Base teórica: A dor crônica decorre de alterações estruturais e funcionais mal adaptativas que influenciam a resposta ao estímulo ou que sustentam os processos de excitabilidade. Um dos sintomas que permeia grande número de pacientes com dor crônica é a catastrofização, cujas características são um conjunto de pensamentos negativos, deseperança e magnificação do sintoma ou condição. Este sintoma é mensurado por meio de uma escala de catastrofização usada em vários países. No entanto não dispomos deste instrumento validado para o português.Objetivos: Validar para o português do Brasil (B) a PCS e verificar suas propriedades psicométricas. Verificar a consistência interna, estrutura fatorial, e sua capacidade de discriminar pacientes com condições específicas de dor crônica como cefaleia tensional crônica (CTC) (International Headache Society) e fibromialgia de acordo com os critérios do American College of Rheumatology. Avaliar os possíveis mecanismos neurobiológicos correlacionados com o nível de sintomas catastróficos, através de dosagens de cortisol e TNF em uma amostra de pacientes com CTC. Métodos: 384 sujeitos com idades entre 18-79 anos com dor crônica de origem músculo-esquelética participaram deste estudo transversal. A versão da B-PCS foi aplicada, assim como a intensidade da dor, interferência da dor na capacidade funcional, no humor e um questionário sócio-demográfico. A capacidade discriminatória da B-PCS foi avaliada numa sub-amostra de pacientes com cefaléia tensional crônica (CTC) de acordo com os critérios da International Headache Society (n = 19), e em outro com diagnóstico de fibromialgia segundo os critérios do American College of Rheumatology (n = 50). Após a validação a B-PCS foi aplicada num grupo de pacientes com CTC. Foi avaliado o impacto da cefaleia usando o Short-Form Headache Impact Test (HIT-6), coletadas amostras de cortisol salivar às 08:00; 16:00 e 22:00 e dosado o TNF sérico. Resultados: Observou-se boa consistência interna [valores α de Cronbach de 0,91 para o total da BR-PCS. Para os subdomínios 0,93 (desesperança), 0,88 (magnificação), 0,86 (ruminação)]. Os coeficientes de correlação item-total variaram 0,91-0,94. Análise fatorial confirmatória apoiou os três fatores de estrutura, com o índice de ajuste comparativo = 0,98, a raiz quadrada média do erro de aproximação = 0,09, e índice de ajuste normalizado = 0,98. Foram encontradas correlações significativas para a intensidade da dor, interferência da dor e humor do paciente (coeficientes de correlação variaram 0,48-0,66, P <0,01). Nas comparações entre grupo controle (pacientes com escores de dor na VAS igual ou inferior a 40 mm na maior parte do dia nos últimos seis meses), e pacientes com condições dolorosas específicas observou-se pontuações mais baixas de catastrofização no grupo controle. No grupo com CTC a relação entre a curva de cortisol salivar, obtida em três pontos do dia (08:00, 16:00 e 22:00 horas) e a catastrofização de acordo com os grupos de catastrofização ( escores B-PCS) estratificados em níveis alto e baixo (alto> Q75 = 42 ou baixo Q75 < 42 ), utilizou-se análise de variância de medidas repetidas (ANOVA), com teste post hoc de Bonferroni. Pacientes com altos escores de catastrofismo apresentaram supressão da secreção de cortisol às 08:00 (p <0,05). Usando modelo multivariado de regressão linear, os fatores correlacionados positivamente com a variável dependente (escores da B-PCS) foram os fatores independentes: níveis séricos de TNF, pontuação no HIT6 e idade (p <0,05). O uso de antidepressivos reduziu em 21% o incremento nos escores da B-PCS. Conclusão: Nossos resultados suportam a validade e confiabilidade da B-PCS. A escala mostrou propriedades psicométricas satisfatórias. A estrutura de três fatores apresentou boas propriedades discriminatórias na comparação de pensamentos catastróficos de sujeitos controles, fibromiálgicos e CTC. A B-PCS mostrou-se instrumento com perfil satisfatório para uso em pesquisa e clínica no Brasil. Também, observamos que a catastrofização está correlacionada com o impacto da CTH, menor oscilação circadiana na secreção de cortisol salivar e níveis séricos de TNF. Isto sugere que o comportamento catastrófico possui substrato biológico que indica sua associação