EMG in Cervicogenic Headache

Background and Objectives: Reflex muscle tension and limitation of movements increase during pain. In cervicogenic pain, estimation of muscle tension may be used as an objective indicative parameter of the pain intensity, upon which the indicated treatment intensity depends. This study was made to investigate the evaluation of EMG compared to other methods of pain evaluation during the treatment of cervicogenic headache (CH) patients. Methods: Thirty patients were assigned into two equal groups: a study group, in which patients received selected physical therapy program in addition to kinesiotape, and a control group, in which patients received the same physical therapy program alone. According to the degree of pain, the patients were assessed with an upper trapezius quantitative EMG together with temporalis surface EMG, visual analogue scale (VAS) and OB goniometer (Myrin). Records were made before and after treatment. Results showed a significant decrease in the scores of EMG, consistent with changes in VAS improvement, and in the score of Myrin, post-treatment in the study group compared to those in the control group as compared with the baseline levels before treatment. Conclusion: Trapezius Quantitative EMG, together with temporalis surface EMG, is a measure for pain intensity evaluation equally dependable as VAS and OB goniometer (Myrin) in patients with CH.