Comparison of Deep Neck Flexors Training and Muscle Energy Technique on Cervicogenic Headache

Purpose: Cervicogenic headache involves both Weak deep neck flexors and tight cervical extensors.Deep Neck Flexor training improves motor control and Muscle Energy Technique facilitates muscle relaxation and mobility.Both dysfunctions cause pain, limited motion, poor posture.This study compared that which intervention produces better outcomes Methods: A randomized controlled trial was conducted at the Satellite Clinic Rawalpindi with 34 participants (aged 20-50 years), randomly allocated into two groups through sealed envelope method.Group B received post-isometric relaxation, and Group A received deep neck flexor training for 12 sessions over 4 weeks.Outcomes were assessed using the NPRS for pain, Inclinometer for ROM and Goniometer for craniovertebral angle.Data was analyzed with SPSS version 25.This trial was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov(Identifier: NCT05754931).Results: In Group A, the mean age was 32.20 ± 10.00 and in Group B, it was 29.80 ± 9.64 years.Posttreatment, significant differences (p < 0.050) were found in NPRS, craniovertebral angle and cervical ROM, except right (p = 0.740) and left (p = 0.440) rotation.Group A (DNF) showed more pain reduction on NPRS (mean difference = 3.88, p < 0.050), while Group B (MET) showed more improvements in cervical range of motion (p < 0.050) and craniovertebral angle (mean difference = 10.82°,p< 0.050).Conclusion: This study concludes that both DNF training and MET were effective in managing CGH.While DNF training demonstrated better outcomes in terms of pain reduction and MET showed significant result in increasing cervical range of motion and CVA