Myofascial Release With or Without Exercises for Cervicogenic Headache

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This interventional study will evaluate changes in cervical spine alignment, measured by the Cobb angle on X-ray, after delivering myofascial release therapy alone or in combination with therapeutic exercises to adults with cervicogenic headache. Secondary outcomes include sleep quality and psychological factors. Participants will be assigned to receive either myofascial release therapy alone or in combination with endurance and strengthening exercises, with standard clinical assessments and imaging performed at defined intervals. The trial aims to determine whether these physical therapy approaches can produce structural and functional benefits for this condition. The study is conducted at facilities in Gaza, led by Al-Azhar University, with collaboration from local health centers.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* Age 20-55 years.
* Clinical diagnosis of cervicogenic headache according to International Classification of Headache Disorders (ICHD-3) criteria (headache attributed to cervical disorder).

Exclusion Criteria:

* History of major cervical spine pathology such as fracture, dislocation, congenital malformation, tumor, infection, or inflammatory arthritis (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis).
* Previous cervical spine surgery or fusion at any level.
* Red flag symptoms indicating serious pathology (e.g., progressive neurological deficit, unexplained weight loss, fever, history of cancer).
* Systemic or neurological disorders that may affect neck function or headache (e.g., multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease).
* Severe osteoporosis or metabolic bone disease that contraindicates cervical X-ray imaging.
* Vascular disorders such as vertebrobasilar insufficiency or carotid artery disease.
* Pregnancy or breastfeeding (due to radiation exposure during cervical radiography).
* Unstable psychiatric conditions (e.g., severe depression, psychosis) that may interfere with participation or adherence.
* Recent physiotherapy or manual therapy targeting the cervical region within the past 6 weeks, or planned during the study outside the protocol.
* Use of botulinum toxin or steroid injections to the neck or head region in the past 6 months.
* Contraindications to manual therapy or exercise (e.g., acute cervical disc herniation, severe myelopathy, unstable cardiovascular disease).
* Inability to understand study procedures, comply with treatment sessions, or provide informed consent.
* Symptoms of migraine, tension-type headache (TTH), or any other headache apart from cervicogenic headache.

Where it's running

• Naser medical Complex, Al shifa hospital
  Gaza, Palestinian Territories Recruiting
• Naser Medical Complex
  Gaza, Gaza Strip, Palestinian Territories Not yet recruiting
• Ministry of Health
  Gaza, Palestinian Territories Not yet recruiting

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: Mosab Aldabbas
• Email: mosab.m.aldabbas@gmail.com
• Phone: 00972597451222

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.