headache, chronic daily headache, tension-type headache, cervicogenic headache). All publications recommended education in the management of headache. Only one (of the 11 included) publication described the educational program and determined its efficacy. Based on this scoping review, therapeutic patient education seems supported within physiotherapy management of headache. However, it is unclear how such education is tailored to the specific needs of the individual, the headache subtype, or when it should be added to physiotherapy management of headache.

Durable effects of acupuncture for tension-type headache: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

Acupuncture may be effective in treating tension-type headache (TTH). The durability of its effects after treatment completion remains inconclusive.

Methods

We searched multiple databases and references from previous reviews for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) which investigated the effectiveness of acupuncture for TTH. We assessed the methodological quality of RCTs using the Cochrane Risk of Bias 2.0 (RoB 2) tool. Primary outcome was response rate, defined as the proportion of participants who reported at least a 50% reduction in monthly headache days from baseline after completion of treatment. Secondary outcomes included headache days, headache intensity, and analgesic use. Safety outcomes were also evaluated.

Results

A total of seven RCTs involving 3,221 participants with frequent episodic and chronic TTH were included. Individuals receiving acupuncture reported a significantly higher response rate versus sham acupuncture (SA) immediately and at 1-6 months after completion of treatment (P<0.05). Compared with SA, post-treatment results of headache days and headache intensity appeared consistent on the whole, showing associations favoring acupuncture. However, no significant reduction in analgesic use was found post-treatment. Acupuncture showed no superiority over physical training or relaxation training in headache days and headache intensity. Moreover, no serious adverse events associated with acupuncture were reported.

Conclusion

Limited evidence suggested that acupuncture might provide durable post-treatment effects in the management of frequent episodic and chronic TTH for up to 6 months compared with SA,with no severe treatment-related adverse events reported.

Effects of Dry Needling on Active Myofascial Trigger Points and Pain Intensity in Tension-Type Headache: A Randomized Controlled Study

Tension-type headache is the most prevalent type of headache and is commonly associated with myofascial pain syndrome and the presence of active myofascial trigger points. This randomized controlled trial aimed to assess the impact of dry needling on the total number of active trigger points, pain intensity, and perceived clinical change in tension-type headache subjects. Thirty-two subjects were randomly assigned to the control and dry needling groups. The presence of active trigger points in 15 head and neck muscles, the headache intensity, and the perceived clinical change were evaluated. A single dry needling technique was administered at each active trigger point across three sessions. Significant differences were observed in the post-treatment measures favouring the dry needling group, including reductions in the headache intensity scores (p = 0.034) and the total number of active trigger points (p = 0.039). Moreover, significant differences in the perception of clinical change were found between the control and treatment groups (p = 0.000). Dry needling demonstrated positive effects in reducing the number of active trigger points and improving the short-term headache intensity in tension-type headache patients. A single dry needling session applied in the cranio-cervical area resulted in a self-perceived improvement compared to the control subjects.

Examining the Impact of Puberty on Primary Headache Disorders in Female Schoolchildren: A Cross-Sectional Study

Introduction and aim Headaches are one of the most prevalent childhood disorders. Primary and secondary headaches are the two types of headaches affecting kids and teenagers. The three most typical primary headache forms are tension-type headaches (TTH), migraine, and cluster headaches. This study sought to determine the relationship between puberty and types of headaches. Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted from May 18 to July 31, among female schoolchildren aged between eight and 15 years in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia. Respondents were recruited through face-to-face interviews. A self-administered questionnaire was utilized, mainly consisting of demographic data and questions related to diagnosing and managing the impact of puberty in girls on the prevalence of primary headache disorder. Results In total, 481 female schoolchildren were interviewed, mostly between 13 and 15 years old (65.9%). Last year prevalence of headaches was 65.5%, with a significant difference among those who lived in Dhahran (p=0.001) and those with a family history of headaches (p<0.001). The most common type of headache was frequent TTH (16.4%) and chronic TTH (16%). Chronic TTH (p<0.001), frequent TTH (p<0.001), and migraine without aura (p=0.005) were significantly more common among the older age groups.  Conclusion There was a high prevalence of headaches among female schoolchildren, with frequent TTH and chronic TTH being the most common. Furthermore, increasing age was associated with an increasing risk for chronic TTH, frequent TTH, and migraine headaches without aura. More epidemiological studies are necessary to determine the underlying causes of headaches among schoolchildren.

