Article

PURPOSE: To determine whether an association between cervical dysfunction and
perimenstrual migraines exists. METHODS: Forty perimenstrual migraine sufferers
and 46 controls were compared. Information on the participants' ages and
perceptions of neck pain and stiffness were solicited. The blinded physical
examination of the cervical area consisted of postural, range of motion, muscle
strength, muscle length, trigger point, neural mobility, and segmental cervical
joint movement assessment. RESULTS: The migraine group had increased perception
of neck pain and stiffness (p<0.001); reduced bilateral rotation (p=0.013);
decreased muscle length in both trapezii, left sternocleidomastoid, and right
occipitals (p=0.045); more pain on muscle stretch in both levator scapulae, both
trapezii, left sternocleidomastoid, and both occipitals (p=0.013); increased
trigger points bilaterally in the left trapezius (p=0.021), right trapezius
(p=0.023), left sternocleidomastoid (p=0.0.004), and right sternocleidomastoid
(p=0.021); reduced neural mobility with bilateral elbow lag (p=0.043); greater
C4-C6 pain (p=0.045); and increased cervical stiffness in C5-C7 (p=0.023). There
were no differences in posture and muscle strength. Decreased muscle length
increased the risk of perimenstrual migraines 2.4-6.7 fold, reduced neural
mobility 5.8-10.7 fold, and increased C7 stiffness 17.0 fold. CONCLUSION: The
results suggest that an association between cervical dysfunction and
perimenstrual headaches should be further explored.

Langue : ANGLAIS