Effect of Deep Cervical Flexors Training Paradigm on neck pain and functional disability in Patients with Cervicogenic Headache

Background: Cervicogenic Headache (CGH) is a common condition causing significant disability. Purpose: This study was conducted to investigate the effect of deep cervical flexors (DCFs) training paradigm on pain and disability caused by headache in patients with CGH. Methods: Fifty patients with unilateral CGH of both sexes aged from 30 to 40 years were randomly assigned into two equal groups: study group received DCFs training paradigm which included DCFs training using pressure biofeedback unit (PBU), exercise ball and theraband in addition to a conventional physical therapy and control group received the conventional physical therapy only. Neck pain was assessed using Visual analogue scale (VAS) and functional disability was assessed by headache disability index (HDI). Outcome measures were assessed pre and post treatment. Results: There was a statistically significant decrease in mean scores of VAS and HDI of both groups after treatment compared with that pretreatment (p = 0.001). There was a statistically significant difference in mean scores of VAS and HDI between both groups post treatment in favor of the study group. Conclusion: Adding DCFs training paradigm using a pressure biofeedback is more effective in decreasing neck pain and disability than conventional physical therapy alone in patients with cervicogenic headache.