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Integrative Migraine Pain Alleviation Through Chiropractic Therapy

Not Applicable
Completed
Conditions
Migraine With Aura
Migraine Disorders
Migraine, Classic
Migraine
Migraine Without Aura
Interventions
Other: Chiropractic Treatment
Registration Number
NCT03177616
Lead Sponsor
Harvard University Faculty of Medicine
Brief Summary

This pilot study evaluates the addition of chiropractic treatment to conventional neurological care in the treatment of migraine headaches in adult women. Half of the participants will receive 10 chiropractic treatments in addition to their usual care over a 14 week period, while the other half will continue their usual medical care alone, as prescribed by their physician during that time period.

Detailed Description

Chiropractic care is a commonly used therapeutic intervention for the treatment of pain disorders, and some smaller studies have shown that it might be helpful for migraines. This pilot study will use a comprehensive model of chiropractic treatment which can include soft tissue mobilization, spinal manipulation, and postural and spinal stabilization and correctional exercises.

Specific Aims:

Aim #1 - Determine the feasibility of conducting a randomized control trial (RCT) of chiropractic care in adult women with migraine.

Aim #2 - To provide preliminary data on the safety and effectiveness of chiropractic care on migraine frequency, severity, duration, and medication use in adult women with migraine.

Aim #3 - To provide preliminary estimates of the effects of chiropractic on disability, health-related quality of life, and psychosocial well-being.

Recruitment & Eligibility

Status
COMPLETED
Sex
Female
Target Recruitment
61
Inclusion Criteria
  • Diagnosis of episodic migraine with or without aura (International Classification of Headache Disorders-II)
  • 4 to 13 days with migraines/month
  • More than one year of migraines
  • Agreeable to participate, commit to all study procedures, and to be randomized to either group
  • Fluent in English (required to complete self-report instruments)
Exclusion Criteria
  • Currently, or having received chiropractic care in past 3 months for any condition
  • Any major systemic illness or unstable medical or psychiatric condition (e.g. Parkinson's disease, cancer) requiring immediate treatment or that could lead to difficulty complying with the protocol
  • History of stroke, carotid artery dissection, or vertebral artery dissection
  • Head or neck trauma within the past year
  • Diagnosis of medication overuse headache (International Classification of Headache Disorders-II)
  • Began use of new prophylactic medication for migraine headaches within the last 3 months
  • Currently taking prophylactic migraine medications other than propranolol and topiramate
  • Failure to complete baseline diary recordings of migraine activity and medication use during run-in phase
  • Currently, or having received Botox treatment for migraine
  • Current alcohol or substance abuse (self-reported)
  • Diagnosis of Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome

Study & Design

Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Study Design
PARALLEL
Arm && Interventions
GroupInterventionDescription
Chiropractic Treatment + Usual CareChiropractic TreatmentPatients will receive a course of 10 chiropractic treatments over a 14 week period. They are to also maintain their usual medical care as prescribed by their physician, but are not to begin any new therapies.
Primary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Change from baseline to the last four weeks of the intervention period in the number of migraine days.From the baseline period to week 11 through week 14.

Participants will record number of migraines experienced in provided logs.

Secondary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Number of respondersFrom the baseline period to week 11 through week 14 and to week 15 through week 18.

Participants who had a greater than 50% reduction in days with migraine per four week period.

Change from baseline in the severity of migraineFrom the baseline period to week 11 through week 14 and to week 15 through week 18.

Participants will record the severity of migraines on a scale of 1 to 10 in provided logs.

Change from baseline in the scores on the Migraine Disability Assessment (MIDAS)From baseline to 14 weeks and 18 weeks

The MIDAS is a 5-item questionnaire used to assess disability in migraine research.

Change from baseline in the Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-item (GAD-7)From baseline to 14 weeks and 18 weeks

The GAD-7 will be used to measure changes in mood.

Change from baseline in the Patient Reported Outcome Measures Information System -29 item questionnaire (PROMIS-29)From baseline to 14 weeks and 18 weeks

The PROMIS-29 will be used to measure changes in mood.

Change from baseline in the duration of migraineFrom the baseline period to week 11 through week 14 and to week 15 through week 18.

Participants will record the duration (hours) of migraines in provided logs.

Change from baseline in the doses of acute migraine medications usedFrom the baseline period to week 11 through week 14 and to week 15 through week 18.

Participants will record the medications taken to treat/prevent their migraines in provided logs.

Change from baseline in the Migraine Specific Quality of Life Questionnaire version 2.1 (MSQv2.1)From baseline to 14 weeks and 18 weeks

The MSQv2.1 measures how migraines affect a patient's daily life.

Change from baseline in 9-item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9)From baseline to 14 weeks and 18 weeks

The PHQ-9 will be used to measure changes in mood.

Changes from baseline to the post-intervention period in the number of migraine days.From the baseline period to week 15 through week 18.

Participants will record number of migraines experienced in provided logs for four weeks post-intervention.

Change from baseline in the scores on the Headache Impact Test (HIT-6) questionnaireFrom baseline to 14 weeks and 18 weeks

The HIT-6 questionnaire evaluates headache related disability.

Change from baseline in Numeric Rating Pain Scale (NRS)From baseline to 14 weeks and 18 weeks

The NRS tool will be used to measure neck pain on a scale from 1 to 10.

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

The Osher Clinical Center for Integrative Medicine at Brigham and Women's Hospital

🇺🇸

Boston, Massachusetts, United States

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