Cervicogenic Headache
Conditions
Keywords
Cervicogenic Headache, Low-Level Laser Therapy, Neck Pain
Brief summary
This study tests if low-level laser therapy (LLLT) with different light wavelengths can help people with cervicogenic headache, a type of headache caused by neck problems. Adults aged 18-65 with this headache for at least 3 months will try one of three LLLT treatments (675nm, 820nm, or a mix of wavelengths) along with regular physical therapy like stretching and exercises. The study will check pain levels, how often headaches happen, neck movement, disability, and quality of life over 6 weeks, with follow-ups at 3 and 6 months. the investigators want to find the best LLLT option to reduce headache symptoms safely.
Detailed description
This single-center, single-blinded randomized clinical trial investigates the therapeutic efficacy of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) at different wavelengths-675nm (30mW), 820nm (200mW), and a 46-cluster LED probe (combining 660nm, 950nm, 870nm, 880nm, 940nm, 820nm)-in treating cervicogenic headache (CGH), a secondary headache originating from cervical spine dysfunction. Conducted at the Department of Physiotherapy, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, Lahore, the study spans 18 months post-BASR approval, with a 6-week intervention period and 6-month follow-up. Participants are randomized into three parallel groups, each receiving LLLT (using the Omega XP Model) plus routine physical therapy (stretching, exercise, hot pack, TENS) three times weekly for 30 minutes over 18 sessions. The trial aims to compare the effectiveness of these modalities in reducing pain (VAS), headache frequency (diary), cervical range of motion (goniometry), neck disability (NDI), quality of life (SF-36), and forward head posture (camera). Ethical approval was granted by The University of Lahore's Research Ethical Committee (Ref: REC-UOL-/520/08/24, dated 05-09-2024), ensuring participant consent and confidentiality. The study addresses a research gap in wavelength-specific LLLT efficacy for CGH, potentially guiding future clinical practice.
Interventions
Low-level laser therapy using the Omega XP Model with wavelengths of 675nm (30mW), 820nm (200mW), or 46-cluster LED probe (mixed wavelengths: 660nm, 950nm, 870nm, 880nm, 940nm, 820nm), applied three times weekly for 30 minutes over 6 weeks to target cervical lymphatic chain, musculature, and trigger points for pain relief in cervicogenic headache.
Warm-up: Active cervical ROM (5-10 reps, pain-free range). Stretching: Upper trapezius, levator scapulae, SCM; hold 15-30 sec, 3-5 reps, NRS ≤ 3/10. Therapeutic exercises: cervical deep flexors, scapular stabilization (2-3 sets × 10-15 reps, Borg 11-13), progressed weekly. Modalities: Hot pack 15 min at 40-45°C; TENS 80-100 Hz, 50-100 µs pulse width, 20 min. Frequency: 3× weekly for 6 weeks. Safety: contraindications screened; pain/exertion monitored pre/post.
Sponsors
University of Lahore
Study design
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
DOUBLE (Subject, Outcomes Assessor)
Masking description
In addition to participants and outcomes assessors being masked, care providers administering the low-level laser therapy (LLLT) interventions are also blinded to the specific wavelength or modality (675nm, 820nm, or 46-cluster LED probe) assigned to each group to minimize bias in treatment delivery, ensuring the study's integrity across all three parallel experimental groups.
Intervention model description
Three parallel groups receive different LLLT wavelengths (675nm, 820nm, 46-cluster LED) plus routine physical therapy, assessed at baseline, 3 weeks, 6 weeks, and follow-ups
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
18 Years to 65 Years
Healthy volunteers
No
Inclusion criteria
* Patients aged 18-65 years diagnosed with cervicogenic headache based on the International Classification of Headache Disorders (ICHD-3) criteria. * Persistent headaches for at least 3 months. * No previous exposure to low-level laser therapy (LLLT).
Exclusion criteria
* Patients with other primary headache disorders (e.g., migraine, tension-type headache). * History of cervical spine surgery. * Pregnant or lactating women. * Patients with a history of photosensitivity or taking photosensitizing medications.
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Number of Participants with Reduction in Headache Frequency | Baseline, 3 weeks, 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months | Measured by patient diary recording |
| Mean Change in Pain Intensity (VAS Score, 0-10) | Baseline, 3 weeks, 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months | Measured by Visual Analog Scale (VAS, 0-10) |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Change in Cervical ROM (degrees) | Baseline, 3 weeks, 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months | Measured by universal goniometer |
| Mean Difference in Neck Disability Index (NDI) Score | Baseline, 3 weeks, 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months | Measured by Neck Disability Index (NDI, Urdu version) |
| Mean Change in SF-36 Quality of Life Score | Baseline, 3 weeks, 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months | Measured by Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) |
| Change in Forward Head Posture (degrees, camera-based measurement) | Baseline, 3 weeks, 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months | Measured by mobile camera picture, degree |
Countries
Pakistan
Contacts
Primary ContactAROOJ MUNAWAR, MS
Backup ContactUmair Ahmed, PhD
Outcome results
None listed