com o estresse crônico e resposta inflamatória. / Theoretical basis: Chronic pain is due to structural and functional changes that influence the maladaptive response to stimuli or processes that underlie excitability. One of the symptoms that permeates large number of patients with chronic pain is the catastrophizing, whose characteristics are a set of negative thoughts, holplessness and magnification of the symptom or condition. This symptom is measured through a catastrophizing scale used in several countries. However, we do not have this instrument for the Portuguese. Objectives: To validate the PCS for Brazil’s Portuguese (B) and verify its psychometric properties. Check the internal consistency, factor structure, and its ability to discriminate patients with specific conditions of chronic pain chronic such as chronic tension type headache (CTH) in accordance with International Headache Society and fibromyalgia according to the criteria of the American College of Rheumatology. To evaluate the possible neurobiological mechanisms correlated with the level of catastrophic symptoms through Cortisol and TNF dosages in a sample of patients with CTH. Methods: 384 subjects aged 18-79 years with chronic musculoskeletal pain participated in this cross-sectional study. The version of the B-PCS was applied as well as pain intensity, pain interference in functional ability, mood and a socio-demographic questionnaire. The discriminatory capacity of B-PCS was assessed in a subsample of patients with chronic tension type headaches (CTH) in accordance with the criteria of the International Headache Society (n = 19), and another with a diagnosis of fibromyalgia according to the criteria of the American College of Rheumatology (n = 50). After the validation the B-PCS was applied in a group of patients with CTH. The impact of headache were evaluated using the Short-Form Headache Impact Test (HIT-6), salivary cortisol samples collected at 08:00, 16:00 and 22:00 and serum TNF. Results: There was good internal consistency [Cronbach's α values of 0.91 for the total PCS-BR. For subdomains 0.93 (holplessness), 0.88 (magnification), 0.86 (rumination)].The coefficients of item-total correlation ranged from .91 to .94. Confirmatory factor analysis supported the three factor structure, with the comparative fit index = 0.98, root mean square error of approximation = 0.09, standard setting and the index of = 0.98. Significant correlations were found for pain intensity, pain interference and mood of the patient (correlation coefficients ranged from .48 to .66, P <0.01). Comparisons between the control group (patients with VAS pain scores at or below 40 mm in most of the day in the last six months), and patients with specific pain conditions were observed lower catastrophizing scores in the control group. In the group with CTH the relationship between the salivary cortisol curve, obtained at three points of the day (08:00, 16:00 and 22:00 hours) and catastrophizing according catastrophizing groups (B-PCS scores) stratified into low and high level (high>Q75=42 or low Q75<42), we used analysis of variance for repeated measures (ANOVA) with Bonferroni post hoc test. Patients with high scores of catastrophism had suppression of cortisol secretion at 08:00 (p <0.05). Using a multivariate linear regression model, the factors positively correlated with the dependent variable (scores of B-PCS) were the independent factors: serum levels of TNF, HIT6 score and age (p <0.05). The use of antidepressants decreased by 21% the increase in scores of B-PCS. Conclusion: Our results support the validity and reliability of the B-PCS. The scale showed satisfactory psychometric properties. The three-factor structure showed good discriminatory properties in comparison to control subjects, fibromyalgia, and HSC catastrophic thoughts. The B-PCS showed to be an instrument with a profile suitable for use in research and clinical practice in Brazil. Also, we found that catastrophizing is correlated with the impact of CTH, lower circadian oscillation in the secretion of salivary cortisol and serum levels of TNF. This suggests that the catastrophic behavior has biological substrate indicating its association with chronic stress and inflammatory response.

