Abstract
Abstract
Objective: This study aimed to determine the immediate effects of sub-occipital muscle release combined with and without sustained natural apophyseal glides on pain, blood pressure, and cervical ROM in the management of chronic tension-type headache.
Study Design: A Randomized Controlled Trial was conducted.
Place and duration of study: The study was conducted at Fauji Foundation Hospital, Rawalpindi.
Material and Methods: A randomized controlled trial was conducted at Fauji Foundation Hospital, Rawalpindi, comprising 48 patients randomized into two groups. The control group received conventional physical therapy with suboccipital muscle release, whereas the interventional group received additional sustained natural apophyseal glides. Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS), blood pressure (mm Hg), and cervical range of motion (ROM) were used as outcome variables. All measurements were taken before and immediately after the intervention.
Results: The overall mean age of participants was 34.9 ± 11.0 years. Significant differences (p<0.05) were observed within the two groups at baseline and after treatment in all variables. Significant differences (p<0.05) were observed between the two groups at baseline, except for the Diastolic BP, and cervical right lateral flexion (p>0.05) in which no significant results were obtained. A significant difference (p<0.05) was observed between the two groups after treatment (p<0.05), except for right and left lateral rotation (p>0.05) in which no significant results were obtained.
Conclusion: Both conventional physical therapy with suboccipital muscle release and conventional physical therapy, along with suboccipital muscle release and sustained natural apophyseal glides, are effective. However, the latter approach is superior for managing chronic tension-type headaches, as it provides better results in terms of pain relief, blood pressure regulation, and cervical range of motion.
Keywords: Blood Pressure, Chronic Tension-Type Headache, Pain, Suboccipital Muscle release, Sustained Natural Apophyseal glides.
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