40 participants (20 with cervical headache, 20 asymptomatic) were assessed in this single-blinded trial. Tenderness was assessed in the suboccipital, temporal, frontal, masseter, upper trapezius, levator scapula, and sternocleidomastoid muscle insertions. Passive cervical mobility was also assessed, and headache pattern (intensity, frequency, and duration) were noted.
The authors conclude: “Consistent higher tenderness scores were observed and suggest involvement of sensitization in patients with episodic cervical headaches. A positive correlation was seen between passive cervical extension and sensitivity.”
The full paper is available at https://www.jmptonline.org/article/S0161-4754(17)30018-0/fulltext
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