Effect of positional release technique versus suboccipital muscle inhibition technique in reducing pain intensity and improving range of motion in subjects with cervicogenic headache

Background. Unilateral neck discomfort originating from the soft tissues or bony structures of the neck is a symptom of cervicogenic headache (CGH). This common headache generally starts with a shift of the neck and is chronic and recurring. It is usually accompanied by a reduction in neck range of motion (ROM). It may be confused with tension-type headache or other common headache conditions. Cervicogenic headaches are rare, chronic headaches most frequently occurring in people aged 30 to 44. According to several studies, the prevalence among headache sufferers ranges from 0.4% to 4%, depending on diagnostic criteria. It affects males and females approximately equally. This study investigates the effectiveness of the positional release technique and the suboccipital muscle inhibition technique in reducing pain and improving range of motion. Aim. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of the positional release technique (PRT) and the suboccipital muscle inhibition technique (SMI) in reducing pain intensity and improving range of motion in subjects with cervicogenic headache (CGH). Method. According to the criteria provided by the International Classification of Headache Disorders, 50 subjects diagnosed with cervicogenic headache were included in this study. They were divided using basic random sampling into experimental and control groups. Baseline measurements were taken prior to the intervention. The experimental group received PRT and conventional exercises, while the control group received SMI and conventional exercises. Both groups were treated four times per week for six weeks. Outcome measures were taken before and after treatment using the Numerical Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) to assess pain and a goniometer to assess neck range of motion. Paired and unpaired t-tests were used to analyze the data. Result. The pre-test NPRS value in the positional release technique group was 2.4, and in the suboccipital muscle inhibition technique group was 3.1. The post-test ROM values in the positional release technique group were 39.2 and 37.1, and in the suboccipital muscle inhibition technique group were 35.5 and 34.4. Thus, the positional release technique demonstrated a greater statistical improvement compared to the suboccipital muscle inhibition technique. Conclusion. Both the suboccipital muscle inhibition technique and the positional release technique are effective in reducing headache symptoms and improving ROM in subjects with cervicogenic headache. However, the positional release technique offers additional benefits in improving ROM and quality of life.