Identifier: TFG:9987
Authors: Velasco Rubio, Sara
Abstract:
Introduction: Cervicogenic headache (CGH) is a secondary headache originating in the cervical spine, characterized by unilateral pain that begins in the neck and radiates to the head. It is often accompanied by limited cervical mobility, muscle weakness, and local tenderness. Diagnosis is complex due to similarities with other headaches, such as migraine, although signs like fixed unilaterality and cervical restriction help differentiate it. Physiotherapy—specifically manual therapy and therapeutic exercise—is considered the first-line treatment due to its greater effectiveness compared to medication. Objective: To analyze the effectiveness of manual therapy and therapeutic exercise in reducing pain (intensity, frequency, and duration) and disability associated with CGH. Materials and methods: A systematic review following PRISMA guidelines. Randomized clinical trials obtained from PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane, and PEDro were included and evaluated using PICOS criteria and CASPe and SIGN tools. Results: Eight clinical trials involving 498 patients were analyzed. Physiotherapy interventions were safe and showed significant improvements in pain intensity, frequency, and duration, as well as in disability. Combined therapies (exercise plus manual therapy) proved more effective than isolated interventions. Improvements were also observed in mobility, motor control, and cervical muscle endurance, alongside benefits regarding posture, quality of life, and reduced analgesic use. Conclusions: Physiotherapy is effective in reducing pain and disability in CGH. Improvements are associated with changes in the cervical system. The most effective approach is multimodal and individualized, combining manual therapy and therapeutic exercise. Keywords: cervicogenic headache, manual therapy, therapeutic exercise, physiotherapy.
Repositori URV