Relation between primary headache and restriction of cervical range of motion: a pilot study

Abstract

Introduction: Headache is the most common neurological symptom across the world. The presence of this alteration promotes different effects on the biomechanics of cervical muscles, which may limit cervical mobility and also bring damage to patients suffering with headache. Objective: Evaluate the relation between the presence of primary headache and cervical range of motion restriction. Methods: Pilot study conducted by using a sample of 33 subjects aged between 20 and 38 years (26 ± 5 years). To evaluate active cervical mobility, universal goniometer was used. The degree of cervical dysfunction was assessed by Neck Disability Index questionnaire. To sort the primary headache were used criteria established by the International Classification of Headache Disorders (ICHD-III beta version, 2013). Results: There was no statistical difference between the groups in relation to gender and last headache crisis. The cervical mobility differs between groups with headache and healthy, but this was not statistically significant. There were also differences between the headache and the healthy group regarding to the Neck Disability Index (NDI). Conclusion: The study does not demonstrate a difference between the cervical mobility in patients with primary headache compared to healthy subjects.