Analysis of the upper cervical spine stiffness during axial rotation: A comparative study among patients with tension-type headache or migraine and asymptomatic subjects.

Abstract Background Many studies reported the implication of the cervical musculoskeletal system in patients with tension type headache and migraine. The objective of this study is to investigate the upper cervical spine stiffness features in axial rotation among headache patients in comparison with a healthy population. Methods 48 subjects including 30 migraine patients with/without aura and 18 patients with tension-type headache, aged between 18 and 60 years (mean 36, SD 11 years) have been evaluated. Stiffness measurements were carried out for passive axial rotation using a torque meter device. The flexion-rotation test was used to emphasize assessment of the upper cervical spine. Findin…