Clinical Trial: Spinal Manipulation for Treatment of Chronic Headaches

Study Status: Completed
Recruit Status: Completed
Study Type: Interventional

Official Title: Dose-Response of Manipulation for Chronic Headache

Brief Summary: This study will determine the effectiveness of spinal manipulation in reducing pain in people with chronic headaches accompanied by neck pain. This study will also determine the number of spinal manipulation treatments necessary for optimal pain relief.

Detailed Summary:

Spinal manipulation is the signature therapy of chiropractic care involving manual adjustment of joints in the neck and back. Data indicate that spinal manipulation is an effective treatment for back pain and chronic headaches, particularly cervicogenic headaches, which are caused by problems in the cervical spine. However, studies that have determined the optimal frequency and duration of spinal manipulation treatment are limited. This study will determine the feasibility of conducting a large spinal manipulation clinical trial. This study will also determine the effectiveness of spinal manipulation in treating cervicogenic headaches and neck pain and the optimal number of treatments necessary to sustain spinal manipulation benefits.

Participants will be randomly assigned to receive weekly sessions of either spinal manipulation or light massage treatments for 8 to 16 weeks. Self-report scales will be used to assess participants' headache frequency, pain, satisfaction with treatment, and overall physical and mental health. Assessments will occur at study entry, at the end of each week, and at the end of the study.


Sponsor: University of Western States

Current Primary Outcome: Modified Von Korff pain scale for headaches

Original Primary Outcome: Same as current

Current Secondary Outcome:

  • Modified Von Korff disability scale for headaches
  • Number of cervicogenic headaches
  • general physical and mental health status
  • patient satisfaction
  • neck pain


Original Secondary Outcome:

  • Number of cervicogenic headaches
  • general physical and mental health status
  • patient satisfaction


Information By: University of Western States

Dates:
Date Received: September 13, 2005
Date Started: September 2004
Date Completion:
Last Updated: November 19, 2010
Last Verified: November 2010