Abstract:
Background and objectives: Chronic tension-type headache (TTH) is the type of headache with the highest prevalence. The involvement of musculoskeletal structures in TTH is supported by evidence in the scientific literature. Among these, deep cervical muscle strength appears to be related to the function of the cervical spine and the clinical characteristics of TTH. This study aimed to correlate anatomical, functional, and psychological variables in patients with TTH. Materials and methods: An observational descriptive study was carried out with 22 participants diagnosed with TTH for at least six months. The characteristics of headaches, including ultrasound-based deep neck flexor and extensor muscle thickness, range of motion (ROM), and pressure pain threshold (PPT), were recorded. We also conducted the Pain Vigilance and Awareness Questionnaire (PVAQ) and the Craniocervical Flexion Test (CCFT). Results: Moderate-large negative correlations were found between the PVAQ and the muscle thickness of right deep flexors contracted (r = -0.52; p = 0.01), left multifidus contracted (r = -0.44; p = 0.04), right multifidus at rest (r = -0.48; p = 0.02), and right multifidus contracted (r = -0.45; p = 0.04). Moderate-large positive correlations were found between the CCFT score and the left cervical rotation ROM (r = 0.53; p = 0.01), right cervical rotation ROM (r = 0.48; p = 0.03), muscle thickness of left multifidus contracted (r = 0.50; p = 0.02), and muscle thickness of right multifidus at rest (r = 0.51; p = 0.02). The muscle thickness of the contracted right deep cervical flexors showed a moderate negative correlation with headache intensity (r = -0.464; p = 0.03). No correlations were found between PPT and the rest of the variables analyzed. Conclusions: In patients with TTH, a higher thickness of deep cervical muscles was associated with higher ROM and higher scores in the CCFT. In turn, the thickness of deep cervical muscles showed negative correlations with pain hypervigilance and headache intensity. These results contribute to a better understanding of the physical and psychosocial factors contributing to the development of TTH, which is useful for implementing appropriate prevention and treatment measures.
摘要:
背景和目的:慢性紧张型头痛(TTH)是发病率最高的头痛类型。科学文献中的证据支持TTH中肌肉骨骼结构的参与。其中,颈深肌力似乎与颈椎功能和TTH的临床特征有关。这项研究旨在关联解剖学,功能,和TTH患者的心理变量。材料和方法:对22名被诊断为TTH的参与者进行了至少六个月的观察性描述性研究。头痛的特点,包括基于超声的深颈部屈肌和伸肌厚度,运动范围(ROM),和压力疼痛阈值(PPT),被记录下来。我们还进行了疼痛警惕和意识问卷(PVAQ)和颅颈屈曲测试(CCFT)。结果:PVAQ与右侧深屈肌收缩的肌肉厚度之间存在中等大的负相关(r=-0.52;p=0.01)。左多裂收缩(r=-0.44;p=0.04),右侧静止多裂(r=-0.48;p=0.02),右侧多裂收缩(r=-0.45;p=0.04)。CCFT评分与左颈椎旋转ROM之间存在中等大的正相关(r=0.53;p=0.01),右颈椎旋转ROM(r=0.48;p=0.03),左多裂肌厚度收缩(r=0.50;p=0.02),右多裂肌厚度(r=0.51;p=0.02)。右颈深屈肌收缩的肌肉厚度与头痛强度呈中度负相关(r=-0.464;p=0.03)。在PPT和分析的其余变量之间没有发现相关性。结论:在TTH患者中,较高的颈深肌肉厚度与较高的ROM和较高的CCFT评分相关.反过来,颈深肌肉厚度与疼痛过度警惕和头痛强度呈负相关。这些结果有助于更好地理解有助于TTH发展的身体和心理社会因素,这对于实施适当的预防和治疗措施是有用的。