Base teórica: A dor crônica decorre de alterações estruturais e funcionais mal adaptativas que influenciam a resposta ao estímulo ou que sustentam os processos de excitabilidade. Um dos sintomas que permeia grande número de pacientes com dor crônica é a catastrofização, cujas características são um conjunto de pensamentos negativos, deseperança e magnificação do sintoma ou condição. Este sintoma é mensurado por meio de uma escala de catastrofização usada em vários países. No entanto não dispomos deste instrumento validado para o português.Objetivos: Validar para o português do Brasil (B) a PCS e verificar suas propriedades psicométricas. Verificar a consistência interna, estrutura fatorial, e sua capacidade de discriminar pacientes com condições específicas de dor crônica como cefaleia tensional crônica (CTC) (International Headache Society) e fibromialgia de acordo com os critérios do American College of Rheumatology. Avaliar os possíveis mecanismos neurobiológicos correlacionados com o nível de sintomas catastróficos, através de dosagens de cortisol e TNF em uma amostra de pacientes com CTC. Métodos: 384 sujeitos com idades entre 18-79 anos com dor crônica de origem músculo-esquelética participaram deste estudo transversal. A versão da B-PCS foi aplicada, assim como a intensidade da dor, interferência da dor na capacidade funcional, no humor e um questionário sócio-demográfico. A capacidade discriminatória da B-PCS foi avaliada numa sub-amostra de pacientes com cefaléia tensional crônica (CTC) de acordo com os critérios da International Headache Society (n = 19), e em outro com diagnóstico de fibromialgia segundo os critérios do American College of Rheumatology (n = 50). Após a validação a B-PCS foi aplicada num grupo de pacientes com CTC. Foi avaliado o impacto da cefaleia usando o Short-Form Headache Impact Test (HIT-6), coletadas amostras de cortisol salivar às 08:00; 16:00 e 22:00 e dosado o TNF sérico. Resultados: Observou-se boa consistência interna [valores α de Cronbach de 0,91 para o total da BR-PCS. Para os subdomínios 0,93 (desesperança), 0,88 (magnificação), 0,86 (ruminação)]. Os coeficientes de correlação item-total variaram 0,91-0,94. Análise fatorial confirmatória apoiou os três fatores de estrutura, com o índice de ajuste comparativo = 0,98, a raiz quadrada média do erro de aproximação = 0,09, e índice de ajuste normalizado = 0,98. Foram encontradas correlações significativas para a intensidade da dor, interferência da dor e humor do paciente (coeficientes de correlação variaram 0,48-0,66, P <0,01). Nas comparações entre grupo controle (pacientes com escores de dor na VAS igual ou inferior a 40 mm na maior parte do dia nos últimos seis meses), e pacientes com condições dolorosas específicas observou-se pontuações mais baixas de catastrofização no grupo controle. No grupo com CTC a relação entre a curva de cortisol salivar, obtida em três pontos do dia (08:00, 16:00 e 22:00 horas) e a catastrofização de acordo com os grupos de catastrofização ( escores B-PCS) estratificados em níveis alto e baixo (alto> Q75 = 42 ou baixo Q75 < 42 ), utilizou-se análise de variância de medidas repetidas (ANOVA), com teste post hoc de Bonferroni. Pacientes com altos escores de catastrofismo apresentaram supressão da secreção de cortisol às 08:00 (p <0,05). Usando modelo multivariado de regressão linear, os fatores correlacionados positivamente com a variável dependente (escores da B-PCS) foram os fatores independentes: níveis séricos de TNF, pontuação no HIT6 e idade (p <0,05). O uso de antidepressivos reduziu em 21% o incremento nos escores da B-PCS. Conclusão: Nossos resultados suportam a validade e confiabilidade da B-PCS. A escala mostrou propriedades psicométricas satisfatórias. A estrutura de três fatores apresentou boas propriedades discriminatórias na comparação de pensamentos catastróficos de sujeitos controles, fibromiálgicos e CTC. A B-PCS mostrou-se instrumento com perfil satisfatório para uso em pesquisa e clínica no Brasil. Também, observamos que a catastrofização está correlacionada com o impacto da CTH, menor oscilação circadiana na secreção de cortisol salivar e níveis séricos de TNF. Isto sugere que o comportamento catastrófico possui substrato biológico que indica sua associação com o estresse crônico e resposta inflamatória. / Theoretical basis: Chronic pain is due to structural and functional changes that influence the maladaptive response to stimuli or processes that underlie excitability. One of the symptoms that permeates large number of patients with chronic pain is the catastrophizing, whose characteristics are a set of negative thoughts, holplessness and magnification of the symptom or condition. This symptom is measured through a catastrophizing scale used in several countries. However, we do not have this instrument for the Portuguese. Objectives: To validate the PCS for Brazil’s Portuguese (B) and verify