Effect of natural apophyseal glides on cervicogenic headache: A randomized controlled trial

Abstract

Background: Headache is that the most prevailing pain disorder, affecting sixty six percent of the worldwide population. Cervicogenic headache may be a common condition inflicting significant disability. Purpose: To determine the efficacy of Mulligan Natural apophyseal glides (NAGs) on pain intensity level, functional ability and cervical range of motion in subjects with cervicogenic headache. Methods: Thirty patients with clinicaldiagnosis of cervicogenic headache were assigned randomly into two groups: Group (A) patients received conventional physical therapy program 3 sessions per week for 4 weeks. Group (B) patients received conventional physical therapy program in addition to Mulligan, natural apophyseal glides (NAGs) 3 sessions per week for 4 weeks. Pain intensity level, neck functional disability level, and cervical range of motion were measured pre and post intervention period. Results: Patients of bothgroups showed statistical significant improvement in all the measured variables after treatment program. Between groups difference the natural apophyseal glides group (B) showed a statistical significant improvement in pain intensity level, neck functional disability level than in group (A) but there was no statistical significant difference between both groups in cervical range of motion (p value<0.05). Conclusions: Mulligan (natural apophyseal glides) had an effect on decreasing pain intensity level, improving functional abilityand cervical range of motion in patients with cervicogenic headache.