Additional Effects of Sternocleidomastoid Release With SNAGS in the Management of Cervicogenic Headache

Additional Effects of Sternocleidomastoid Release With SNAGS in the Management of Cervicogenic Headache

Cervicogenic headache is a common type of headache in adults which causes disability and difficulty in everyday activities. According to the latest International Headache Society model, cervicogenic headache (CGH) is a secondary headache having C1-C2 dysfunction. SNAGs are highly effective in the treatment approach for these patients. Sternocleidomastoid muscle receive overactive tension from forward neck posture, increasing muscular fatigue and tone of muscles. This tension in SCM causes referred pain in the head and neck region. SNAGs are very effective but musculoskeletal impairments especially the tightness of sternocleidomastoid muscle still persist and can exacerbate symptoms. Manual therapy targeted to the SCM muscle may be effective for reducing headache and neck pain intensity and increasing performance of deep cervical flexors. Findings of this study will aid the therapists in choosing which technique to use while treating the patients. This will save therapist's time and effort as they will not be using the less effective treatment protocol. Furthermore, patient's time and investment will be used in the right direction.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Age group: 18-45 years old
• Both males and females
• Unilateral headache with no shift of side
• C1-C2 Dysfunction
• Positive flexion rotation test (Rotation restriction is greater than 10 degrees)
• Headache at least once a month in the last 3 months
• Headache with at least 4 score in NPRS (Sign and Symptoms of Neck Involvement)
• Headache with restriction of ROM in the neck
• Headache precipitated by:

Sustained neck movements, and awkward head positioning. External Pressure over upper cervical or occipital region

Headache Characteristics:

• Moderate-severe, non-throbbing pain, usually starting in the neck.
• Episodes of varying duration, or: fluctuating, continuous pain

Exclusion Criteria:

• Headache of non-cervical origin
• Diagnosed Cases of:Cervical spondylosis,Cervical radiculopathy/ nerve root involvement/ disc herniation,Cervical instability/ fracture,Vertebrobasilar insufficiency ,Cervical spine surgery,Cervical spondylolisthesis,Spinal infection or tumors,Osteoporosis,History of trauma,Rheumatoid Arthritis,Inflammatory Arthritis