Identification of Movement Dysfunction in Cervicogenic Headaches

Abstract

Background Upper cervical region mainly plays an important role in cervicogenic headaches. The measurement of cervical rotation supposedly a part of cervical spine can be used as a clinical methodology for differential diagnosis. In this study Selective Functional Movement Assessment SFMA scale has been used to identify impaired mobility in cervical spine. Since there are limited studies to identify movement disorders associated with cervical headache further research to determine dysfunctional movement patterns in cervical segment may provide an accurate approach towards diagnosis and treatment of cervicogenic headache.Method Two hundred forty healthy subjects aged 18 to 66 years were assigned to the study after meeting the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Each subject was assessed using seven top-tier SFMA tests to identify any type of pre-existing movement disorder.Result The interpretation of this study is more or less likely in both genders male and female. Subjects with cervicogenic headache showed significant movement dysfunction in cervical flexion CF with dysfunctional painful movement DPM Upper extremity pattern-2 UEP-2 with functionally painful movement FPM and Cervical Extension CE with dysfunctional non-painful movement.Conclusion The study shows that most of cervicogenic headaches are susceptible to musculoskeletal and movement dysfunctions with growing age. The operative use of the SFMA as a system or tool used to qualitatively evaluate movement at initial examination and to direct subsequent intervention choices would be helpful.