Ultrasound-Guided Percutaneous Needle Electrolysis in a Patient With Cervicogenic Headache After a Chronic Whiplash: A Case Report

Abstract

Background Cervicogenic headaches are a common condition after traffic accidents. The loss of cervical range of motion and pain are frequently observed. Case Presentation A 49-year-old woman presented to our clinic with cervical spine stiffness and a high level of self-perceived disability in the cervical disability and headache questionnaires. Manual therapy and conventional treatments were applied for 4 months and showed poor results. Outcome and Follow-up The addition of ultrasound-guided percutaneous needle electrolysis of the obliquus capitis inferior muscle was suggested. After 4 treatment sessions, improvements in the range of motion, pain, and self-reported disability were observed. The benefits were maintained after 3 months of treatment. Discussion This Case Report shows how the addition of ultrasound-guided percutaneous needle electrolysis to manual therapy treatments improved symptoms and signs of chronic neck pain associated with headache. JOSPT Cases 2022;2(2):88–92. doi:10.2519/josptcases.2022.10579