Musculoskeletal Impairment in Headaches Attributed to Rhinosinusitis

Neck pain, neck muscle weakness, and limited neck range of motion have been shown in individuals with sinus headaches. Individuals in this previous study self-diagnosed their sinus headaches. It is unknown whether or not individuals who have been diagnosed with sinus headaches according to diagnostic criteria also present with musculoskeletal impairments. The purpose of this study is to determine if musculoskeletal neck impairments are present in individuals diagnosed with headaches attributed to rhinosinusitis compared to people without headaches. Upper cervical range of motion can be measured using different tests. The side bend rotation test has been suggested as potentially more useful than the flexion rotation test in individuals with hyper-laxity, however, has not been examined in a symptomatic population. A secondary purpose is to compare the side bend rotation test to the cervical flexion rotation test in people with varying degrees of joint laxity.