Effects of Sternocleidomastoid and Suboccipital Muscle Release Combined with Conventional Therapy for Treating Cervicogenic Headache in Adults Aged 18 to 45

What this Trial Is About

This research aims to evaluate the additional effects of sternocleidomastoid muscle release combined with suboccipital muscle release in managing cervicogenic headache, a condition caused by dysfunction in the C1-C2 vertebrae and marked by neck stiffness and limited neck rotation. Cervicogenic headache significantly impacts daily activities and is associated with forward head posture and weak deep neck muscles. The study is a randomized control trial conducted by Foundation University Islamabad to explore these manual therapy techniques alongside conventional physical therapy treatments. Participants are divided into two groups. Group A will receive suboccipital muscle release consisting of three repetitions of three minutes each total 9 minutes, combined with conventional physical therapy including TENS and hot pack therapy for 10 minutes, six days a week for two consecutive weeks. Group B will receive sternocleidomastoid muscle release for 5 minutes plus the same suboccipital muscle release and conventional physical therapy schedule as group A. Both interventions are delivered over 12 sessions in total. During the study, participants will undergo assessments to measure pain intensity and range of motion after two weeks of treatment. Researchers will monitor headache symptoms, neck function, and muscle performance using clinical tests like the flexion rotation test. The study does not involve masking or blinding, and all participants will be adults aged 18 to 45 years. The total participation period includes the two-week treatment phase followed by outcome evaluations.

"Additional Effects of Sternocleidomastoid Release Along With Suboccipital Muscle Release in Management of Cervicogenic Headache'