Effects of Sustained Natural Appophyseal Glide Versus Rocababo 6x6 Program in Subjects With Cervicogenic Headache.

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of TMJ directed treatment approach using the Rocabado 6x6 program in patients with cervicogenic headache on the intensity of headache, function of the neck, and quality of life and compare its effectiveness with headache SNAGs which have been proven very effective in treatment of cervicogenic headache.

The efectiveness of Sustained Natural Apophyseal Glide on Flexion Rotation Test, pain intensity, and functionality in subjects with Cervicogenic Headache was evaluated. The research was conducted on five computerized databases PubMed/Medline, Web of Science, PEDro, Lilacs, and Cochrane Library (CENTRAL), using the keywords combination: (sustained natural apophyseal glide OR SNAG OR joint mobilization OR Mulligan) AND (cervicogenic headache) according to PRISMA guidelines. The methodological quality of the included studies was analyzed using the Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) scale. Eight articles fulflled the eligibility criteria and were included in the review. The selected studies had a methodological quality of 6.6/10 on the PEDro scale and included a total of 357 participants. The SNAG signifcantly improved pain, Flexion Rotation Test and reduced functional symptoms. Conclusion: The available evidence suggests that SNAG may be a relevant intervention for CH.

Effectiveness of different physiotherapy interventions in the management of cervicogenic headache was measured. Spinal mobilization, neural mobilization, and postural correction exercises techniques are physiotherapy interventions used for managing CGH symptoms. 80 participants with diagnosed CGH were recruited and divided into 4 groups. The spinal mobilization group received posteroanterior glide at the spinous and transverse process of C2 and C3 vertebra, lateral glide at affected side of the spinous process of C2 and C3 vertebra and translatoric glide at the transverse process of C1 vertebrae and SNAG. The neural mobilization group received neural mobilization of meninges, brachial plexus, and trigeminal nerve. In postural correction exercises group stretching of tight muscles (rectus capitus posterior, suboccipital, upper trapezeius, scalene, levator scapulae, sternocleidomastoid, pectoralis major/minor muscles) were given. Strengthening and endurance exercises for weak muscles (cervical flexors and deep cervical flexor, rhomboidus, and lower trapezeius muscles) were given. The control group was given normal range of motion exercises for the neck and shoulder region. It was concluded by results that applying any of the three modalities randomly in groups of patients with established CGH resulted in improvements of measured outcomes compared to a control group.

Limited literature is available about TMJ treatment in patients with headaches, and few studies has applied direct interventions to the muscles involved in TMJ movement to relieve headache symptoms. Due to the methodological shortcomings, diversity of interventions and inconsistency of findings, there is currently low certainty that there is an effect of physical therapy for TMJ on concomitant headache intensity compared to control interventions. More studies of higher methodological quality are needed so better conclusions could be taken.Further, till now very few studies have done to prove the effect of Rocabado's approach and neither a single study conducted on its effectiveness for headache.

Eligibility Criteria:
Inclusion Criteria:

* Age 20-60 years.
* Unilateral headache that do not shift side with ipsilateral neck pain/stiffness.
* Headache for past 3 months at least once per week.
* Positive flexion rotation test.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Subjects with other type of headache.
* Specific disorders and congenital conditions of cervical spine.
* PT or chiropractic treatment in past 3 months.
* Severe pain, traumatic injury, occlusal splints or any surgery in TMJ area