Utilizing the McKenzie Method of Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy for Management of Cervicogenic Headache: A Prospective Case Series

Objective: The goal of this case-series is to examine the effectiveness the Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy (MDT) approach for the management patients with cervicogenic headache referred to a hospital based out-patient physical therapy clinic.

Design: Prospective consecutive case series.

Background: Headache conditions are among the most common complaints causing people to seek medical care. An estimated 14 billion dollars are spent annually on treating headaches. Cervicogenic headache (CGH) is described as a secondary type of headache characterized by pain which emanates from the cervical spine and is potentially referred to one or more regions of the head and/or face. CGH is frequently managed clinically utilizing an MDT approach however to date there is limited research available examining the effectiveness of this intervention type in a population with CGH.

Study Selection Criteria: Convenience sampling will be utilized. Subjects diagnosed with CGH and meeting inclusion criteria will be recruited from a population of patients referred by their physician to a hospital based out-patient physical therapy clinic for treatment.

Procedures: Subjects meeting inclusion criteria will be evaluated, classified, and receive interventions based on the MDT approach. Outcome measures utilized will include the Neck Disability Index (NDI), Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NRS), and Headache Disability Index (HDI) will be completed at baseline, visit 5, and visit 10 or discharge, whichever comes first.