The Classification and Treatment of Myofascial Headache: a Cross-sectional Study and Randomized Controlled Trial.

Although tension-type headache (TTH) and cervicogenic headache (CGH) are classified as two distinct headache types according to the International Classification of Headache Disorders (ICHD), there are many cases in which overlap between these two types exists, and for whom clinical diagnosis can be challenging. Peripheral activation or sensitization of myofascial nociceptors is suggested as a potential mechanism in both categories, and as a consequence the ICHD (3rd edition - 2018) has recently drafted an alternative diagnosis: headache attributed to cervical myofascial pain (MFH). However, clear clinical criteria for this diagnosis are currently lacking.

By subjecting CGH, TT, MFH and HC (34 participants of each) to the ICHD criteria and a clinical investigation, we will look at similarities and differences and the ability of the criteria to differentiate the headache types.

Among the several proposed approaches for the treatment of myofascial pain, dry needling (DN) has received particular attention in the last decades. DN is defined as a skilled intervention using a thin needle which is inserted into a painful point in the muscle, also referred to as a trigger point. Although previous studies have indicated that DN may be an effective intervention in the treatment of TTH and CGH, little is known about its (additional) effect on MFH.

Therefore, 50 MFH patients will be recruited. Participants are included based on online questionnaires, a clinical examination of the neck and the ICHD criteria. All participants will receive information and have to sign an informed consent form. Participants will be subjected to baseline assessment, which involves measurements of pain scores (NPRS), hyperalgesia (PPT by algometry), ROM (EasyAngle device) and neck muscle strength measurement (EasyForce device) and neck muscle elasticity measurement using Shear Wave Elastography (SWE). Then, participants will be randomly allocated to either a manual therapy group or a manual therapy + dry needling group. 4 sessions of therapy will be given over 4 weeks time.

1 week and 3 months after the treatment sessions, the baseline measurements will be repeated. After 6 and 12 months, patients will complete questionnaires from home which will give information about pain & disability scores.

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Inclusion criteria

• < 15 headache days per month
• > 5 episodes of the headache that gives hindrance
• Mean NPRS score for headache episodes >2/10
• No history of whiplash
• No serious structural pathology
• No previous surgeries in the head/neck/shoulder region

To be included in the RCT-part of the study:

• Fitting the ICHD criteria for MFH

Exclusion criteria

• Diagnosis of migraine by a neurologist or as confirmed via the Headache Screening Questionnaire (HSQ) with the maximum score of 8/8.
• Chronic headache (>15 headache days/month)
• Newly onset headache (<5 previous episodes of new headache type)
• Whiplash or whiplash associated disorders
• Serious structural pathology (confirmed by medical imaging)
• Pain on both sides of the body, above and under the waist, (with a total score of 7 or more out of 10) (=Widespread pain)
• Cardiovascular/metabolic/systemic/neurological diseases
• Fibromyalgia, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
• History of surgery in the head/neck or shoulder region
• Probable or definite neuropathic pain (according to the classification of Finnerup et al.)
• Traumatic onset of the complaints
• Pregnancy/given birth/breastfeeding in the preceding year
• Psychiatric illnesses or depression diagnosed by a psychiatrist and currently treated by a psychiatrist and/or medication.
• BMI >30

For all of RCT-patients, the following criteria will also lead to exclusion due to the dry needling intervention:

• Usage of heavy blood thinners or anti-coagulants (e.g. Marcoumar, Marevan, Sintrom)
• High risk of infection because of comorbidities (e.g. HIV, diabetes) or skin conditions in the neck region (e.g. psoriasis)
• Epilepsy
• Allergies for latex, nickel
• Needle phobia