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NCT Number: NCT06534606

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.

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Key information

Conditions

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

Age range

18 year–45 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Foundation University College of Physical Therapy

Rawalpindi, Punjab Province, 46000, Pakistan

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes

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

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

Treatment and study plan

Electrotherapy and physical agents

Procedure

Moist heat therapy: Frequency: 15 minutes, 3 times per week (alternatively) for 2 weeks.

  • TENS application: Frequency: 15 minutes, 3 times per week (alternatively) for 2 weeks.

Headache SNAGs

Procedure

Headache SNAGs (Sustained Natural Apophyseal Glides) 5 sets of 10 repetitions. Each repetition will be given with a 10 second hold.

  • Frequency: 3 times a week for 2 weeks. 6 sessions in total.

Sternocleidomastoid release

Procedure

Sternocleidomastoid Release: Group B will also receive Sternocleidomastoid release in addition with headache SNAGs. Release to the sternocleidomastoid muscle will be given once per session for 5-8 minutes.Frequency: 3 times a week for 2 weeks. 6 sessions in total.

Primary outcomes

  1. Pain intensity

    Time frame: 2 weeks

    Pain will be measured on the basis of Numeric Pain Rating Scale score.

  2. Range of motion

    Time frame: 2 weeks

    Cervical rotation will be measured through CROM device

  3. Headache Disability

    Time frame: 2 weeks

    Headache Disability Index will be used

  4. Cervical Proprioception

    Time frame: 2 weeks

    Joint Position Error Test will be used

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Foundation University Islamabad

Other

Registry information

Important dates

Study start
2024
Primary completion
2024
Study completion
2024
First posted
Aug 2, 2024
Registry last updated
Aug 2, 2024

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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