The Journal of the American Osteopathic Association, 2005/07, 105(7):318. doi: 10.7556/jaoa.2005.105.7.317, type of study: ,sr,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Full text    (https://www.degruyter.com/document/doi/10.7556/jaoa.2005.105.7.317/html)

Keywords:

headache [164]
OMT [3924]
osteopathic manipulative treatment [3945]
systematic review [445]

Abstract:

Intro/Hypothesis: Tension headache is a common diagnosis in primary care. Although highly prevalent, successful treatment is challenging. Our objective is to assess various approaches to treat tension headache, with an emphasis on the impact of osteopathic manipulative medicine (OMM). Our hypothesis is that OMM is efficacious and safe in the treatment of tension headache. Methods: A literature review of Ovid and OSTMED databases, recent years of the JAOA, and the AAO Journal was done. OMM used in treatment of tension cephalgia was cervicothoracic spinal manipulation, soft tissue methods, and cranial vault hold methods, and comparisons of OMM against various meds and massage therapy were made. Variances were observed in outcomes of those treated with OMM, pharmacology, and soft tissue massage. Observed outcomes included the number and intensity of tension headaches after treatment, and duration of benefit. Although all articles did not include every factor, we drew conclusions from the sum of research. Results: The majority of data shows OMM is effective in treating tension headache. At times, it was suggested that cervicothoracic manipulation (non soft-tissue) coupled with cranial techniques, was of more benefit than soft tissue alone. Pharmacotherapy was also of benefit, with most studies showing equal efficacy to OMM. Concern for side effects was greater with medication, including possible risk of rebound cephalgia. Massage alone was inferior to OMM and medications. Conclusions: Based on the international data analyzed, the use of OMM is as efficacious, if not more, than medication in treating tension headache. There is likely a lower risk of side effects with the use of OMM versus medication. Patients treated with both OMM and pharmacological measures fared better than those managed with either treatment alone. Well-designed studies to assess further the impact of OMM on the treatment of tension headaches are needed. Many past studies were poorly designed and challenges remain about control groups receiving sham manipulation to compare to true OMM. We hope that additional research will lead to greater OMM use and better patient management.