Effect Of Positional Release Technique Versus Ischemic Compression On Pressure Pain Threshold, Range Of Motion, And Headache Disability In Cervicogenic Headache Patients Among College Going, Students. A Randomized Controlled Trial

ABSTRACT

Background: The International Headache Society (IHS), 2013 defined Cervicogenic Headache (CGH) as a secondary headache, which implies that headache is caused by a disorder of the cervical spine and its components bony, disc and soft tissue elements. CGH can be a perplexing pain disorder that is refractory to treatment if it is perceived. Patients with CGH exhibited decreases in the quality of life comparable to migraine-patients and patients with tension-type headache, with even lower scores for physical functioning. The objective of the study is to see the effectiveness of PRT versus ischemic compression on pressure pain threshold, range of motion, and headache disability in CGH patients. Methods: Total of 60 patients of CGH was taken based on inclusion and exclusion criteria, who were divided into three groups, i.e., PRT GROUP A, Ischemic Compression GROUP B, and CONTROL group GROUP C. Group A received PRT, Group B received Ischemic Compression and Group C received conventional treatment 3 sessions per week for 4 weeks. Results: Significant reduction in Headache disability followed by improved physical functioning measured by Headache disability index, improvement in Pressure pain threshold and measured by Pressure algometer and Range of motion measured by Universal goniometer in the group who received Positional release technique along with conventional treatment. (p < 0.05) Therefore, it is suggested that the Positional release technique reduces Headache disability, Improves Pressure pain threshold and range of motion in college-going students with Cervicogenic headache. Conclusion: PRT is an effective approach to improve the Pressure pain threshold, Headache disability, and Range of motion, thus improving the patient's physical functioning.