Mobility of the Cervical Spine in Women with Headaches: A Pilot Study

Abstract

Background: Cervical mobility is influenced by a number of factors, including headaches. Aims: To assess the impact of headache and its clinical features on the range of movements of the cervical spine. Material and methods: The study involved 25 women aged 30–54 who had headaches in the last 6 months. The respondents completed an original questionnaire, which included, inter alia, pain characteristics. The ranges of mobility of the cervical segment were measured using a smartphone held by a head-mounted setup. Rotation in the Occ-C2 segment was also assessed, and muscle tenderness was examined. Results: The ranges of neck mobility in the study group did not differ from the ranges reported in the literature. There was no correlation between the pain characteristics and the ranges obtained, although correlations between age and a decrease in the mean ranges of mobility and between overweight and reduced mobility of the cervical segment were identified. Conclusions: The occurrence, duration, frequency, and intensity of headaches do not significantly affect the range of motion of the cervical spine.