Effects of Progressive Muscular Relaxation Exercises Vs Yoga on Tension Headache: A Comparative Study

Background - Tension headaches are more common in the global population and stress is one of the major triggering factors causing it. Yoga and relaxation techniques are considered to be helpful in reduction of tension headaches. Aim The aim of the study is to compare the effects of Progressive Muscular Relaxation and Yoga in treating tension headaches. Methods Thirty subjects diagnosed to have Tension Headache according to the International Headache Society Criteria II were included in this study. Group A was allowed to do Yoga for two months and Group B did Progressive Muscular Relaxation for two months. And VAS, McGill pain Questionnaire, HIT were used as outcome measures to evaluate headaches before and after the treatment. Results There was a significant improvement in reduction of Tension Headaches after Yoga when comparing the results with Progressive Muscular Relaxation. Conclusion The study results suggests that Yoga plays a more vital role in treatment for Tension Type headaches in comparison with PMR. And further larger studies are required to substantiate its role with other approaches.