Comparing two hands-on neck therapies for cervicogenic headache
Comparison of the Eficacy of Mulligan Mobilization and Myofascial Release in Patients With Cervicogenic Headache
This will try Mulligan mobilization and myofascial release, each with a home exercise program, to see which helps adults aged 18–65 who have had cervicogenic (neck-origin) headache for at least three months.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 90 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 65 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Konya Beyhekim Training and Research Hospital Government |
| Locations | 1 site (Konya) |
| Trial ID | NCT07508410 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This is a prospective, randomized, hospital-based study that will enroll 90 adults (18–65 years) with cervicogenic headache lasting at least three months and randomly assign them to one of three groups. Group 1 will receive Mulligan mobilization plus a home exercise program, Group 2 will receive myofascial release plus the same home exercise program, and Group 3 will receive the home exercise program alone; treatment sessions occur three times per week for four weeks (12 sessions). Outcomes such as headache frequency and intensity, neck range of motion, and patient-reported disability will be measured at baseline, immediately after treatment, and one month after treatment. Sociodemographic and clinical data will be collected and the protocol follows ethical guidelines including informed consent and Helsinki principles.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Adults aged 18–65 who meet diagnostic criteria for cervicogenic headache (for example unilateral pain, reduced neck range of motion, ipsilateral shoulder or arm symptoms) with symptoms for at least three months and who can attend in-person therapy sessions are appropriate candidates.
Not a fit: People with migraine or cluster headache, cervical radiculopathy, myelopathy, prior cervical spinal surgery, recent physical therapy (within 6 months), uncontrolled systemic or psychiatric illness, or who are pregnant are unlikely to benefit from these specific interventions in this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, one or both manual therapies could reduce the frequency and severity of neck-related headaches and improve neck mobility and function.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research shows moderate benefit of manual and mobilization therapies for cervicogenic headache, but direct randomized head-to-head comparisons between Mulligan mobilization and myofascial release are limited.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion criteria: * Individuals aged 18-65 * Having experienced neck or headache for 3 months * Meeting the diagnostic criteria for cervicogenic headache; * Unilateral pain * Reduced range of motion in the neck * Ipsilateral shoulder discomfort * Ipsilateral arm discomfort * Pain that worsens with different neck movements and is painful on palpation Exclusion criteria: * Migraine * Cluster headache * Cervical radiculopathy * Entrapment neuropathy * Myelopathy * Rheumatoid arthritis * Undergoing cervical spinal surgery * Pregnant women * Those who received physical therapy within 6 months * Those with a history of major psychiatric illness * Those with a history of uncontrolled systemic diseases (cardiovascular, pulmonary, hepatic, renal, hematological) * Those with a history of uncontrolled systemic endocrine diseases (dm, hyperthyroidism)
Where this trial is running
Konya
- Konya Beyhekim Eğitim ve Araştırma Hastanesi — Konya, Turkey (Türkiye) (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Burcu Vural
- Email: burcuvural97@gmail.com
- Phone: +905389507278
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.