Physical Profile of Cervicogenic Headache: Comparison With Neck Pain and Healthy Controls

Condition(s) studied

Study summary

The goal of this observational study is to compare physical findings across three adult groups. Cervicogenic headache (CGH) is a headache linked to a problem in the neck. Neck pain may affect posture, muscle function, grip strength, and sensitivity to pressure. Researchers do not know whether CGH has a distinct pattern of these findings.

The main questions are:

* Do posture, grip strength, muscle stiffness, elasticity, and pressure sensitivity differ among the groups?
* Are any differences more closely associated with CGH than with neck pain?

Researchers will compare adults ages 25 through 60. One group will include people with CGH lasting at least three months. Another group will include people with neck pain lasting at least six months. People in the neck pain group will have no headaches. Healthy participants will have no neck pain or headaches.

Researchers will not provide treatment or change participants' usual care. Each participant will complete one study visit lasting about 15 minutes. Participants will:

* Answer short questions about their health and pain
* Stand while researchers measure their head and neck posture
* Squeeze a device that measures grip strength
* Complete brief tests of neck muscle stiffness and elasticity
* Tell researchers when applied pressure first becomes painful

Researchers will compare results across the three groups. The findings may guide future CGH assessment and treatment research.

Eligibility

Primary outcome measure(s)

• Bilateral Upper Trapezius Muscle Stiffness — During the single assessment session at enrollment
  Upper trapezius muscle stiffness will be assessed bilaterally using the MyotonPRO device. Three consecutive measurements will be obtained at the midpoint between the C7 spinous process and the lateral border of the acromion. The mean of the three measurements will be used. Stiffness will be expressed in newtons per meter (N/m), with higher values indicating greater stiffness.
• Bilateral Upper Trapezius Logarithmic Decrement — During the single assessment session at enrollment
  Upper trapezius logarithmic decrement will be assessed bilaterally using the MyotonPRO device at the same standardized measurement site. Three consecutive measurements will be obtained on each side, and their mean will be used. Logarithmic decrement is a dimensionless inverse indicator of tissue elasticity, with lower values indicating greater elasticity.

Trial sites (1)

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