There have been a number of studies supporting the efficacy of spinal manipulation, the signature therapy of chiropractic care, for cervicogenic headache (CGH). Yet, there have been no large trials to identify the number of treatment visits to optimize effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of care. Our pilot studies were the first trials to investigate a dose-response relationship between the number of treatments with spinal manipulation (dose) and relief of CGH. The purpose of our study is to determine dose-response and cost-effectiveness of spinal manipulation provided by chiropractors for CGH. To accomplish this goal, Western States Chiropractic College and Northwestern Health Sciences University will conduct a 5-year multicenter randomized trial. The study protocol is designed to control attention and the laying on of hands. A total of 256 participants will be randomized to 4 treatment groups (n = 64/group). All participants will attend 18 sessions with a chiropractor: 3 visits per week for 6 weeks. All participants will receive treatment at each visit. The dose levels will be 0, 6, 12, or 18 sessions for manipulation or a light massage alternative. The primary specific aim is to determine the effect of the number of spinal manipulation treatments provided by a chiropractor for the care of chronic CGH on clinical outcomes and objective physical measures. The primary outcomes will be CGH pain and number. Outcomes will be evaluated at baseline, 6, 12, 18, 24, 39, and 52 weeks. The secondary specific aim is to determine the cost-effectiveness and cost-utility of the number of spinal manipulation treatments for the care of chronic CGH. The tertiary specific aim is to assess effects of expectations on outcomes using quantitative and qualitative methods. The study will be significant in that it will be the first fully powered trial to investigate optimal dose and cost- effectiveness of spinal manipulation for the care of headache, an important concern for the health of the public. It will provide high quality scientific evidence that will inform evidence-based treatment protocols for clinical practice, third-party payer reimbursement, and schedules of chiropractic care used in future trials on chronic headache. The study will be innovative in controlling/monitoring the doctor-patient encounter, using a protocol developed for randomized trials where participant/provider blinding is not feasible. A qualitative component will also add insight into the relationship of patient expectations with outcomes. The long-term goal is to conduct studies based on optimal care including a phase III trial of efficacy and comparative effectiveness.

Public Health Relevance

This study aims to determine optimal utilization of spinal manipulation provided by chiropractors for headache, a widespread and costly health problem. Findings could be used to the benefit of society in healthcare decision making by patients, providers, and payers.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Center for Complementary & Alternative Medicine (NCCAM)
Type
Research Project (R01)
Project #
5R01AT006330-02
Application #
8311664
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZAT1-SM (21))
Program Officer
Khalsa, Partap Singh
Project Start
2011-08-01
Project End
2016-05-31
Budget Start
2012-06-01
Budget End
2013-05-31
Support Year
2
Fiscal Year
2012
Total Cost
$691,804
Indirect Cost
$243,959
Name
Western States Chiropractic College
Department
Type
Organized Research Units
DUNS #
175437185
City
Portland
State
OR
Country
United States
Zip Code
97230
Haas, Mitchell; Bronfort, Gert; Evans, Roni et al. (2018) Dose-response and efficacy of spinal manipulation for care of cervicogenic headache: a dual-center randomized controlled trial. Spine J 18:1741-1754
Hanson, Linda; Haas, Mitchell; Bronfort, Gert et al. (2016) Dose-response of spinal manipulation for cervicogenic headache: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial. Chiropr Man Therap 24:23