🇺🇸 Approved for CEUs for PTs & PTAs in 43 states

The comparative efficacy of treatments for cervicogenic headache: a systematic review and network meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials

Review written by Dr Julia Treleaven info

Key Points

  1. Multimodal non-pharmacological treatment that includes manual therapy and exercise is more effective than single-modality or pharmacological treatment for CGH.
All key points available for members only
Start free trial Icon
Or log in here

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVE

Cervicogenic headache (CGH) is a secondary headache disorder due to cervical musculoskeletal dysfunction referring pain to the head (1). It commonly presents with unilateral headache associated with neck pain, reduced cervical movement, articular dysfunction of the upper cervical spine and cervical muscle dysfunction (2). Current management includes both non-pharmacological and pharmacological interventions. While some systematic reviews have been conducted looking at the efficacy of various treatments for CGH in isolation, comparison across all of the available interventions is limited (3-6).

This systematic review and network meta-analysis compared the relative short-term effectiveness of interventional, surgical, pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions for reducing CGH intensity, frequency and headache-related disability.

Cervicogenic headache is a secondary headache disorder due to cervical musculoskeletal dysfunction referring pain to the head.
bulb
Manual therapy should be combined with an active exercise programme to encourage longer-term improvements in cervical muscle function, movement control and patient self-management.

METHODS

  • Randomised controlled trials (RCT) in adults with CGH were included.
Start free trial Icon
to unlock full access to this review and 1313 more
Or log in here
Trustpilot