Chiropractic spinal manipulation for headaches
Chiropractic Spinal Manipulation for Cervicogenic and Tension-type Headache: a Pilot and Feasibility Study
This study is testing if chiropractic spinal manipulation can help reduce the intensity and frequency of chronic headaches in adults who have been suffering from them for at least three months.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 20 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 67 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Real Centro Universitario Maria Cristina Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (San Lorenzo De El Escorial, Madrid) |
| Trial ID | NCT05240547 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This pilot randomized controlled trial evaluates the effectiveness of chiropractic spinal manipulative therapy in treating chronic cervicogenic and tension-type headaches. Participants will receive either active spinal manipulation or a sham treatment over 8 sessions, with outcomes measured at various points throughout the study. The goal is to determine if chiropractic care can significantly reduce headache intensity and frequency compared to placebo. A total of 20 participants aged 18 to 67, experiencing headaches for at least 3 months, will be included in the study.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 to 67 with a history of cervicogenic or tension-type headaches occurring at least twice a month for the past three months.
Not a fit: Patients with frequent migraine headaches or those with contraindications to spinal manipulation will not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide an effective non-pharmacological treatment option for patients suffering from chronic headaches.
How similar studies have performed: While there have been studies on chiropractic treatment for headaches, this specific approach focusing on cervicogenic and tension-type headaches is relatively novel.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * At least 2 episodes per month of cervicogenic or tension-type headache for at least 3 months. Diagnoses will be determined by case history and physical examination according to the International Headache Society criteria (3rd Edition) Exclusion Criteria: * Not fulfilling the inclusion criteria * Having received chiropractic treatment in the previous 12 months * Diagnosis or frequent symptoms of migraine headaches (symptoms present at least once a month) without an overlapping presentation of cervicogenic or tension-type headache. * Patients with pathologies affecting the nervous system (MS, tumors, past history of stroke...) * Contraindications to manual therapy, particularly spinal manipulative therapy (cancer, uncontrolled high blood-pressure, severe cardiovascular conditions) * Past history of cervical spine surgery * Pregnancy * Having being diagnosed with a psychiatric conditions, with the exception of depression and anxiety
Where this trial is running
San Lorenzo De El Escorial, Madrid
- Real Centro Universitario María Cristina — San Lorenzo De El Escorial, Madrid, Spain (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Carlos Gevers Montoro, DC, MSc — RCU María Cristina
- Study coordinator: Elisa Torres Gonzalez, BSc
- Email: elisa.torres.quiro@gmail.com
- Phone: 918909435
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.