[Purpose] Cervicogenic headache is a major problem in patients with upper cervical dysfunction. However, its physical therapy management is a topic of debate. This study aims to determine the effect of C1-C2 Mulligan sustained natural apophyseal glide mobilizations on cervicogenic headache and associated dizziness. [Participants and Methods] This study included 48 patients with cervicogenic headache, who were randomly assigned to three equal groups: Group A (Headache SNAG), group B (C1-C2 SNAG rotation), and group C (combined). Neck Disability Index was used to examine neck pain intensity and cervicogenic headache symptoms. The 6-item Headache Impact Test scale was used to examine headache severity and its adverse effects on social life and functions. Flexion-Rotation Test was used to assess rotation range of motion at the level of C1-C2 and confirmed by a cervical range of motion device. Dizziness Handicap Inventory scale was used to evaluate dizziness. The evaluation was done pre- and post-treatment and compared between the groups. [Results] Group C showed significant improvement in all variables compared with groups A and B. [Conclusion] Sustained natural apophyseal glide mobilizations used in the study were effective in reducing cervicogenic headache and dizziness in all groups with a greater improvement in the combined group. The use of cervical SNAG mobilizations is encouraged as a noninvasive intervention depending on the therapist’s assessment, findings, and clinical reasoning.

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IntroductionTo investigate the effect of microcurrent on pain, pain threshold, range of motion, neck muscle strength, and neck function.MethodsIt is a pilot study involving 28 female subjects (aged 18–24 years) complaining of neck pain due to active unilateral trigger points in upper trapezius muscle. The subjects were randomly assigned to 2 groups: group I (<i>n</i> = 15) received microcurrent (frequency: 20 Hz, intensity: 25–30 µA) and traditional treatment in the form of stretching exercise for upper fibre of trapezius, isometric strengthening exercise, ischaemic compression technique; group II (<i>n</i> = 13) received only traditional treatment. All subjects received 2 sessions per week for 3 weeks.ResultsThere was a significant improvement (<i>p</i> < 0.05) in cervical range of motion, pain level, neck disability index, and pain threshold in both treatment groups. Isometric muscle strength was significantly increased (<i>p</i> < 0.05) in group I, with no significant (<i>p</i> > 0.05) difference in group II. Group I showed a more significant effect in all measured variables than group II. Neck disability index and muscle strength presented a significant change (<i>p</i> < 0.05) with respect to group and time interaction.ConclusionsMicrocurrent therapy added to traditional treatment increased the effectiveness of myofascial pain syndrome treatment as compared with traditional treatment alone.

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