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Significant Cervical Weakness Found Among Patients With Migraine

May 24, 2019

migraine-headache-treatment-strengthening

According to the Global Health Burden studies, Migraine is the 3rd most prevalent disorder (14.7% of global population: 1 in 7 people)  and 3rd most cause of disability in those under 50 years old. It is more prevalent than diabetes, epilepsy and asthma combined. Migraines occur with 17% of women and 6% of men.  Symptoms of migraine include: Headache on bilateral or unilateral sides around temporal region, with or without visual disturbances.

A recent study (JOSPT 2019) investigated the role of the musculature in the cervical spine in those with migraines. A lack in neck endurance strength of the neck musculature has been shown to be correlated with chronic migraines. The authors found a significant difference in neck extensor and flexor strength with those with and without migraines. The findings of the study suggest addressing the strength of the musculature of the neck to assist in management of headaches