The Effect of Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation, Cervical Spine Mobilization & Home Exercise Program in Cervicogenic Headache- a Case Study

Cervicogenic headache refers to a headache of cervical origin. TENS in general is commonly used for managing pain in all conditions. Manual therapy (Cervical Spine Mobilizations) is also found effective in managing Cervicogenic Headache. And the effects of these 2 interventions along with home exercise program were helpful in maintaining long-term benefits. Most of the other symptoms of cervicogenic headache can also be effectively treated with above physical therapy means. Deep knowledge about the cause, symptoms and remedies on cervicogenic headache is much essential for the physical therapist to deal in right direction. This is a case report of a 52 year old male having Cervicogenic Headache for last 4 years (chronic). He reported symptoms like pain in right side neck and face, stiffness in neck, sensitivity to bright light and occasional nausea. Physical therapy with TENS, Cervical spine Mobilization and Home exercise program was prescribed for 4 weeks. Numerical Pain rating scale, Neck Disability Index and Flexion Rotation test (Passive) were used as Outcome Measure. Physical therapy intervention helped the client on reduction of pain from 8 to 3 on NPRS, decrease in NDI questionnaire score from 38 to 10 and increase in Flexion Rotation Test (Passive) range from 20 degrees to 34 degrees. There is a drastic reduction in other symptoms like bright light sensitivity and nausea. Physical therapy with TENS, Cervical spine mobilization & home exercises can be used as an effective intervention protocol for reducing symptoms and increasing comfort in long standing cases of Cervicogenic Headache.