Abstract
Purpose: Low reactive-level laser irradiation on the stellate ganglion (SGL) is one of the effective treatments for tension-type headaches. The SGL may have a relaxing effect of the cranial and cervical muscles via an improvement of the tissue circulation. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the change in blood flow and hardness of the trapezius muscle after SGL in tension-type headache patients. Methods: Sixteen tension-type headache patients were enrolled in this study. Trapezius muscle blood flow and hardness measured by near-infrared spectroscopy and a muscle hardness meter, respectively, were compared before and 5 min after SGL. Results: Total Hb significantly decreased after SGL when compared with the baseline (P<0.05). No changes in the tissue oxygenation index or muscle hardness were observed after the SGL. Conclusion: The SGL for tension-type headache patients may improve congestion of trapezius muscle tissue. However, it seemed that there was no relationship between muscle blood flow and muscle stiffness.
