Abstract
Objective: The aim of the study was to determine the efficacy of cervical spine chiropractic manipulation and muscle tension release technique of the sub occipital muscles in relieving tension-type headaches. This study was also used to determine which treatment protocol would be most effective in relieving tension-type headaches, cervical spine chiropractic manipulation, and muscle tension release technique of the sub occipital muscles or a combination of both treatment protocols.
Study design: A randomized clinical study was used in this research study.
Setting: University of Johannesburg, Chiropractic Day Clinic, Johannesburg, South Africa.
Subjects: A total of thirty participants were used, male and female, between the ages of 18-50 years. The participants were divided into three groups, with each group consisting of ten participants. Group A received cervical spine manipulations; Group B received muscle tension release technique of the sub occipital muscles and Group C a combination of cervical spine manipulation and muscle tension release technique of the sub occipital muscles
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Methods: Prior to becoming a participant, each individual was assessed according to inclusion and exclusion criteria. Thereafter participants had to read and sign relevant information and consent forms. A full case history, physical examination and cervical spine regional examination was then completed.
Procedure: Subjective data was collected from the participants using the Numerical Pain Rating Scale, Headache Impact Questionnaire and the Neck Disability Index. Objective data was collected from the participants by using the Pressure Algometer. Objective and subjective data was collected prior to the 1st and 3rd treatment consultations and at the 5th final consultation. Each participant was treated four times, over a two week period. An additional 5th consultation was done to obtain objective and subjective data only.
Results: Statistically significant improvements regarding the Headache Impact Questionnaire, Numerical Pain Rating Scale, Neck Disability Index and Pressure Algometer occurred in all three groups. However in terms of intergroup analysis regarding the Headache Impact Questionnaire, Numerical Pain Rating Scale, Neck Disability Index and Pressure Algometer, no statistically significant improvements occurred, meaning that no group proved to be more superior to the others...
M.Tech. (Chiropractic)