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NCT Number: NCT07776275

Physical Profile of Cervicogenic Headache: Comparison With Neck Pain and Healthy Controls

The goal of this observational study is to compare physical findings across three adult groups. Cervicogenic headache (CGH) is a headache linked to a problem in the neck. Neck pain may affect posture, muscle function, grip strength, and sensitivity to pressure. Researchers do not know whether CGH has a distinct pattern of these findings.

The main questions are:

* Do posture, grip strength, muscle stiffness, elasticity, and pressure sensitivity differ among the groups? * Are any differences more closely linked to CGH than neck pain?

Researchers will compare adults ages 25 through 60. One group will include people with CGH lasting at least three months. Another group will include people with neck pain lasting at least six months. People in the neck pain group will have no headaches. Healthy participants will have no neck pain or headaches.

Researchers will not provide treatment or change participants' usual care. Each participant will complete one study visit lasting about 15 minutes. Participants will:

* Answer short questions about their health and pain * Stand while researchers measure their head and neck posture * Squeeze a device that measures grip strength * Complete brief tests of neck muscle stiffness and elasticity * Tell researchers when applied pressure first becomes painful

Researchers will compare results across the three groups. The findings may guide future CGH assessment and treatment research.

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Key information

Conditions

Cervicogenic Headache Brain Diseases Central Nervous System Diseases Chronic Neck Pain Headache Disorders Headache Disorders, Secondary Nervous System Diseases Post-Traumatic Headache

Age range

25 year–60 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Observational

Primary location

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

  • Inclusion Criteria:
  • Aged 25 to 60 years
  • Able to provide written informed consent
  • Meeting the criteria for one of the following groups:
  • Cervicogenic headache: physician diagnosis according to the International Classification of Headache Disorders, 3rd edition, with symptoms lasting at least 3 months
  • Chronic nonspecific neck pain: neck pain lasting at least 6 months without headache
  • Healthy control: no neck pain or headache

Exclusion criteria

  • Receipt of physiotherapy for headache or neck pain during the previous 6 months
  • Diagnosis of a headache disorder other than cervicogenic headache, including migraine, tension-type headache, or trigeminal neuralgia
  • History of cervical spine surgery or significant cervical trauma
  • Current or previous diagnosis of a tumor or cancer
  • Serious cardiovascular, cerebrovascular, hematological, metabolic, neurological, or psychiatric disorder
  • Rheumatoid arthritis
  • Congenital cervical abnormality
  • Cervical spondylolisthesis or cervical instability
  • Active infection
  • Temporomandibular joint dysfunction
  • Dizziness or visual disturbance accompanying headache
  • Any clinical red flag suggesting serious cervical pathology
  • Pregnancy or breastfeeding
  • Upper-extremity injury, surgery, or another condition affecting handgrip strength
  • Serious musculoskeletal disorder affecting cervical posture or muscle measurements
  • Inability to complete the questionnaire-based or instrument-based assessments

Treatment and study plan

Primary outcomes

  1. Bilateral Upper Trapezius Muscle Stiffness

    Time frame: During the single assessment session at enrollment

    Upper trapezius muscle stiffness will be assessed bilaterally using the MyotonPRO device. Three consecutive measurements will be obtained at the midpoint between the C7 spinous process and the lateral border of the acromion. The mean of the three measurements will be used. Stiffness will be expressed in newtons per meter (N/m), with higher values indicating greater stiffness.

  2. Bilateral Upper Trapezius Logarithmic Decrement

    Time frame: During the single assessment session at enrollment

    Upper trapezius logarithmic decrement will be assessed bilaterally using the MyotonPRO device at the same standardized measurement site. Three consecutive measurements will be obtained on each side, and their mean will be used. Logarithmic decrement is a dimensionless inverse indicator of tissue elasticity, with lower values indicating greater elasticity.

Secondary outcomes

  1. Bilateral Handgrip Strength

    Time frame: During the single assessment session at enrollment

    Bilateral handgrip strength will be measured using a Jamar Hydraulic Hand Dynamometer set to the second handle position. Participants will perform three maximal contractions with each hand in a standardized seated position. The highest value for each hand will be recorded in kilograms, with higher values indicating greater handgrip strength.

  2. Bilateral Upper Trapezius Pressure Pain Threshold

    Time frame: During the single assessment session at enrollment

    Pressure pain threshold will be measured bilaterally over the upper trapezius using a handheld pressure algometer with a 1-cm² probe. The measurement site will be the midpoint between the C7 spinous process and the lateral border of the acromion. Pressure will gradually increase until the participant first reports pain. Values will be recorded in kg/cm², with higher values indicating a higher pressure pain threshold.

  3. Bilateral Suboccipital Pressure Pain Threshold

    Time frame: During the single assessment session at enrollment

    Pressure pain threshold will be measured bilaterally over the suboccipital region using a handheld pressure algometer with a 1-cm² probe. The measurement site will be located 2 cm lateral to the C2 spinous process. Pressure will gradually increase until the participant first reports pain. Values will be recorded in kg/cm², with higher values indicating a higher pressure pain threshold.

  4. Tragus-to-Wall Distance

    Time frame: During the single assessment session at enrollment

    Tragus-to-wall distance will be measured in millimeters using a tape measure. Participants will stand with their heels, sacrum, and thoracic spine resting comfortably against a wall while maintaining a natural head position. The distance between the wall and the tragus will be recorded. Greater distances indicate greater forward positioning of the head.

  5. Craniovertebral Angle

    Time frame: During the single assessment session at enrollment

    The craniovertebral angle will be measured in degrees using a universal goniometer. The fulcrum will be positioned over the lateral projection of the C7 spinous process. The stationary arm will remain parallel to the floor, and the movable arm will point toward the tragus. Three measurements will be obtained, and their mean will be used. Smaller angles indicate greater forward head posture.

Study contacts

Contact information is provided by the study sponsor or research team.

Fatih Bali, PhD.

CONTACT

[email protected]

+905323937689

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Istanbul Medipol University Hospital

Other

Collaborators

  • Istanbul Kent University

Registry information

Official study title

A Multidimensional Physical Profile of Cervicogenic Headache: A Cross-Sectional Comparison With Nonspecific Neck Pain and Healthy Controls

Important dates

Study start
2026
Primary completion
2026
Study completion
2026
First posted
Aug 20, 2026
Registry last updated
Aug 20, 2026

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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