Spinal Manipulation for Treatment of Chronic Headaches

This study will determine the effectiveness of spinal manipulation in reducing pain in people with chronic headaches accompanied by neck pain. This study will also determine the number of spinal manipulation treatments necessary for optimal pain relief.

Spinal manipulation is the signature therapy of chiropractic care involving manual adjustment of joints in the neck and back. Data indicate that spinal manipulation is an effective treatment for back pain and chronic headaches, particularly cervicogenic headaches, which are caused by problems in the cervical spine. However, studies that have determined the optimal frequency and duration of spinal manipulation treatment are limited. This study will determine the feasibility of conducting a large spinal manipulation clinical trial. This study will also determine the effectiveness of spinal manipulation in treating cervicogenic headaches and neck pain and the optimal number of treatments necessary to sustain spinal manipulation benefits. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive weekly sessions of either spinal manipulation or light massage treatments for 8 to 16 weeks. Self-report scales will be used to assess participants' headache frequency, pain, satisfaction with treatment, and overall physical and mental health. Assessments will occur at study entry, at the end of each week, and at the end of the study.