Cervical strengthening and stabilization exercises in migraine management: A systematic review

Background Patients with migraine are frequently referred to physical therapy, particularly when neck pain is present or symptoms remain inadequately controlled with medical management. Cervical strengthening and stabilization exercises are commonly prescribed; however, the quality and consistency of supporting evidence remain unclear. This review evaluated the effectiveness and safety of cervical-focused exercise interventions for migraine. Methods A systematic search of nine medical and rehabilitation databases identified studies evaluating cervical or upper-body strengthening and stabilization interventions in individuals aged ≥14 years with migraine diagnosed according to International Classification of Headache Disorders criteria. Eligible studies reported headache or disability outcomes. Methodological quality and risk of bias were assessed using the Downs and Black Checklist, CARE guidelines, and Cochrane Risk of Bias 2 tool. Random-effects meta-analyses were performed for headache frequency, headache intensity, and migraine-related disability. Results Twelve studies met inclusion criteria, including five randomized controlled trials, three observational studies, one case report, and three conference abstracts. Interventions varied in duration, supervision, and comparators. Meta-analysis demonstrated a moderate, statistically significant improvement in migraine-related disability (SMD=0.69; 95% CI, 0.19–1.18; I 2 =70.7%). Effects for headache frequency (SMD=0.61; 95% CI, −0.25–1.47; I 2 =73.7%) and headache intensity (SMD=0.41; 95% CI, −0.35–1.18; I 2 =74.1%) were not statistically significant. Observational studies reported within-group improvements. Conclusions Cervical strengthening and stabilization exercises may have potential for improving migraine-related disability; however, current evidence remains insufficient to establish clear benefit for migraine prevention outcomes. Findings are based on very low to low certainty evidence, limited by risk of bias and substantial heterogeneity. Future research should prioritize adequately powered, multicenter randomized controlled trials with rigorous methodology and standardized reporting to determine whether these interventions provide clinically meaningful benefit for individuals with migraine. Registration: Prospero ID CRD420251051356.