Neck and back muscle chains hypomobility in women with migraine

Abstract Objective To compare the mobility of neck and back flexor and extensor muscle chains in women with migraine, chronic migraine and headache-free. Methods This is a cross-sectional study. The muscle chain test was performed based on the theoretical assumptions of the Busquet method, in women with migraine (MG, n=24), chronic migraine (CMG, n=36) and headache-free (CG, n= 27). The evaluation of neck and back mobility was performed by an examiner expert in the Busquet method with the aid of cervical range of motion (CROM®) device (neck muscles) and the Tiltmeter® application (back muscles). Results Compared to woman headache-free, women with migraine (MD= -12o [CI95%= -19o, -5o] and chronic migraine (MD= -15o [CI95%= -21o, -8o] present reduced mobility in the neck extensor muscle chain. Also, in the back extensor muscle chain, migraine vs headache-free (MD= -9o [CI95%= -15o, -2o]) and chronic migraine vs headache-free (MD= -10o [CI95%= -16o, -4o]) and in the back flexor muscle chain, migraine vs headache-free (MD= -6o [CI95%= -10o, -0.1o]) and chronic migraine vs headache-free (MD= -7 [CI95%= -11o, -2o]), with an effect sizes varying between 1.19 e 2.38. No difference was found between groups for neck flexor muscle chain. Conclusion: Women with migraine and chronic migraine have hypomobility of the neck and back extensor muscle chains, and of the back flexor chain.