Vojta / Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization in a Migraine Sufferer

Study Title: A Case Study Utilizing Vojta/Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization Therapy to Control Symptoms of a Chronic Migraine Sufferer
Authors: DD. Juehring & MR. Barber
Journal: Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies
Date: October 2011

• A relatively low level of evidence but a good read nonetheless. This recent case study published in the Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies described the use of the Vojta/Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization treatment strategy for chronic migraine symptoms in a 49-year old female. Hypothesized to be triggered via neural mechanisms, this type of headache has been described to be modulated supraspinally and often has been elusive to conventional treatment strategies. The specific treatment strategy reported was described (although not directly stated) to be via reflex stimulation of the breast zone in the first phase of reflex turning. For those of you who are unaware, the breast zone is located at the widest intercostal space between ribs 5-8, nearby the mamillary line. Subjective improvement was reported over the 12-week course of therapy via the Headache Disability Index and VAS pain scale measures, although there was no mention of any cognitive approach to care. Several other unsuccessful treatment strategies previously undertaken over the span of 20 years were mentioned, however, unfortunately no statements pertaining to follow up of this particular strategy could be found. Overall, I thought this was a good start to getting the efficacy of DNS in the English published literature, but I do recognize its limitations and that we still have a long way to go. In particular, I would like to see more advanced forms of DNS utilized in the literature, especially utilized in athletic populations, as well as published research with higher levels of evidence. That said, I myself have utilized this treatment approach in a variety of patients (athletic injuries, neurological pathologies, chronic pain, etc) often with very successful results, so I have no doubt of its positive effect on this 49-year old woman.

Juehring DD & Barber MR. (2011). A case study utilizing Vojta/Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization therapy to control symptoms of a chronic migraine sufferer. Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies, 15; 538-541