Impact of Adding Integrated Neuromuscular Inhibition Technique to Postural Correction Exercises in Patients With Cervicogenic Headache

Cervicogenic headache (CeH) is a secondary headache attributed to dysfunctions of the cervical spine. CGH is a non-throbbing, unilateral, side locked headache that originates in the cervical spine and gradually spreads to the occipital, temporal and orbital areas. It is associated with neck pain or stiffness and is often aggravated by sustained neck postures, repeated neck movements or physical activity. INIT is effective as it causes sustained or intermittent compression which causes ischemia reduces local circulation until pressure is released, after which a flushing of fresh oxygenated blood occurs. Mechanoreceptors impulses interface with slower pain messages reducing amount of pain messges reaching the brain, releasing pain relieving hormones, decreasing myofascial pain. Stretches the taut bands of muscles fibers. INIT along with strengthening excercises proved to be beneficial in decreasing disability improving Range of motion.

Inclusion criteria

• 20 to 60 years old patient with unilaterally of the head pain
• pain triggered by external pressure over the upper cervical joints (c1-c3)
• pain elicited by the neck movements, and/or sustained awkward positions with reduced neck ROM
• headache intensity pain score of at least 20mm on the Visual analogue scale (VAS)
• headache frequency of at least once a week for at least 3 months
• minimum neck disability index score of 10 points or greater

Exclusion criteria

• Migraine, tension- type headache, tumor, osteoporosis, fracture, rheumatoid arthritis and metabolic diseases.
• Prolonged history of steroid use.
• Resting blood pressure greater than 140/90 mmhg.
• cervical spinal stenosis, diminished sensation and central nervous system involvement,
• previous