About this trial
The goal of this observational study is to compare physical findings across three adult groups. Cervicogenic headache (CGH) is a headache linked to a problem in the neck. Neck pain may affect posture, muscle function, grip strength, and sensitivity to pressure. Researchers do not know whether CGH has a distinct pattern of these findings.
The main questions are:
* Do posture, grip strength, muscle stiffness, elasticity, and pressure sensitivity differ among the groups? * Are any differences more closely associated with CGH than with neck pain?
Researchers will compare adults ages 25 through 60. One group will include people with CGH lasting at least three months. Another group will include people with neck pain lasting at least six months. People in the neck pain group will have no headaches. Healthy participants will have no neck pain or headaches.
Researchers will not provide treatment or change participants' usual care. Each participant will complete one study visit lasting about 15 minutes. Participants will:
* Answer short questions about their health and pain * Stand while researchers measure their head and neck posture * Squeeze a device that measures grip strength * Complete brief tests of neck muscle stiffness and elasticity * Tell researchers when applied pressure first becomes painful
Researchers will compare results across the three groups. The findings may guide future CGH assessment and treatment research.
Eligibility criteria
Qualifiers
Aged 25 to 60 years
Able to provide written informed consent
Cervicogenic headache: physician diagnosis according to the International Classification of Headache Disorders, 3rd edition, with symptoms lasting at least 3 months
Chronic nonspecific neck pain: neck pain lasting at least 6 months without headache
Disqualifiers
Receipt of physiotherapy for headache or neck pain during the previous 6 months
Diagnosis of a headache disorder other than cervicogenic headache, including migraine or tension-type headache, or a diagnosis of trigeminal neuralgia
History of cervical spine surgery or significant cervical trauma
Current or previous diagnosis of a tumor or cancer
Trial design
Treatments tested in this trial
- Not listed
Trial groups
Sponsors and collaborators
Istanbul Medipol University Hospital
Lead sponsor
Istanbul Kent University
Sponsor institution
Istanbul Kent University
Collaborator