Traditional Chinese Cervical Manipulation for Cervicogenic Headache

Summary

Background Cervical spondylosis is a prevalent condition. Studies has shown that it is a leading cause for headache, which is termed cervicogenic headache (CGH). The prevlance of CGH among severe headache is 17.5%. While conventional treatments, such as physical therapy and surgery, is effective in controlling symptoms, the effect was found to be short-lasting. There is existing clinical evidence supporting traditional Chinese cervical manipulation (CCM) as a viable treatment for CGH.

Objective To preliminarily assess the feasibility, safety, and effectiveness of CCM on patients with CGH, and to optimize parameters for a future large-scale trial.

Method This study is a pilot randomized, controlled, single-blind trial. 84 participants will be randomized evenly to receive either CCM or sham manipulation for 4 weeks. Outcome measurements will be conducted at baseline, week 2, week 4 and week 8 on cervical functional disability, cervical range of motion, and data on headache onset and painkiller assumption. Adverse events will be recorded using the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE).

Conditions

• Cervicogenic Headache

Interventions

OTHER

Traditional Chinese cervical manipulation

Initial Assessment: The participant will lie supine while the PI will perform the CFRT to identify the side with more restricted rotation. Positioning (Left Restriction Example): The PI will support the lower jaw with the right hand and will passively rotate the neck 70-80° (or to the limit of comfort) toward the unrestricted side. Hand Placement: The right fingers will support the right C1-C3 transverse processes, while the left thumb will stabilize the left C2 transverse process. Traction and Thrust: While maintaining rotation, the PI will apply a steady traction force to open the cranio-cervical and atlanto-axial joints. Once felt, a sudden high-velocity, low-amplitude (HVLA) pulling force will be delivered. Completion: The procedure will be repeated on the opposite side, followed by a 5-10 minute supine rest period for the participant.

OTHER

Sham manipulation

Initial Positioning: Assuming a right-side rotation restriction, the PI will support the participant's lower jaw and will passively rotate the neck 70-80° toward the unrestricted side. Hand Placement: The PI will use the left fingers to support the right-side transverse processes of C4-C6 and the left thumb to support the left-side transverse process of C6. Traction Application: A steady traction force will be applied such that joint space increases are limited specifically to the C4/C5 level and below, avoiding the upper cervical region. The PI will then deliver a low-amplitude pulling force at a slower speed than the standard TCMT to prevent vertebral realignment or significant joint widening. Completion: The procedure will be repeated on the opposite side, after which the participant will rest supine for 5-10 minutes.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Hong Kong Baptist University

  lead OTHER

Study Design

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

TREATMENT

Masking

TRIPLE

Model

PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age

18 Years

Max Age

65 Years

Sex

ALL

Healthy Volunteers

Yes

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2024-11-01

Primary Completion

2026-08-30

Completion

2026-08-30

Countries

• Hong Kong

Study Locations