Effect of Extracorporeal Shock Wave on Upper Trapezius Trigger Points in Patients With Cervicogenic Headache

OBJECTIVE: A recent study was designed to ascertain the impact of extracorporeal shock wave therapy on upper trapezius trigger points in cervicogenic headaches patients. DESIGN: A double-blinded randomized controlled trial study, in which 50 participants (11 male and 39 female) aged between 20-40 with cervicogenic headache were subdivided with randomization to group (A), which received traditional physical therapy and sham shock wave therapy, and group (B), which received traditional physical therapy and actual shock wave therapy. All assessments were performed by a therapist before and after the treatment program (4 wks). RESULTS: There was a significant difference of headache disability index, visual analog scale scores, and upper trapezius electromyographic characteristics with P value <0.05 in both groups, in favor of the shock wave group. CONCLUSIONS: Extracorporeal shock wave therapy could be used for clinical and research concerns because its positive effects on pain suppression, reduction of headache intensity, and restoration of muscle regular activity in cervicogenic headache patients.