Abstract
M.Tech. (Chiropractic)
Headache is the most common type of pain and is one of the most frequent reasons
for medical consultation (Rasmussen, 1995). Tension-type headaches cause substantial levels
of disability for the patient as well as the global society because of its high prevalence in the
general population (Stovner, Hagen, Jensen, 2007). Tension-Type headache is a primary
headache commonly found in three forms: infrequent episodic, frequent episodic and chronic
with or without pericranial tenderness (International Headache Society, 2009).
The aim of this study was to determine the effectiveness of chiropractic manipulation of the
temporomandibular joint in conjunction with ischemic compression of the lateral pterygoid
muscle as a treatment protocol for tension-type headache.
Method: This study consisted of three groups of sixteen participants each with tension-type
headaches. The participants were between the ages of 18 and 25 years of age. Potential
participants were examined and selected based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Group
one received chiropractic manipulation of the temporomandibular joint. Group two received
ischemic compression of the lateral pterygoid muscle. Group three received a combination
treatment of chiropractic manipulation of the temporomandibular joint and ischemic
compression of the lateral pterygoid muscle. Objective and subjective finding were based on
the treatment sessions.
Procedure: All participants received a total of six treatments over two weeks followed by a
seventh visit which consisted of data gathering only. The subjective data collected was in the
form of a TMJ symptom questionnaire completed at visit one and seven and a Headache
Disability Index (HDI) completed at visits one, three and seven. TMJ motion was measured by
means of a vernier caliper.