Valid and Invalid Indications for Osteopathic Interventions: A Systematic Review of Evidence-Based Practices and French Healthcare Society Recommendations

The main aim of this study was to determine the level of evidence in the literature for the main indications of osteopathy as recommended by the French osteopathy societies. This systematic review followed the 2020 Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines and evaluated articles published between January 2012 and January 2022 with one modification: when level one evidence studies were available, level two to five studies were excluded. Sources included PubMed, the Cochrane library, the French National Health Authority (HAS) and its affiliates. Inclusion criteria were level one published studies on the indications for osteopathic treatment in French and English, and level two to three studies when no level one studies were available. The level of evidence assessment was based on the Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine (OCEBM) Levels of Evidence classification. The primary outcome was the level of evidence in the literature supporting osteopathic practices. The secondary outcome was to assess French professional osteopathy recommendations and French HAS guidelines in relation to the scientific literature. A total of 51 articles and nine recommendations from the HAS and its affiliates met the inclusion criteria for the systematic review. Analysis of the studies revealed 41 osteopathic indications from French osteopathy societies for musculoskeletal, neurosensory, psychological, pediatric, gynecological, digestive, and pulmonary disorders. High-level scientific evidence supported the use of osteopathy for low back pain, sciatica, cervical radiculopathy, and ankle sprain. There was moderate evidence for tension headache, temporomandibular joint disorder, endometriosis, and low back and pelvic pain in pregnant women. HAS recommended five indications, while nine indications were supported in the scientific literature. Osteopathy has been shown to have evidence-based benefits for a range of conditions, in particular for musculoskeletal and neurosensory disorders.

Efficacy of a strength-based exercise program in patients with chronic tension type headache: a randomized controlled trial

Background

Strength-based exercise is widely used to treat tension-type headache, but the evidence of its benefit is unclear. This study aims to analyze the efficacy of a strength-based exercise program in patients with chronic tension-type headaches.

Methods

A randomized controlled trial with a 12-week strength-based exercise program, with chronic tension-type headache. The headache characteristics (which were the primary outcomes: frequency, duration, and intensity), cervical muscle thickness at rest or contraction of multifidus and longus-colli muscle, cervical range of motion, pain pressure threshold of temporalis, upper trapezius, masseter, tibialis muscle and median nerve, and cervical craniocervical flexion test were assessed at baseline and 12-weeks of follow-up in the intervention group (n = 20) and the control group (n = 20) was performed on 40 patients (85% women, aged 37.0 ± 13.3 years).

Results

Between baseline and week-12 of follow-up the intervention group showed statistically significant differences compared to control group in the following primary outcomes: duration and intensity of headaches. In addition, the intervention group improved the thickness of deep cervical muscles, reduced the peripheral sensitization, and improved the strength of deep cervical flexors.

Conclusion

A 12-week strength training of neck and shoulder region induced changes in pain intensity and duration, and physical-related factors in patients with TTH. Future interventions are needed to investigate if normalization of pain characteristics and physical factors can lead to an increase of headache-related impact.

A Multimodal Conservative Approach to Treating Migraine: A Physical Therapist's Perspective

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Migraine is common and interventions to treat or manage it vary. Physical therapists possess a varied skill set that can assess and treat limitations related to migraine and its symptoms. Conservative and non-pharmacological examination and treatment techniques for migraine and headache management are reviewed in terms of efficacy and relevance in order to describe the physical therapist's abilities and clinical reasoning process when confronting a patient with migraine symptoms.