its psychometric properties. Check the internal consistency, factor structure, and its ability to discriminate patients with specific conditions of chronic pain chronic such as chronic tension type headache (CTH) in accordance with International Headache Society and fibromyalgia according to the criteria of the American College of Rheumatology. To evaluate the possible neurobiological mechanisms correlated with the level of catastrophic symptoms through Cortisol and TNF dosages in a sample of patients with CTH. Methods: 384 subjects aged 18-79 years with chronic musculoskeletal pain participated in this cross-sectional study. The version of the B-PCS was applied as well as pain intensity, pain interference in functional ability, mood and a socio-demographic questionnaire. The discriminatory capacity of B-PCS was assessed in a subsample of patients with chronic tension type headaches (CTH) in accordance with the criteria of the International Headache Society (n = 19), and another with a diagnosis of fibromyalgia according to the criteria of the American College of Rheumatology (n = 50). After the validation the B-PCS was applied in a group of patients with CTH. The impact of headache were evaluated using the Short-Form Headache Impact Test (HIT-6), salivary cortisol samples collected at 08:00, 16:00 and 22:00 and serum TNF. Results: There was good internal consistency [Cronbach's α values of 0.91 for the total PCS-BR. For subdomains 0.93 (holplessness), 0.88 (magnification), 0.86 (rumination)].The coefficients of item-total correlation ranged from .91 to .94. Confirmatory factor analysis supported the three factor structure, with the comparative fit index = 0.98, root mean square error of approximation = 0.09, standard setting and the index of = 0.98. Significant correlations were found for pain intensity, pain interference and mood of the patient (correlation coefficients ranged from .48 to .66, P <0.01). Comparisons between the control group (patients with VAS pain scores at or below 40 mm in most of the day in the last six months), and patients with specific pain conditions were observed lower catastrophizing scores in the control group. In the group with CTH the relationship between the salivary cortisol curve, obtained at three points of the day (08:00, 16:00 and 22:00 hours) and catastrophizing according catastrophizing groups (B-PCS scores) stratified into low and high level (high>Q75=42 or low Q75<42), we used analysis of variance for repeated measures (ANOVA) with Bonferroni post hoc test. Patients with high scores of catastrophism had suppression of cortisol secretion at 08:00 (p <0.05). Using a multivariate linear regression model, the factors positively correlated with the dependent variable (scores of B-PCS) were the independent factors: serum levels of TNF, HIT6 score and age (p <0.05). The use of antidepressants decreased by 21% the increase in scores of B-PCS. Conclusion: Our results support the validity and reliability of the B-PCS. The scale showed satisfactory psychometric properties. The three-factor structure showed good discriminatory properties in comparison to control subjects, fibromyalgia, and HSC catastrophic thoughts. The B-PCS showed to be an instrument with a profile suitable for use in research and clinical practice in Brazil. Also, we found that catastrophizing is correlated with the impact of CTH, lower circadian oscillation in the secretion of salivary cortisol and serum levels of TNF. This suggests that the catastrophic behavior has biological substrate indicating its association with chronic stress and inflammatory response.

Introdução: A cefaleia do tipo tensional crônica (CTTC) é caracterizada por dor de cabeça quase diária e sensibilização central. A acupuntura tem sido estudada no tratamento de diversos tipos de cefaleia, porém os resultados são controversos e apenas sugerem maior eficácia em relação ao placebo. A eletroacupuntura (EA) modula algumas das funções do sistema nervoso central (SNC), podendo modificar a neuroplasticidade. A plasticidade do SNC pode ser rastreada através dos níveis séricos do fator neurotrófico derivado do cérebro (BDNF), um mediador de neuroplasticidade. Objetivo: Este estudo testou a hipótese de que a analgesia pela EA na CTTC estaria relacionada à neuroplasticidade, avaliada através dos níveis séricos de BDNF. Métodos: Foram recrutadas mulheres, com idades entre 18-60 anos, portadoras de CTTC, para um ensaio clinico randomizado, cegado, controlado por placebo-sham. Foram aplicadas 10 sessões de EA, durante 30 minutos (2- 10 Hz, com intensidade conforme a tolerância) na cervical e áreas autonômicas, duas vezes por semana, que foram comparadas com placebosham. Os períodos de tratamento foram separados por duas semanas de intervalo. Avaliou-se dor (através de escala análoga visual (VAS) de 10 cm) e níveis séricos de BDNF como desfechos primários. Resultados: Trinta e