Efeitos de técnicas osteopáticas na dor, incapacidade funcional, saúde e bem-estar de pessoas com cefaleia cervicogênica

Abstract

Introduction: Cervicogenic headache is a secondary headache caused by dysfunctions of the upper cervical spine, especially within the atlanto-occipital and atlantoaxial joints. Osteopathy may be beneficial, as it promotes biomechanical and functional balance. Objective: To evaluate the effects of osteopathic techniques on pain, functional disability, health, and well-being in individuals with cervicogenic headache. Methodology: A quasi-experimental, quantitative study conducted with 23 participants diagnosed with cervicogenic headache who were treated with cranial and cervical osteopathic techniques. Pain was assessed using the Visual Analog Scale, functional disability using the Oswestry Cervical Disability Index, and headache impact using the Headache Disability Inventory. Assessments were performed before, immediately after, and seven days following the intervention. Results: A significant reduction in headache pain and improvement in functional disability and quality-of-life scores (p < 0.05) were observed after the application of osteopathic techniques. Clinical improvement was maintained after seven days, indicating a prolonged therapeutic effect. Conclusion: Osteopathic techniques demonstrated effectiveness in the treatment of cervicogenic headache, promoting pain relief, functional improvement, and enhanced well-being. These findings support the importance of Osteopathy as a conservative therapeutic approach for cervical dysfunctions, although further studies with greater methodological rigor are needed to strengthen this evidence.