Efficacy of Mobilization versus Strength Training in Patients with Chronic Cervicogenic Headache

Head pain which is referred to head from bony structure or soft tissues is commonly termed as cervicogenic headache. Cervicogenic headaches are unilateral, starting from one side of the posterior head and neck, migrating to the front, and sometimes are associated with ipsilateral arm discomfort. Many authors have reported effectiveness of mobilization in reducing headache but few controlled clinical studies of mobilization has been reported. However little is known about effectiveness of mobilization and strength training in cervicogenic headache.

To determine whether mobilization and strength training reduce pain and improve functional ability of patients with chronic cervicogenic headache.

experimental study design

30 subjects were included in the study to fulfill the inclusion and exclusion criteria which was randomly assigned into mobilization group and strength training group. Group 1 included 15 subjects (n=15) and group 2 included 15 subjects (n=15). Both the group was given conservative treatment by TENS and Ice packs at the start of the treatment

The result of post test inter group comparison of pain measured by VAS shows that Both the groups showed significant rerduction in pain. The result of post test inter group comparison of neck functional activity measured by NDI shows that Both the groups showed significant improvement in functional activity.

The study concluded that both mobilization and strength training are effective in management of cervicogenic headache but strength training wass more effective than Maitland mobilization which is statistically significant.