Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the immediate effects of upper cervical translatoric spinal mobilization (UC-TSM) on cervical mobility and pressure pain threshold in subjects with cervicogenic headache (CEH).

Methods: Eighty-two volunteers (41.54 ± 15.29 years, 20 male and 62 female) with CEH participated in the study and were randomly divided into the control and treatment groups. The treatment group received UC-TSM and the control group remained in the same position for the same time as the UC-TSM group, but received no treatment. Cervical mobility (active cervical mobility and flexion-rotation test), pressure pain thresholds over upper trapezius muscles, C2-3 zygapophyseal joints and suboccipital muscles, and current headache intensity (visual analog scale) were measured before and immediately after the intervention by 2 blinded investigators.

Results: After the intervention, UC-TSM group exhibited significant increases in total cervical mobility (P = .002, d = 0.16) and the flexion–rotation test (P < .001, d = 0.81-0.85). No significant difference in cervical pressure pain thresholds were observed between groups (P > .05). Nevertheless, there was a significantly lower intensity of headache in the UC-TSM group (P = .039, d = 0.57).

Conclusions: Upper cervical translatoric spinal mobilization intervention increased upper, and exhibited a tendency to improve general, cervical range of motion and induce immediate headache relief in subjects with CEH.

Author keywords: Spine; Cervicogenic Headache; Manual Therapy; Neck; Randomized Controlled Trial

Author affiliations: All authors: Universidad de Zaragoza (Spain / Aragón / Zaragoza)

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