Evaluation of pressure pain threshold of cervical muscles in patients with headache

• Grant number: 13/08836-0
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: August 01, 2013
• End date: November 30, 2014
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy
• Principal Investigator: Débora Bevilaqua Grossi
• Grantee: Maria Carolina Merli Giantomassi
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto (FMRP). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Ribeirão Preto , SP, Brazil

Abstract

The headache can be subdivided into a primary headache and secondary headache and high prevalence in the general population (90%), and high impact on the quality of life of patients. The headache has a relationship with the cervical muscles, which is explained by the core trigeminocervical, neurophysiology, location that receives the continual bombardment of nociceptive afferent stimuli trigger points in the head and neck muscles. This bombardment may cause hyperexcitability central nervous system or peripheral, leading to a low-pressure pain threshold (PPT). Objective: To measure the values of the LDP cervical muscles, upper trapezius, sternocleidomastoid, suboccipital, lifts the scapula and scalene of patients with headache in tertiary care, using the pressure algometer and compare them with the control group. Method: The sample consisted of individuals who pass the first consultation at the Clinic Headache (ACEF) of the Hospital of the FMRP-USP during the period of 6 months. A digital metronome, with a frequency of 1 Hz will be used in all assessments in order to provide audio feedback and standardization of application speed pressure. The algometry pressure is applied in 5 anatomical points (trapezius muscles, sternocleidomastoid, suboccipital, lifts the scapula and scalene) in a random sequence and 2 consecutive series. The volunteers will sit and LDP values are obtained bilaterally in the points previously located and marked. Expected Results: Patients with headaches, both primary and secondary, have an LDP lower compared to patients without headaches in the cervical muscles that refer pain to the head. The results of this study contribute to the understanding of the clinical picture in relation to the sensitivity of the neck muscles in patients with headaches. (AU)