Comparison of the Eficacy of Mulligan Mobilization and Myofascial Release in Patients With Cervicogenic Headache

Summary

Cervicogenic headache (CBH) is defined as a headache caused by a disorder in the cervical spine, bones, discs, or soft tissue elements, which is also accompanied by neck pain.

Unilateral, non-reversible oculo, fronto, temporal pain, pain that increases with poor neck positioning and incorrect neck movements, and may be seen with restricted movement in the upper cervical and occiput regions.

The aim of this thesis is to compare the effectiveness of Mulligan mobilization technique and myofascial release methods used in the treatment of cervicogenic headache through a prospective clinical study.

Conditions

• Cervicogenic Headache

Interventions

OTHER

Mulligan mobilization therapy

Each patient was asked to sit comfortably, and the therapist performing the treatment stood beside them. The patient's head was free and positioned between the therapist's right forearm and body, with the therapist standing to the patient's right. The therapist then placed their right index, middle, and ring fingers on the base of the occiput and held their right little finger on the spinous process of C2. Next, gentle pressure was applied ventrally and upward (45 degrees) to the lateral edge of the left thenar process and the right little finger. The gliding motion was applied rhythmically (three times per second) ten times. The therapist continuously slid the joint and actively asked the patient to move their head towards the side where the dysfunction and pain were located. He held the SNAG technique for 10 seconds. This technique was repeated 10 times over approximately 8 minutes.

OTHER

Myofascial release therapy

The procedure was performed on the upper part of the trapezius muscle and the levator scapulae muscle. The patient was in a seated position, hips higher than knees, feet slightly in front of the knees and in full contact with the ground. The therapist stood behind the patient. Myofascial release of the trapezius was performed unilaterally with a soft fist, while the patient lowered their head forward and slowly rotated, creating a tension line from the middle of the trapezius towards the acromion process. During this time, the patient was asked to turn their head to the opposite side. Then, the therapist applied resistance to the opposite side of the rotation for 10 seconds. MGT was repeated 5 times on the trapezius. The therapist applied the same unilateral contraction, but the tension line was slightly laterally towards the lower edge of the scapula. The therapist then asked the patient to tilt their head forward to increase resistance on the levator scapula for 10 seconds.

OTHER

Exercise therapy

All patients were given a home exercise program consisting of neck joint range of motion exercises, trapezius stretches, and isometric strengthening exercises for the neck muscles. The home exercise program was initiated with 3 sets of 10 repetitions per day. The exercises were demonstrated practically by the physician, and all patients were given a printed sheet showing how to perform the exercises. Patients were contacted by phone once a week to inquire about their adherence to the exercise program and were encouraged to follow it. Patients with exercise adherence below 75-80% were excluded from the study.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Konya Beyhekim Training and Research Hospital

  lead OTHER_GOV

Study Design

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

TREATMENT

Masking

SINGLE

Model

PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age

18 Years

Max Age

65 Years

Sex

ALL

Healthy Volunteers

No

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2025-12-01

Primary Completion

2025-12-01

Completion

2026-12-01

Countries

• Turkey (Türkiye)

Study Locations