Comparison of Upper Cervical Spine Manipulation and Dry Needling Versus Exercise and Mobilization for Treating Cervicogenic Headaches with Type II Whiplash Associated Disorder

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating two different treatments for patients with cervicogenic headaches linked to type II whiplash associated disorder, which often follows motor vehicle accidents. The study aims to compare the effects of non-thrust mobilization combined with exercise versus thrust manipulation combined with dry needling to determine if one approach works better for reducing headache and neck pain. This is a randomized clinical trial involving physical therapy techniques commonly used for these conditions. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups for up to eight treatment sessions over four weeks. One group receives dry needling to the craniofacial, upper cervical, and cervicothoracic areas along with high-velocity thrust manipulation to the upper and midlower cervical and cervicothoracic spine regions. The other group receives non-thrust joint mobilization to similar spine regions, along with cranio-cervical flexion exercises, resistance exercises for the shoulder blade area, and electrothermal treatments. Throughout the study, participants will be assessed at baseline, 4 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months for changes in headache intensity using a pain rating scale. Additional measures include headache and neck pain frequency and duration, medication use, disability related to neck function, and pain catastrophizing. The study uses double-blind methods and monitors participants for up to six months to evaluate treatment effects and safety, with the total participation lasting about half a year.

Manipulation and Dry Needling in Patients With Cervicogenic Headache and WAD II