[Evaluation of correlation between musculoskeletal cervical spine abnormalities and chronic headache]

ABSTRACT

Headache is one of the most common painful conditions that affects human and many reasons for it has been suggested. Despite a considerable amount of studies indicate that headaches originating from the cervical spine, it has a controversial role for cervical spine to create headaches. The purpose of this study is to determine the relationship between musculoskeletal cervical spine abnormalities and chronic headache. This observational [case - control] analytical study conducted on fifty patient with chronic headache and fifty individuals as control who had not a headache and their related conditions referred to Neurological Clinic of Imam Reza Hospital in Tehran. All studied individuals were matched for age and sex. Their musculoskeletal cervical spine abnormalities evaluated by history and physical examination then compared by statistical analysis like chi-square and t tests Several types of musculoskeletal abnormalities of cervical spine including Limitation of Motion, joint tenderness, trigger point and cervical and shoulder muscular tenderness had significant difference in prevalence between patients with headache and control groups. Cervical spine disorders could be cause of headache and we can help the patients with chronic headache by diagnosis and treatment of musculoskeletal cervical spine abnormalities