Abstract
M.Tech.
The most common cause of chronic cervicogenic headache is believed to be
mechanical pain from the muscles, ligaments and joints of the upper cervical spine (Hubka
and Hall, 1994). Much controversy and debate surrounds all aspects of cervicogenic
headache, including the aetiology and treatment of these headaches. The purpose of the
study was to determine the effectiveness of chiropractic spinal manipulation of the upper
cervical spine alone as a treatment form for cervicogenic headache, with regards to pain,
disability and cervical spine range of motion.
Method: This study consisted of a single group of thirty participants between the ages of
eighteen and thirty-five, with a half male to female ratio. The potential participants were
examined and accepted according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The only method
of treatment administered to each participant was chiropractic manipulation, delivered to
restrictions of the upper cervical spine, from which the objective and subjective findings
were based.
Procedure: Treatment consisted of seven consultations, with two consultations being
performed per week. Objective data and subjective data was taken at the beginning of the
first, fourth and seventh consultations. Objective data consisted of cervical range of motion
readings taken using a Cervical Range of Motion measuring instrument (CROM). The
subjective data collected was in the form of a Vernon-Mior Neck Pain and Disability Index
and a Numerical Pain Rating Scale. Spinal manipulative therapy based on restrictions
identified during motion palpation was applied at the first six consultations with the seventh
consultation consisting of data gathering only.
Results: Clinically and statistically, significant improvements in the entire group were
noted over the course of the treatment with regards to cervical range of motion, pain and
disability.
Conclusion: The results show that upper cervical spine manipulation is effective, both
clinically and statistically, in decreasing pain and disability and increasing cervical spine
vi
range of motion in those with cervicogenic headache. As the study consisted of a small
group of participants treated as a single group, further study is needed in the form of
randomised, controlled clinical trials.