RECENT FINDINGS

A thorough examination is necessary to detect red flags and will reveal a person with migraine's biopsychosocial limitations to manage their symptoms. Strength, endurance, cervical mobility, and visual deficits are common in those reporting headaches and examination techniques, along with patient-reported outcome measures, can elicit objective data for re-assessment during an episode of care. Exercise interventions, manual therapy, biofeedback techniques, and vestibular therapy have become viable and efficacious non-pharmacological interventions in recent years to assist the patient with managing and mitigating their migraine symptoms, along with mindfulness-based exercises. A case study, with individualized treatment approaches based on examination findings, current evidence, and accrued expertise, demonstrates the clinical applicability of a physical therapist's multimodal approach to treating migraine. Psychologically- informed physical therapy with mindfulness-based approaches and biofeedback can help a patient gain more control over their symptoms and their body's response to head pain, while exercise and vestibular therapy can assist the system with recovery and adaptation from deficits related to migraine symptoms. A thorough examination, with an individually- tailored rehabilitation plan incorporating movement and mindfulness-based therapies, is recommended.

Neck pain and headache: Pathophysiology, treatments and future directions

INTRODUCTION

Neck pain is a prevalent neurologic and musculoskeletal complaint in the general population and is often associated with primary headache disorders such as migraine and tension-type headache (TTH). A considerable proportion, ranging from 73% to 90%, of people with migraine or TTH also experience neck pain, and there is a positive correlation between headache frequency and neck pain. Furthermore, neck pain has been identified as a risk factor for migraine and TTH. Although the exact underlying mechanisms linking neck pain to migraine and TTH remain uncertain, pain sensitivity appears to play an important role. People with migraine or TTH exhibit lower pressure pain thresholds and higher total tenderness scores compared with healthy controls.

PURPOSE

This position paper aims to provide an overview of the current evidence on the relationship between neck pain and comorbid migraine or TTH. It will encompass the clinical presentation, epidemiology, pathophysiology, and management of neck pain in the context of migraine and TTH.

IMPLICATIONS

The relationship between neck pain and comorbid migraine or TTH is incompletely understood. In the absence of robust evidence, the management of neck pain in people with migraine or TTH relies mostly on expert opinion. A multidisciplinary approach is usually preferred, involving pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic strategies. Further research is necessary to fully dissect the linkage between neck pain and comorbid migraine or TTH. This includes the development of validated assessment tools, evaluation of treatment effectiveness, and exploration of genetic, imaging, and biochemical markers that might aid in diagnosis and treatment.

The increasing role of electronic media in headache

Most individuals with access to the internet use social media platforms. These platforms represent an excellent opportunity to disseminate knowledge about management and treatment to the benefit of patients. The International Headache Society, The European Headache Federation, and The American Headache Society have electronic media committees to promote and highlight the organizations' expertise and disseminate research findings. A growing mistrust in science has made dealing with infodemics (i.e., sudden access to excessive unvetted information) an increasing part of clinical management. An increasing role of these committees will be to address this challenge. As an example, recent studies have demonstrated that the most popular online content on migraine management is not evidence-based and is disseminated by for-profit organizations. As healthcare professionals and members of professional headache organizations, we are obliged to prioritize knowledge dissemination. A progressive social media strategy is associated not only with increased online visibility and outreach, but also with a higher scientific interest. To identify gaps and barriers, future research should assess the range of available information on headache disorders in electronic media, characterize direct and indirect consequences on clinical management, and recognize best practice and strategies to improve our communication on internet-based communication platforms. In turn, these efforts will reduce the burden of headache disorders by facilitating improved education of both patients and providers.

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.

A bibliometric analysis and visualization of tension-type headache

Background

Tension-type headache (TTH) is the most prevalent headache in the clinical practice, leading to impaired social activities, work-related disability, and heavy financial burdens. Previous studies have described possible inducement, potential pathophysiology, and clinical management of TTH; however, due to the lack of attention, literature involving bibliometric analysis is sporadic. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the current hotspots and future directions of the TTH field by bibliometric analysis.

Methods

By using CiteSpace and VOSviewer, literature regarding TTH between 2002 and 2021 from the Web of Science database was summarized and extracted. Annual publication trend, the most productive countries/regions and institutions, distribution of categories, co-citation of journals and references, and co-occurrence of keywords were analyzed.

