Effectiveness of the Treatment of Tension-type Headache With Manual and Manipulative Therapy in the Perception of Pain and Cervical Motion: a Double-blind, Randomized, Placebo-controlled Clinical Trial.
Effectiveness of the Treatment of Tension-type Headache With Manual and Manipulative Therapy in the Perception of Pain and Cervical Motion: a Double-blind, Randomized, Placebo-controlled Clinical Trial.
Background. Tension-type headache (TTH) is the most common form of primary headache and it is a real problem for the subjects suffering from it. Until now, physiotherapy treatments have included different techniques combined together, without establishing which of them is more effective.
Objective. The purpose of this study is to know the effectiveness of manipulative and manual therapy treatments, with regard to pain perception and neck mobility in patients with tension-type headache.
Methods: A double-blind, randomized clinical trial was conducted, with 84 patients diagnosed with tension-type headache, divided into three treatment groups -manual therapy, manipulative therapy, and a combination of both techniques-, and a placebo control group. Four treatment sessions were administered during four weeks, with post-treatment assessment, and follow-up at one month. Cervical ranges of motion were assessed (CROM device), as well as pain perception (McGill Pain Questionnaire), and frequency and intensity of headaches (weekly register).
Inclusion Criteria:
Subjects aged between 18 and 65 years
Diagnosis of frequent ETTH and CTTH
Having headache episodes on more than 1 day per month
Headache episodes lasting from 30 minutes to 7 days
Headaches having at least 2 of the following characteristics:
Sufferers may present photophobia, phonophobia, nausea or vomiting
Headache may be associated with pericranial tenderness
Suffering from TTH for over 3 months
Subjects being under pharmacological control
Exclusion Criteria:
Patients with infrequent ETTH, and patients with probable TTH in its frequent and infrequent forms.