Comparison of the Neck Musculoskeletal Dysfunction Between Patients With Chronic Tension-Type Headache, Chronic Migraine and Chronic Cluster Headache. A cross- sectional study
Abstract
Abstract Objective: To compare cervical musculoskeletal findings in chronic forms of migraine, tension-type headache and cluster headache, and identify which variables explain neck disability, headache frequency and impact in each group. Methods :single-blinded cross-sectional study with a non-probabilistic sample. A blinded physiotherapist assessed 129 participants: chronic migraine (n=35), chronic tension-type headache (n=30), chronic cluster headache (n=34) and headache-free controls (n=30). Psychosocial and cervical musculoskeletal variables (head posture, total cervical active range of motion, flexion–rotation test, motor control, symptom reproduction and resolution) were compared. Backward linear regression identified predictors of neck disability, impact and frequency. Results: Compared to controls, chronic cluster headache showed reduced total cervical active range of motion [F(3,128)=8.8; p=0.001, d=0.75], retraction [F(3,128)=4.66; p=0.007, d=0.70], protraction [F(3,128)=7.77; p=0.017, d=0.73] and flexion–rotation [F(3,128)=3.68; p=0.014, d=0.72]. While sex confounded total active range of motion (p=0.009); neither variable influenced protraction or retraction (all p ≥0.26). Familiar head pain was evoked more in chronic migraine (68.6%) and tension-type headache (72.4%) than controls (23.3%) [χ²(1)=20.85; p=0.008; χ²(1)=29.99; p=0.0003]. Erector spinae activity predicted cluster headache frequency (Adjusted R²=0.25; β=−0.65; p=0.02), cervical retraction predicted…
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence Hub reads this as a cross-sectional, done in people. Its evidence level is 4 of 5 (Low · observational). Observational designs can show an association but not prove cause. Reported size: 129 participants or records.
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