• Sureeporn Uthaikhup, Jenjira Assapun, Kanokwan Watcharasaksilp, and Gwendolen Jull.
• Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, Chiang Mai University, 110 Intawaroroj Rd, Sripoom, Chiang Mai, Thailand 50200; Research Center in Back, Neck and Other Joint Pain and Human Performance, Khon Kaen University, 123 Moo 16 Mittraphap Rd, Khon Kaen, Thailand 40002. Electronic address: sureeporn.uthaikhup@cmu.ac.th.
• Spine J. 2017 Jan 1; 17 (1): 46-55.

Background ContextA previous study demonstrated that in seniors, the presence of cervical musculoskeletal impairment was not specific to cervicogenic headache but was present in various recurrent headache types. Physiotherapy treatment is indicated in those seniors diagnosed with cervicogenic headache but could also be adjunct treatment for those with cervical musculoskeletal signs who are suspected of having transitional headaches.PurposeThis study aimed to determine the effectiveness of a physiotherapy program for seniors with recurrent headaches associated with neck pain and cervical musculoskeletal dysfunction, irrespective of the headache classification.Study DesignThis is a prospective, stratified, randomized controlled trial with blinded outcome assessment.Patient SampleSixty-five participants with recurrent headache, aged 50-75 years, were randomly assigned to either a physiotherapy (n=33) or a usual care group (n=32).Outcome MeasuresThe primary outcome was headache frequency. Secondary outcomes were headache intensity and duration, neck pain and disability, cervical range of motion, quality of life, participant satisfaction, and medication intake.MethodsParticipants in the physiotherapy group received 14 treatment sessions. Participants in the usual care group continued with their usual care. Outcome measures were recorded at baseline, 11 weeks, 6 months, and 9 months. This study was funded by a government research fund of $6,850. No conflict of interest is declared.ResultsThere was no loss to follow-up for the primary outcome measure. Compared with usual care, participants receiving physiotherapy reported significant reductions in headache frequency immediately after treatment (mean difference -1.6 days, 95% confidence interval [CI] -2.5 to -0.6), at 6-month follow-up (-1.7 days, 95% CI -2.6 to -0.8), and at 9-month follow-up (-2.4 days, 95% CI -3.2 to -1.5), and significant improvements in all secondary outcomes immediately posttreatment and at 6- and 9-month follow-ups, (p<.05 for all). No adverse events were reported.ConclusionsPhysiotherapy treatment provided benefits over usual care for seniors with recurrent headache associated with neck pain and dysfunction.Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

19 keywords...

hide…