Articular and muscular impairments in cervicogenic headache: a case report.

Abstract

Case report. To describe the use of manual therapy and muscle re-education for an individual with suspected cervicogenic headache. This patient was a 27-year-old woman with complaint of headache. She was functionally limited with prolonged postures and lifting. She also demonstrated impairments in cervical mobility and muscular performance. This patient was treated 8 times over an 8-week period. Intervention included manual upper cervical spine mobilization techniques, muscle re-education for the deep neck flexor muscles, and scapular stabilization exercises. Following treatment, the patient demonstrated an increase in cervical mobility, improved muscular performance, a decrease in headaches, and complete resolution of functional limitations. The combination of manual therapy and muscle re-education was successful in relieving headaches and improving function in this patient.