1Professor, Musculoskeletal Sciences Department, Dr. D.Y. Patil College of Physiotherapy, Dr. D. Y. Patil Vidyapeeth, Pune. Email: seema.saini@dpu.edu.in
2Assistant Professor, Kinesiotherapy & Movement Sciences, Dr. D.Y. Patil College of Physiotherapy, Dr. D. Y. Patil Vidyapeeth, Pune. Email: khyati.khade@dpu.edu.in
3Post Graduate, Dr. D.Y. Patil College of Physiotherapy, Dr. D. Y. Patil Vidyapeeth, Pune. Email: jayantika.bhardwaj@gmail.com
4Post Graduate, Dr. D.Y. Patil College of Physiotherapy, Dr. D. Y. Patil Vidyapeeth, Pune. Email: 2000divyaraju@gmail.com
5Professor & Principal, Dr. D.Y. Patil College of Physiotherapy, Dr. D. Y. Patil Vidyapeeth, Pune. Email: principal.physio@dpu.edu.in
Background: A cervicogenic headache is a common and disabling condition originating from cervical spine structures, with substantial personal and economic consequences. This narrative review aims to outline the important relationship between cognitive-behavioral factors, CGH, guiding the role of psychological distress and neuroticism, further supporting the effectiveness of CBT's and pain neurophysiology education in rehabilitation.
Methods: A comprehensive literature searches up to October 2023 were conducted in Medline, PubMed, CINAHL, ISI, and IBSS. Studies were considered eligible if they included adults diagnosed with CGH, explored the relationship between pain and psychological or behavioral measures, and were published in English. The cognitive-behavioral assessment tools utilized in these studies to assess cognition and behavior included the PHQ-9, EMG biofeedback, HSCL-25, VAS, MIDAS, and CSI.
Results: This review synthesizes study data, highlighting the deep relationship between psychological discomfort, neuroticism, and CGH expression. Cognitive restructuring and behavioral approaches within CBT indicate success in lowering CGH symptoms, with long term effects on patients' overall quality of life. PNE appears as an important component, giving patients a better understanding of their condition and reducing pain catastrophizing. The biopsychosocial paradigm is integrated, with an emphasis on two critical factors in the treatment of CGH. Various cognitive-behavioral assessment tools demonstrated good reliability and validity when measuring cognitive and behavioral characteristics associated with CGH.
Conclusion: This narrative review has underlined how deeply cognitive and behavioral aspects affect CGH and approaches the need for an integrated mental and somatic view. The findings emphasize the need for further research in this direction and the creation of a complete neuropsychological diagnostic tool specifically for CGH patients. An approach that would ensure not only immediate symptom alleviation but also long-term improvement in patient well-being presents a holistic perspective for management of this complex condition.
Keywords: Cervicogenic headache, cognitive-behavioral factors, cognitive-behavioral therapy, pain neurophysiology education, biopsychosocial model, assessment tools, psychological distress, neuroticism, health related quality of life.
How to cite this article: Saini S, Khade K, Bhardwaj J, Raju D, Palekar TJ. Cognitive Behaviour Assessment in Cervicogenic headache: A Narrative Review. Int J Drug Deliv Technol. 2026;16(3): 355-363. DOI: 10.25258/ijddt.16.3.40
Source of support: Nil.
Conflict of interest: None