Short-wave diathermy in the rehabilitation management of tension-type headache associated with neck pain: a case-control study

Background: Tension-type headache is the most prevalent neurological disorder worldwide and is frequently associated with neck pain. Musculoskeletal dysfunctions of the cervical spine are commonly reported in patients with tension-type headache, suggesting a potential therapeutic role for physical rehabilitation. Short-wave diathermy is a deep-heating modality known to increase pain thresholds, reduce muscle spasm, and enhance soft tissue extensibility. The aim of this study was preliminary to assess the effectiveness of short-wave diathermy as an adjunct to conventional rehabilitation for adults with tension-type headache associated with neck pain.

Methods: This single-center case-control observational study retrospectively analyzed data of 42 adult patients with persistent tension-type headache and neck pain were included. Cases received short-wave diathermy (20 minutes) combined with myofascial release (pompage technique, 20 minutes), while controls underwent pompage and therapeutic neck exercises (20 minutes each). All participants completed ten 45-minute sessions over five weeks. Primary outcome was pain intensity (Numerical Pain Rating Scale). Secondary outcomes included disability (Neck Disability Index) and pressure pain threshold. Assessments were conducted before and one week after treatment completion.

Results: After treatment, the Case group showed significantly greater improvements compared to controls in neck pain (P=0.03) and disability (P=0.04). No significant between-group differences were observed in pressure pain threshold measurements at cervical sites.

Conclusions: Preliminary findings suggest that short-wave diathermy may serve as a useful adjunct in the rehabilitation of adults with tension-type headache associated with neck pain. Larger randomized controlled studies are needed to confirm these results.