In this article, we will discuss migraine and range of motion of the neck.
Even those who do not have clinical experience know that the range of motion in the neck of people with migraine is reduced, but how much is the actual reduction in range of motion?
I found a research paper that can be used as a reference for one of them, so I will introduce it here.
Contents of the study
The study included women with chronic migraine, temporary migraine, and no headache.The study compared the flexion-rotation test and global active neck mobility, and also analyzed the effects of neck pain-related disorders on the flexion-rotation test.
Chronic migraine
Right: -21° to -11°.
Left: -20° to -12°.
Temporary migraine
Right: -13° to -4°.
Left: -12° to -5°.
The group with migraine showed lower flexion-rotation test mobility bilaterally than the women without headache.
Chronic migraine
In flexion: -15° to -1°.
In extension: -13°.
Right lateral flexion: -9° to -0.2°.
Left lateral flexion: -10° to -2°.
Right rotation: -15° to -4°.
Left rotation: -13°.
Compared to women without headache, they showed an overall decrease in cervical range of motion.
A 2.85-fold increase in the occurrence of migraine was associated with a positive flexion-rotation test.
Thus, women with migraine have a lower range of motion in the upper neck.
Women with chronic migraine showed an overall decrease in cervical range of motion.
Migraine was associated with an increased likelihood of a positive flexion-rotation test, and the reduced mobility was influenced by the frequency of migraine and the neck pain associated with the disorder.
Oliveira-Souza AIS, Florencio LL, Carvalho GF, Fernández-De-Las-Peñas C, Dach F, Bevilaqua-Grossi D. Reduced flexion rotation test in women with chronic and episodic migraine. Braz J Phys Ther. 2019;23(5):387-394. doi:10.1016/j.bjpt.2019.01.001
Conclusion
The specific numerical aspects of the condition of decreased neck range of motion were helpful in this study.
In clinical practice, we have to be very careful to determine the range of motion, but it is very helpful to have such a reference value of range of motion.
Sometimes we see people standing in the wrong position during the examination, but let's practice with caution.
