Neck pain associated with headache attributed to rhinosinusitis: an observational study

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Otolaryngology
• Musculoskeletal Medicine

Background:

• Neck pain is a common complaint in various headache types, including migraines and tension headaches.
• Previous research noted neck pain in self-reported sinus headache, but not in formally diagnosed Headache Attributed to Rhinosinusitis (HAR).

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the prevalence of neck pain in individuals with and without HAR.
• To assess differences in cervical musculoskeletal dysfunction between these groups.

Main Methods:

• An observational study included 80 participants, matched for age and sex (40 per group).
• Participants completed questionnaires on headache impact and neck disability (Neck Disability Index).
• Objective measures included neck range of motion, muscle endurance, and segmental examination.

Main Results:

• 82.5% of HAR patients reported neck pain versus 22.5% in the control group (p < .001).
• HAR patients had significantly higher Neck Disability Index scores.
• A positive correlation was found between HAR and upper cervical spine segmental dysfunction (O-C3).

Conclusions:

• Neck pain is significantly associated with Headache Attributed to Rhinosinusitis (HAR).
• Upper cervical segmental dysfunction is prevalent in HAR patients.
• The causal relationship between HAR, neck pain, and dysfunction requires further investigation.