Efficacy of three different conservative interventions in the management of cervicogenic headache

Objective of The Study: To compare the efficacy of kinesio taping (KT), Trigger point (TrP) therapy and mulligan's sustained natural apophyseal glide (SNAG) for the treatment of cervicogenic headache (CH). Background of The Study: Cervicogenic headache (CH) is a referred pain originating from neck and perceived in one or more regions on face or neck. Although many interventions are reported in the literature, there is a need to find out the most effective intervention. Hence this study compared the effects of Kinesio taping (KT), Trigger point (TrP) therapy and Mulligan's SNAG in the treatment of cervicogenic headache (CH). Methodology: This experimental comparative pre post test study was conducted at the outpatient physiotherapy department among 30 subjects with cervicogenic headache. Study duration was four weeks. Subjects were selected by simple random sampling method based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. The subjects were randomly divided into 3 groups. Group A was intervented with kinesio taping (KT), Group B was treated with trigger point therapy (TrP), Group C was treated with mulligan's SNAG. Stretching exercise for neck muscles was given as a common intervention for all the Groups. Results: On comparing the mean values of Group A, Group B and Group C on visual analog scale (VAS), HDI and cervical extension range of motion, showed significant difference in the post test mean values. Mulligan SNAG (Group C) with a lower mean value on VAS and HDI and a higher mean value on cervical extension range of motion was effective than kinesiotaping (Group A) and Trigger point therapy (Group B)