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Chiropractic & Manual Therapies
Published in: Chiropractic & Manual Therapies 1/2016

Open Access 01-12-2016 | Study protocol

Dose–response of spinal manipulation for cervicogenic headache: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

Authors: Linda Hanson, Mitchell Haas, Gert Bronfort, Darcy Vavrek, Craig Schulz, Brent Leininger, Roni Evans, Leslie Takaki, Moni Neradilek

Published in: Chiropractic & Manual Therapies | Issue 1/2016

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Abstract

Background

Cervicogenic headache is a prevalent and costly pain condition commonly treated by chiropractors. There is evidence to support the effectiveness for spinal manipulation, but the dose of treatment required to achieve maximal relief remains unknown. The purpose of this paper is to describe the methodology for a randomized controlled trial evaluating the dose–response of spinal manipulation for chronic cervicogenic headache in an adult population.

Methods/Design

This is a mixed-methods, two-site, prospective, parallel groups, observer-blind, randomized controlled trial conducted at university-affiliated research clinics in the Portland, OR and Minneapolis, MN areas. The primary outcome is patient reported headache frequency. Other outcomes include self-reported headache intensity, disability, quality of life, improvement, neck pain intensity and frequency, satisfaction, medication use, outside care, cervical motion, pain pressure thresholds, health care utilization, health care costs, and lost productivity. Qualitative interviews are also conducted to evaluate patients’ expectations of treatment.

Discussion

With growing concerns regarding the costs and side effects of commonly used conventional treatments, greater numbers of headache sufferers are seeking other approaches to care. This is the first full-scale randomized controlled trial assessing the dose–response of spinal manipulation therapy on outcomes for cervicogenic headache. The results of this study will provide important evidence for the management of cervicogenic headache in adults.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov (Identifier: NCT01530321)
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Metadata
Title
Dose–response of spinal manipulation for cervicogenic headache: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial
Authors
Linda Hanson
Mitchell Haas
Gert Bronfort
Darcy Vavrek
Craig Schulz
Brent Leininger
Roni Evans
Leslie Takaki
Moni Neradilek
Publication date
01-12-2016
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
Chiropractic & Manual Therapies / Issue 1/2016
Electronic ISSN: 2045-709X
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12998-016-0105-z

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