Cervical Stabilization Training on Individuals With Headache

Effects of Cervical Stabilization Training on Individuals With Headache

Headache is a common health problem. The most common headaches worldwide are migraine, tension-type headache (TTH), and cervicogenic headache (CGH). Due to the close anatomical relationship between the head and the cervical region, neck pain accompanies these headaches. The effects of cervical stabilization training including all of the cervical regions, thoracic regions, and the upper extremities in individuals with headaches are not yet known.

Headache is a common health problem. The most common headaches worldwide are migraine, tension-type headache (TTH), and cervicogenic headache (CGH). Due to the close anatomical relationship between the head and the cervical region, neck pain accompanies these headaches. Most of the previous studies examined the effects of exercise programs such as Cranio-Cervical Flexion Exercises (CCFE), posture exercises, muscle strengthening, and stretching exercises of the neck and shoulder on headaches. These studies presented the beneficial effects of CCFE which mostly targeted strengthening the superficial neck and shoulder muscles. However, the effects of cervical stabilization training including all of the cervical regions, thoracic regions, and the upper extremities in individuals with headaches are not yet known.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. a clinical diagnosis of migraine, tension-type headache (TTH), and cervicogenic headache (CGH)
2. age between 18 and 55 years
3. being female
4. frequency of headaches at least once a week or more in the last year

Exclusion Criteria:

1. having a neurological and orthopedic disease such as Parkinson's, stroke, cognitive disorders, and temporomandibular joint dysfunction,
2. having any contraindication for exercise,
3. having any serious head and/or neck trauma,
4. being with menopause,
5. being included in a physiotherapy program for head and neck pain in the last 12 months.