Non-invasive physical treatments for chronic/recurrent headache

Abstract

Background Non-invasive physical treatments are often used to treat common types of chronic/recurrent headache. Objectives To quantify and compare the magnitude of short-and long-term effects of non-invasive physical treatments for chronic/recurrent headaches. Search strategy We searched the following databases from their inception to November 2002: MEDLINE, EMBASE, BIOSIS, CINAHL, Science Citation Index, Dissertation Abstracts, CENTRAL, and the Specialised Register of the Cochrane Pain, Palliative Care and Supportive Care review group. Selected complementary medicine reference systems were searched as well. We also performed citation tracking and hand searching of potentially relevant journals. Selection criteria We included randomized and quasi-randomized controlled trials comparing non-invasive physical treatments for chronic/recurrent headaches to any type of control. Data collection and analysis Two independent reviewers abstracted trial information and scored trials for methodological quality. Outcomes data were standardized into percentage point and effect size scores wherever possible. The strength of the evidence of effectiveness was assessed using prespecified rules. 1 Non-invasive physical treatments for chronic/recurrent headache (Review)

A case of chronic migraine remission after chiropractic care

“…17 Studies examining the role of the cervical spine to headache (ie, "cervicogenic headache") have been well described in the literature. [18][19][20][21][22][23][24][25][26][27][28][29][30] However, the relation of the cervical spine to migraine is less well documented. [10][11][12][13][14][15] Previous studies by this author have demonstrated an apparent reduction in migraines after CSMT.…”

“…[18][19][20][21][22] This is especially important in comparison of migraine patients who may be suitable for chiropractic manipulative therapy. [23][24][25][26][27][28] Between 40% and 66% of patients with migraine, particularly those with severe or frequent migraine attacks, do not seek help from a physician. 29 Among those who do, many do not continue regular physician visits.…”

Central Sensitization: Clinical Implications for Chronic Head and Neck Pain

“…It has some significant effect with focal, segmental chronic pain, however the results in widespread pain are equivocal. [13,40,[69][70][71][72][73] …”

Efficacy of selected complementary and alternative medicine interventions for chronic pain

“…The results of one study [31] included in the Cochrane review on noninvasive treatments for headache pain [32] led the review authors to conclude that moderate evidence shows that TT is superior to placebo TT for reduction of tension-type headache pain within a few hours of a single treatment. Other published controlled trials have revealed greater reductions in pain for TT, relative to mock TT, for knee OA [33] and mixed chronic musculoskeletal problems [34].…”

“…One should note, however, that in some cases, such as acupuncture, these conclusions are based on only one RCT. The Cochrane Collaboration also reviewed noninvasive physical treatments for chronic/recurrent headache [32] but only one trial (reported in two studies [57][58]) examined massage. This trial found SMT to be superior to massage for cervicogenic headache [57][58], whereas another trial not included in the Cochrane review found greater pain reduction for massage relative to acupuncture in patients with migraine but not tensiontype or combined headaches [59].…”