Researchers at the University of Queensland’s School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences have published an updated systematic review of cervical musculoskeletal impairments in migraine and tension-type headaches in the most recent issue of Musculoskeletal Science and Practice.

The objectives of the study were to update evidence for cervical musculoskeletal impairments in migraine and tension- type headache; report on accompanying pain associated with testing, active trigger points and tenderness in headache; and determine relationships between these sensitivity features and cervical musculoskeletal impairments in headache.

The review looked at 77 observational studies drawn from five databases and comprising 2551 participants in total.

The studies were assessed and metanalysis was performed.

Grading of recommendations, assessment, development and evaluations was used to determine the certainty of the evidence.

The review revealed that while several cervical musculoskeletal impairments were present in migraine and tension-type headaches, the evidence was uncertain and sometimes did not appear to be clinically meaningful.

While pain reported with testing, active trigger points and tenderness was common, most studies did not consider the relationship between cervical musculoskeletal impairments and pain.

The researchers suggest that clinicians interpret any findings within the context of the normative range or the patient’s specific clinical context before determining their significance.

The authors recommend further investigation of cervical musculoskeletal impairments in tension-type headaches and pain reported with testing to improve interpretation of findings and guide management in individuals with primary headaches.
 

Pensri et al. Cervical musculoskeletal impairments in migraine and tension-type headache and relationship to pain related factors: an updated systematic review and meta-analysis. Musculoskeletal Science and Practice, Volume 76, 103251. 2025 doi: 10.1016/j. sksp.2024.103251