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Association Between Sternocleidomastoid and Upper Trapezius Muscle Trigger Points and Headaches: A Cross-Sectional Study Publisher Pubmed



Devadiga D ; Sannasi R ; Rao PD ; Keshavmurthy HH ; Dommerholt J ; Thomas S
Authors

Source: Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics Published:2025


Abstract

Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine the association between trigger points (TrPs) in the sternocleidomastoid (SCM) and upper trapezius (UT) muscles and primary headaches. Methods: A total of 60 participants (25 males and 35 females) were included in this cross-sectional study and divided into 2 groups based on the presence or absence of a primary headache, as determined by the Headache Impact Test. Both the bilateral SCM and UT muscles were palpated to assess the presence of TrPs. Results: The results showed a significant association between TrPs in the SCM and headaches (right SCM: χ2 value = 6.696, P < .010, phi [φ] = 0.334; left SCM: χ2 value = 8.076, P < .004, phi [φ] = 0.367). The UT TrPs did not show a strong association with headaches (right UT: χ2 value = 2.857, P < .091, phi [φ] = 0.218; left UT: χ2 value = 3.455, P < .063, phi [φ] = 0.240). Conclusion: There was a strong association between SCM TrPs and symptomatic headaches and a weak association between UT TrPs and symptomatic headaches. © 2025 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved.
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