Abstract

Aims: A randomized control trial to find an immediate treatment option which will improve the functional outcomes and disability status of patients suffering with cervicogenic headache. The purpose of the present study was to find if the stretching of Suboccipital muscle influence pain and range of motion in patients with cervicogenic headache and also if this stretch influences the disability status of patients with cervicogenic headache.
Methods: A total of thirty patients with chronic, non-specific neck pain who fulfilled all the inclusion and exclusion criteria were randomly divided into two groups: Experimental group – the ones receiving Suboccipital muscle stretch along with conventional treatment and Control group - receiving only the conventional treatment of hot packs and neck movements.
Results: The outcome variables: pain intensity, range of motion and disability were analyzed every day in both the groups for a period of three days after which it is evident that in both the groups there is statistically significant post-intervention reduction in self-reported neck pain scores and subsequent disability scores as measured on Visual Analogue Scale and Neck Disability Index respectively.
Conclusion: Though conventional treatment is equally effective in alleviating pain associated with cervicogenic headache, our intervention i.e, Suboccipital muscle stretch is more effective in increasing cervical range of motion. Though this stretch in itself when given in isolation may not be as effective but it can definitely be integrated as a crucial treatment adjunct in the management of cervicogenic headache.