The Effect of Tissue Stretching and Release Strategies on Neck Muscles Fatigue and Pain Intensity in Office Workers Affected by Chronic Neck Pain: A Rater-Blind, Semi-Experimental Study.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Nonspecific chronic neck pain (ns-CNP) is a common cause of disability among office workers. However, the effectiveness of tissue release and stretching strategies in managing pain and fatigue of neck muscles in employees affected by ns-CNP has not been assessed.

METHODS

Thirty-nine employees who suffered from ns-CNP were randomly assigned to stretching, tissue release interventions or control group (n = 13). Neck pain and fatigue in neck extensors, upper trapezius, and sternocleidomastoid muscles were measured during 40 min of typing with a 45-degree head flexion at baseline and immediately after a 6-week intervention using visual analog scale and surface electromyography.

RESULTS

Pain significantly decreased after 6 weeks of both interventions (p < 0.05). There were no significant within-group differences for right cervical muscle fatigue in the intervention groups, but a significant difference was noted in the control group at the 25th and 40th minutes (p < 0.05). Additionally, a significant difference was observed between the release and control group at the 30th, 35th, and 40th minutes (p < 0.05). Left cervical muscle fatigue significantly decreased at the 25th and 40th minutes only for the release group (p < 0.05). A significant difference was observed between the release and control groups at the 40th minute for the right upper trapezius (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Only the stretching group showed a significant difference with the control in the left sternocleidomastoid at the 10th and 15th minutes, and the release group with the control in the last 5-min. Stretching and release interventions could control neck pain and muscle fatigue in the 45-degree head flexion position.