Cervicogenic headache (CGH) is defined as a headache accompanied by neck pain, caused by a disorder in the cervical spine, bones, discs, or soft tissue elements. This study is designed as a prospective, case-control, hospital-based study. A total of 90 patients aged 18-65 years who have been suffering from CGH for at least three months and who present to the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Clinic of Meram State Hospital between January 2025 and January 2027 will be included in the study. Patients will be informed about the procedures, and informed consent will be obtained. The study will be conducted in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki. A detailed medical history will be taken from all participants, and a comprehensive physical examination will be performed. Sociodemographic and clinical characteristics such as age, gender, height, weight, education level, employment status, and income level will be recorded. The 90 CGH patients will be divided into three groups.Group 1 (n=30) will receive myofascial release therapy + home exercise program for four weeks, three sessions per week, totaling 12 sessions. Group 2 (n=30) will receive Kinesio taping + home exercise program for four weeks, three sessions per week, totaling 12 sessions. Group 3 (n=30) will receive only a home exercise program for four weeks, three sessions per week, totaling 12 sessions. All evaluations will be conducted by the same researcher at three time points: before treatment (baseline), at the end of treatment (week 4), and one month after the completion of treatment (week 8).The aim of this prospective clinical study is to compare the effectiveness of Kinesio taping and myofascial release therapy in the treatment of cervicogenic headache.

This randomized, parallel-group clinical trial aims to compare the effectiveness of kinesio taping and myofascial release therapy in patients diagnosed with cervicogenic headache. The study is based on the hypothesis that both interventions can reduce pain intensity and functional disability, but their relative efficacy remains unclear. The trial is designed to provide clinical evidence to guide physiotherapeutic management of cervicogenic headache.

Inclusion Criteria:Individuals aged 18-65 years Neck or headache persisting for at least 3 months

Meeting the diagnostic criteria for cervicogenic headache, including:

• Unilateral pain
• Reduced cervical range of motion
• Ipsilateral shoulder discomfort
• Ipsilateral arm discomfort
• Pain exacerbated by different neck movements and tenderness on palpation

Exclusion Criteria:

Migraine Cluster headache Cervical radiculopathy Entrapment neuropathy Myelopathy Rheumatoid arthritis Undergoing cervical spinal surgery Pregnancy Receiving physical therapy within the last 6 months History of major psychiatric disorders History of uncontrolled systemic diseases (cardiovascular, pulmonary, hepatic, renal, hematological, etc.) History of uncontrolled endocrine diseases (e.g., Diabetes Mellitus, hyperthyroidism, etc.)

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De-identified individual participant data (IPD) for all primary and secondary outcome measures (e.g., VAS, HIT-6, NDI, SF-12) will be made available to qualified researchers for secondary analysis. Data will be shared upon reasonable request, beginning 6 months after publication, for a period of 3 years. Access will be granted to researchers with methodologically sound proposals by contacting the Principal Investigator via institutional email.

January 2026 - January 2029

Qualified researchers with methodologically sound proposals will be able to request access to de-identified individual participant data (IPD), the study protocol, and the statistical analysis plan. Access will be provided upon reasonable request by contacting the Principal Investigator via institutional email. A data sharing agreement may be required before access is granted.

Only the outcomes assessor was blinded to group allocation to reduce measurement bias. Participants and care providers were aware of the intervention being applied.