Results

A total of 3,379 publications were included in the final visualization, indicating a stable trend in current research and a lack of breakthroughs over the past decades. These studies were mainly conducted in 120 countries/regions led by the United States and more than 600 institutions. Four eternal core themes were identified in TTH, including neurosciences, nursing, developmental psychology, and general/internal medicine. Cephalalgia ranked first, with the highest number of literature, and is the most influential journal in this area. Keyword analysis demonstrated that the similarities and differences between migraine and TTH, epidemiological studies, clinical double-blind trials, and potential populations have become key issues in the TTH field.

Conclusion

TTH has received less attention and breakthroughs in the past 20 years. To promote coordinated development between regions to fight headaches, cooperation and exchanges between countries and institutions are essential in the future. Relevant studies about headaches in children and adolescents, inducing factors such as emotional triggers and sleep disorders, concomitant diseases, possible pathogenesis, and headache treatments, are in the spotlight in recent years. This study offers a powerful roadmap for further research in this field.

Use of Non-pharmacological Therapies in Individuals With Migraine Eligible for Treatment With Monoclonal Antibodies Targeting Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide (CGRP)-Signaling: A Single-Center Cross-Sectional Observational Study

Introduction

Accessibility of treatment with monoclonal antibodies targeting the calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) signaling pathway is impeded by regulatory restrictions. Affected individuals may seek out other services including non-pharmacological therapies. Thus, we found it timely to ascertain the use of non-pharmacological therapies in individuals with treatment-resistant migraine eligible for and naïve to treatment with CGRP-signaling targeting monoclonal antibodies.

Methods

We conducted a single-center cross-sectional observational study of patients eligible for and naïve to treatment with monoclonal antibodies targeting CGRP or its receptor. We recorded demographical information (gender, age, educational level, employment status, and income), disease burden (frequency of headache days and migraine days), previous use of preventive pharmacological medications for migraine, and use of non-pharmacological therapies over the past 3 months including frequency of interventions, costs, and patient-reported assessment of efficacy on a 6-point scale (0: no efficacy, 5: best possible efficacy).

Results

We included 122 patients between 17 June 2019 and 6 January 2020; 101 (83%) were women and the mean age was 45.2 ± 13.3 years. One-third (n = 41 [34%]) had used non-pharmacological therapy within the past 3 months. Among these participants, the median frequency of different interventions was 1 (IQR: 1–2), the median number of monthly visits was 2.3 (IQR: 1.3–4), mean and median monthly costs were 1,086 ± 1471, and 600 (IQR: 0–1200) DKK (1 EUR = ~7.5 DKK), respectively, and median patient-reported assessment of the efficacy of interventions was 2 (IQR: 0–3).

Conclusion

Even in a high-income country with freely accessible headache services and universal healthcare coverage, there was a non-negligible direct cost in parallel with low satisfaction for non-pharmacological therapies among patients at a tertiary headache center.

Deep Cervical Muscles and Functionality in Patients with Chronic Tension-Type Headache: An Observational Study

Background and objectives: Chronic tension-type headache (TTH) is the type of headache with the highest prevalence. The involvement of musculoskeletal structures in TTH is supported by evidence in the scientific literature. Among these, deep cervical muscle strength appears to be related to the function of the cervical spine and the clinical characteristics of TTH. This study aimed to correlate anatomical, functional, and psychological variables in patients with TTH. Materials and methods: An observational descriptive study was carried out with 22 participants diagnosed with TTH for at least six months. The characteristics of headaches, including ultrasound-based deep neck flexor and extensor muscle thickness, range of motion (ROM), and pressure pain threshold (PPT), were recorded. We also conducted the Pain Vigilance and Awareness Questionnaire (PVAQ) and the Craniocervical Flexion Test (CCFT). Results: Moderate-large negative correlations were found between the PVAQ and the muscle thickness of right deep flexors contracted (r = -0.52; p = 0.01), left multifidus contracted (r = -0.44; p = 0.04), right multifidus at rest (r = -0.48; p = 0.02), and right multifidus contracted (r = -0.45; p = 0.04). Moderate-large positive correlations were found between the CCFT score and the left cervical rotation ROM (r = 0.53; p = 0.01), right cervical rotation ROM (r = 0.48; p = 0.03), muscle thickness of left multifidus contracted (r = 0.50; p = 0.02), and muscle thickness of right multifidus at rest (r = 0.51; p = 0.02). The muscle thickness of the contracted right deep cervical flexors showed a moderate negative correlation with headache intensity (r = -0.464; p = 0.03). No correlations were found between PPT and the rest of the variables analyzed. Conclusions: In patients with TTH, a higher thickness of deep cervical muscles was associated with higher ROM and higher scores in the CCFT. In turn, the thickness of deep cervical muscles showed negative correlations with pain hypervigilance and headache intensity. These results contribute to a better understanding of the physical and psychosocial factors contributing to the development of TTH, which is useful for implementing appropriate prevention and treatment measures.