quatro pacientes foram randomizadas e vinte e nove completaram o protocolo. Os escores da VAS foram menores durante o tratamento com EA, do que no tratamento com placebo-sham. (2.38±1.77, 3.02±2.49 respectivamente, P=0.005). Os escores de dor variaram conforme a sequência de intervenção, demonstrando efeito de carreamento (P<0.05). Utilizando regressão múltipla, os níveis séricos de BDNF foram ajustados para a escala de depressão de Hamilton e VAS (r-squared= 0.07, standard β coefficients= -0.2, -0.14, respectivamente). Ao final do período da primeira intervenção os valores de BDNF ajustados, foram maiores no grupo EA, (29.31±3.24, 27.53±2.94 ng/mL) a magnitude de efeito mensurada pela diferença na media padronizada expressou um efeito moderado (Cohen´s d= 0.55). Conclusão: A analgesia produzida pela EA pode estar relacionada à neuroplasticidade, avaliada através do BDNF ajustado para dor e depressão. A modulação pela EA na dor e BDNF depende da condição do SNC, uma vez que está relacionada à depressão e depende do momento da aplicação da intervenção. / Background: Chronic tension-type headache (CTTH) is characterized by almost daily headaches and central sensitization. Electroacupunture (EA) is effective for this condition and modules some central nervous system (CNS) functions. CNS plasticity could be tracked in serum using the brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a neuroplasticity mediator. Objective: We tested the hypothesis that EA analgesia in CTTH would be related to neuroplasticity indexed by the BDNF. Patients and methods: We enrolled females aging 18-60 with CTTH in a randomized, blinded, placebo-controlled crossover trial, comparing ten EA sessions applied during 30 minutes (2-10 Hz, intensity by tolerance) in cervical and autonomic areas twice per week, vs. placebo-sham (PS). Treatment periods were separated by two washout weeks. Pain on the 10 cm visual analog scale (VAS) and serum BDNF were assessed as primary outcomes. Results: Thirty-four subjects underwent randomization, twenty-nine completed the protocol. VAS during EA period was lower than during PS (2.38±1.77, 3.02±2.49 respectively, P=0.005). VAS differed according to intervention sequence demonstrating carry-over effect (P<0.05). Using multiple regression serum BDNF was adjusted for the Hamilton depression rating scale (HDRS) and VAS (r-squared=0.07, standard β coefficients=-0.2, -0.14, respectively; omnibus-test P<0.001). At the end of the first intervention period the adjusted BDNF was higher in the EA cohort (29.31±3.24, 27.53±2.94 ng/mL, Cohen´s d= 0.55). Conclusion: EA analgesia may relate to neuroplasticity indexed by the adjusted BDNF. EA modulation on pain and BDNF depends on the situation of the CNS, as is related to depression and depends on the timing of the intervention.

Dissertation submitted in partial compliance with the requirements for a Masters Degree in Technology: Chiropractic, Durban University of Technology, 2009. / Headaches are one of the most common clinical conditions in medicine, and 80% of these are tension-type headaches (TTH). TTH has a greater socioeconomic impact than any other type of headache due to its prevalence. Within the TTH category, episodic TTH are more prevalent than chronic TTH. The mainstay in the treatment of TTH are simple analgesics and NSAIDs. Unless contraindicated, NSAIDs are often the most effective treatment for ETTH. However patients suffering with TTH tend to relate their headaches to increased muscle stiffness in the neck and shoulders and thus the non-pharmacological treatment of ETTH could be directed at the associated musculoskeletal components of ETTH. It is therefore proposed that the Kinesio Taping® Method may have an effect in the treatment of the muscular component of ETTH. Method: This study was a prospective randomised clinical trial with two intervention groups (n=16) aimed at determining the relative effectiveness of a NSAID and the Kinesio Taping® Method in the treatment of ETTHs. The patients were treated at 5 consultations over a 3 week period. Feedback was obtained using the: NRS – 101, the CMCC Neck Disability Index and a Headache Diary. Results: The Headache Diary showed a reduction in the presence and number, mean duration and pain intensity of ETTH in both groups. These treatment effects were sustained after the cessation of treatment with the exception of mean pain intensity in the Kinesio Taping® Method group. The mean NRS score decreased in both groups but at a slightly faster rate in the Kinesio Taping® Method group. The CMCC showed an improvement in the functional ability of the patients in both groups. Conclusion: There seems to be no significant difference in the relative effectiveness of the treatment modalities. We can thus state that the overall short-term reduction in symptomatology supports the use of NSAIDs or Kinesio Taping® Method in the treatment of ETTH.

