An Exploratory Study to Determine the Relationship between Cervical Dysfunction and Perimenstrual Migraines.

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Physical Therapy
• Pain Management

Background:

• Perimenstrual migraines are a common subtype of migraine.
• Cervical dysfunction is frequently reported by migraine sufferers.
• The relationship between cervical dysfunction and perimenstrual migraines requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between cervical dysfunction and perimenstrual migraines.
• To compare cervical dysfunction markers in women with and without perimenstrual migraines.

Main Methods:

• A comparative study involving 40 perimenstrual migraine sufferers and 46 controls.
• Assessment included subjective reports of neck pain/stiffness and a blinded physical examination of the cervical spine.
• Physical examination encompassed posture, range of motion, muscle strength, muscle length, trigger points, neural mobility, and segmental joint assessment.

Main Results:

• Migraine sufferers reported significantly higher neck pain and stiffness.
• Reduced cervical range of motion, decreased muscle length, increased trigger points, and impaired neural mobility were observed in the migraine group.
• Decreased muscle length, reduced neural mobility, and increased C7 stiffness were identified as significant risk factors for perimenstrual migraines.

Conclusions:

• The study suggests a significant association between cervical dysfunction and perimenstrual migraines.
• Cervical dysfunction markers, particularly reduced muscle length and neural mobility, are linked to an increased risk of perimenstrual headaches.
• Further research is warranted to explore this association and its clinical implications.