Treatment experiences and clinical characteristics in migraine and tension-type headache patients before the first visit to a tertiary headache center

OBJECTIVES

To investigate previous treatment and clinical characteristics in migraine and tension-type headache patients at their first visit to a tertiary headache center.

METHODS

This was a cross-sectional study using data obtained from electronic questionnaires and medical charts. Migraine and tension-type headache patients were investigated at their first visit to the Danish Headache Center.

RESULTS

Out of 382 patients the main diagnoses of primary headaches were: 36% with episodic migraine, 43% with chronic migraine, 3% with episodic tension-type headache and 17% with chronic tension-type headache. The majority had attempted non-pharmacological treatment options such as physiotherapy (episodic migraine: 53%, chronic migraine: 68%, episodic tension-type headache: 50%, chronic tension-type headache: 65%) and acupuncture: (episodic migraine: 45%, chronic migraine: 62%, episodic tension-type headache: 17%, chronic tension-type headache: 51%). The majority of migraine patients had tried no more than one triptan (episodic migraine: 71%, chronic migraine: 66%). In total, 35% of episodic migraine and 19% of chronic migraine patients as well as 50% of episodic tension-type headache and 41% of chronic tension-type headache patients had never tried preventive medication. The headache under-response to treatment (HURT) questionnaire score was higher in chronic migraine (score 15) and chronic tension-type headache (score 16) patients than the episodic forms (P < 0.004).

CONCLUSIONS

Headache patients had attempted several non-pharmacological treatments prior to their first visit at a tertiary headache center in Denmark. The limited use of acute and preventive treatment before the first visit demonstrates a need for better treatment at the primary and secondary care level.

Effect of non-pharmacological interventions on anxiety, depression, sleep quality, and pain after orthopedic surgery: A protocol for systematic review and network meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Patients after orthopedic surgery often experience the pain, anxiety, depression, and sleep disturbances, which can be greatly reduced by non-pharmacologic interventions as alternative therapies. Randomized controlled trials of nonpharmacologic interventions for anxiety, depression, sleep quality, and pain in patients after orthopedic surgery have been reported, but the results may be conflicting. Evidence to determine the optimal non-pharmacological intervention with a high efficacy is limited. This study aims to assess the effects of non-pharmacologic interventions on the bone anxiety, depression, sleep quality, and pain in patients after orthopedic surgery through a network meta-analysis, thus providing guidance in clinical application.

METHODS

A systematic search of randomized controlled trials reporting the effects of non-pharmacological interventions on anxiety, depression, sleep quality and pain after orthopedic surgery published before October 2021 will be searched in Wanfang, VIP Information Chinese Journal Service Platform, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Chinese BioMedicine Literature Database, Pubmed, Embase, Cochrane, and Web of science. Two reviewers will be independently responsible for study selection, quality appraisal, and data extraction. Stata 14.0 software will be used to perform the network meta-analysis.

RESULTS

The findings of this research will be reported in a recognized journal.

CONCLUSION

This meta-analysis will provide the stronger evidence for non-pharmacological interventions on alleviating bone anxiety, depression, sleep quality, and pain in patients after orthopedic surgery, which will help clinicians and decision makers in their choices.Open Science Framework registration number: DOI 10.17605/OSF.IO/2SCBD.