Dissertation submitted in partial compliance with the requirements for the Masters Degree in Technology: Chiropractic, Durban University of Technology, 2010. / The 1 year overall prevalence of Episodic Tension-Type Headache (ETTH) is 38.3%; with lifetime prevalence at 46% for TTH. Little literature exists to support the effectiveness of spinal manipulation in the treatment of ETTH. Therefore aim of this study was to determine the relative effectiveness of cervical spine manipulation and a Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) (Ibuprofen®) in the treatment of ETTH. Method: This study was a prospective randomised clinical trial with two intervention groups (N=32, n1=16 and n2=16). The allocation of participants to the two groups was completed by means of simple randomization. Group one were treated using cervical spine manipulation. Group two were treated using Ibuprofen. Subjective measurements included the Numerical Rating Scale 101 Questionnaire (NRS-101), Short Form McGill Pain Questionnaire (SF-MPQ), CMCC Neck Disability Index (CMCC) and Headache Diary. A p value <0.05 was considered as statistically significant. Results: The subjective measurements of the NRS-101, SF-MPQ and CMCC showed a significant time effect in both treatment groups. Several of the subjective Headaches Diary outcomes followed this trend with significant time effect in both groups. There was a significant treatment effect for the NRS-101. Several subject outcomes from the Headache Diary showed a significant treatment effect in favour of manipulation, namely frequency and duration of headaches. Conclusion: The findings in this study have shown that cervical spine manipulation is more effective than Ibuprofen® for the treatment of ETTH in terms of several subjective outcomes namely: pain intensity (NRS-101), and the frequency and the duration of headache per day.

Mémoire numérisé par la Division de la gestion de documents et des archives de l'Université de Montréal.

Bakgrund och syfte: Huvudvärk av spänningstyp (HST) är vanligt förekommande. Det finns oklarheter avseende både dess patofysiologi och olika behandlingars effekt. Syftet med denna studie var att beskriva och utvärdera effekten av en individuellt anpassad beteendemedicinsk behandling i fysioterapi för patienter med HST. Metod: En single-case studie med A1-A2-B-A3-design av tre patienter med HST genomfördes. Utfallsvariabler var huvudvärksfrekvens (antal dagar med huvudvärk), huvudvärksindex (medelintensitet), konsumtion av smärtlindrande medicin, tro på sin förmåga avseende kontroll av huvudvärken, samt upplevd påverkan av huvudvärken på funktion i vardagsaktiviteter och på glädje i aktiviteter med familj och vänner. Resultat: Tro på sin förmåga avseende kontroll av huvudvärken ökade markant för 2 av 3 patienter. Huvudvärksfrekvens och huvudvärksindex minskade markant för en av patienterna. En av patienterna svarade först inte alls på behandlingen, men blev mycket bättre inför den sista uppföljningen avseende huvudvärksindex och funktion och glädje i aktiviteter. Diskussion och konklusion: Ett beteendemedicinskt förhållningssätt i behandling som grundar sig på funktionell beteendeanalys kan vara ett sätt att som fysioterapeut hantera patienter med HST. HST är en vid diagnosgrupp och det verkar då logiskt att behandlingen bör anpassas individuellt för att få bästa effekt. / Background and aim: Tension-type headache (TTH) is common. There are uncertainties regarding both the pathophysiology and the effect of treatments. The aim of this study was to describe and evaluate the effect of an individually tailored behavioural medicine treatment in physiotherapy, based on a functional behavioural analysis. Method: A single-case study with A1-A2-B-A3-design of three patients with TTH was performed. Outcome variables were headache frequency (days with headache), headache index (mean intensity), consumption of analgesics, headache management self-efficacy (HMSE), disability and feelings of loss of happiness in activities with family and friends. Results: HMSE increased markedly for 2 of 3 patients. Headache frequency and headache index decreased for one of the patients. One of the tree patients did not first respond to treatment but was much better before the last follow-up regarding headache index, disability and loss of happiness. Discussion and conclusion: A behavioural medicine treatment in physiotherapy based on a functional behavioural analysis can be a way for physiotherapists to handle patients with TTH. Since the diagnosis TTH is heterogenic it seems logical that the treatment should be individually tailored.

