Effectiveness of neck flexors and extensors muscle strengthening exercises on pain and function in migraine patients

Abstract

CONTEXT: Migraine is a primary episodic headache disorder, characterized by combinations of neurological, gastrointestinal, and autonomic changes in the body. Migraine patients are more likely to self-report neck pain, to have more cervical trigger points and tenderness over cervical muscles. Neck flexor and extensor muscles have shown decreased strength in migraine patients. AIMS: To determine the effectiveness of neck flexors and extensors muscles strengthening exercises on pain and function in migraine patients. SETTING AND DESIGN: A case–control study was conducted among 14 individuals of ages 20–30 years with Migraine in a Tertiary Care Hospital, India. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Fourteen migraine patients were selected for the study and neck flexor and extensor strengthening exercises were administered for 4 weeks. The pain, cervical range of motion, and disability were measured using visual analog scale (VAS), universal goniometer, migraine disability assessment score (MIDAS) before and after the intervention. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Data were analyzed using SPSS v. 26.0. Values are expressed in terms of mean and standard deviation (X[Combining Macron] ± SD). Statistical analysis to compare pre and post group was done using paired t-test. RESULTS: Paired t-test was used to compare the interventions within the group. Statistical analysis showed significant improvement in pain and function on migraine patients after 4 weeks of treatment. VAS (t = 6.358, P < 0.05), MIDAS (t = 3.798, P < 0.05), ROM (t = 5.014, 2.851, P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The present study concluded that strengthening exercises of both neck flexors and extensors muscles reduced pain and improved function in migraine patients.