Effect of Cognetive Behavioral Therapy on Cervicogenic Headache Patients

Background and Aim: Cervicogenic headache is a syndrome characterized by chronic hemicranial pain that is referred to the head from either bony structures or soft tissues of the neck. We aimed to determine the effect of cognitive behavioural theapy (EMG biofeedback-relaxation and stress coping treaining) that uses an Electromyography (EMG) measure of muscle tension as the physical symptom to be deconditioned (tension in the trapezius and temporalis muscles that may cause headaches).Subject and Methods: Thirty patients from both sexes, diagnosed as having cervicogenic headache were included in the study. Assigned into two equal groups a study Group (G1) and control Group (G2). G 1 received selected physical therapy program (US, IR and Isometric exercise) in addition to cognitive behavioural therapy, while G2 received the same physical therapy program only as G1 the patients were assessed with surface EMG before and after treatment.Results: In control group, there was a statistical significant decrease in the mean value of EMG of trapezius and temporalis muscles measured post-treatment when compared with its corresponding value measured pre-treatment (p=0.001).In study group, there was a statistical significant decrease in the mean value of EMG of trapezius and temporalis muscles measured post-treatment when compared with its corresponding value measured pre-treatment (p=0.001).Conclusion: EMG Biofeedback is a significant method for treatment for cervicogenic headache.