Mémoire numérisé par la Division de la gestion de documents et des archives de l'Université de Montréal

Tension-Type Headache (TH) is highly prevalent and associated with significant personal and social cost. The causes of TH are unclear, precluding optimal treatment or prevention at present. Stress is a well-documented correlate and trigger of TH activity, however the causal significance has not been experimentally demonstrated to date. Similarly, the mechanisms by which stress contributes to TH, if in fact it does, are not clearly understood. Findings of increased pain sensitivity in TH sufferers suggests TH pathophysiology may involve dysfunction in peripheral and/or central nervous system processing of pain. Studies on animals and healthy humans demonstrate that stress can increase pain sensitivity by affecting peripheral and central pain mechanisms proposed as dysfunctional in TH. It has therefore been proposed that stress may contribute to TH through aggravating already increased pain sensitivity in TH sufferers. However, this hypothesis has not been adequately examined in TH sufferers to date. Addressing the above issues, the present project conducted seven studies examining relationships between stress, pain sensitivity, and headache activity in TH sufferers. The aim was to test the hypothesis that stress contributes to TH by aggravating already increased pain sensitivity in TH sufferers. Studies 1 and 2 demonstrated increased general arousal and complex temporal relationships between general arousal and headache activity in the natural environment in Episodic TH (ETH) sufferers. In Study 3, experimentally induced stress of brief duration increased pressure pain sensitivity at the head in Chronic TH (CTH) sufferers more than in healthy controls. Study 4 found CTH sufferers to have increased levels of daily stress, increased pericranial muscle tenderness, and reduced pain thresholds, which were inter-related. Both daily stress and pain sensitivity were predictive of prospective daily headache activity. In Study 5, an experimental model demonstrated that stress-induced headache was associated with stress-induced increase in pericranial muscle tenderness and reduction in pressure pain thresholds at head and hand. Additionally, induced stress reduced pain tolerance and increased pain intensity ratings to cold pressor more in TH sufferers than in healthy controls (Study 7). Finally, TH sufferers were found to have abnormal temporal summation of pressure pain and impaired noxious inhibition of temporal summation compared to healthy controls, however neither temporal summation nor noxious inhibition of temporal summation were affected by induced stress (Study 6). Together, the results support the hypotheses: 1) Stress contributes to both ETH and CTH, and 2) Stress contributes to CTH through aggravating already increased pain sensitivity in CTH sufferers. Impaired pain inhibition and increased wind-up may be underlying abnormalities contributing to increased pain sensitivity in CTH sufferers.

Dissertation submitted in partial compliance with the requirements for a Master's Degree in Technology: Chiropractic, Durban University of Technology, 2010. / Forward head posture (FHP) is a common postural abnormality, often associated with myofascial trigger points which can result in head and neck pain. The craniovertebral (CV) angle lies between a horizontal line running through C7 spinous process and a line connecting C7 spinous process to the tragus of the ear. The smaller the angle the greater the FHP. Cervical musculoskeletal abnormalities have often been linked to headache types, most especially episodic tension-type headache (ETTH) and cervicogenic headaches (CGH). Objectives: To determine whether an association exists between FHP, distance of the external auditory meatus (EAM) from the plumbline and cervical range of motion and the presentation of ETTH and CGH. Method: This was a quantitative comparative study (n=60) comparing three equal groups, one with ETTH, CGH and healthy controls. The FHP of the Subjects FHP was assessed by measuring the CV angle. A lateral digital photograph was taken to assess the distance of the external auditory meatus from the plumbline. Lastly, cervical range of motion was measured. The two symptomatic groups also received a headache diary for a fourteen day period monitoring frequency, intensity and duration of their headaches. Result: The two symptomatic groups had a smaller CV angle and a greater distance from the plumbline (p<0.05) than the asymptomatic group. The asymptomatic group had a significantly greater flexion (p=0.009), extension (p=0.038) and left rotation (p=0.018) range of motion than the two symptomatic groups. The CGH group had a significant positive correlation between the distance of the EAM from the plumbline and the intensity of headaches. The ETTH group had a significant positive correlation between the right craniovertebral angle and the mean duration of headaches. Conclusion: Therefore, it can be concluded that patients presenting with ETTH and/or CGH may have associated postural abnormalities that may act as a trigger or a contributory factor to the presenting headache. / Durban University of Technology