Background

Neck Pain is the 4^th highest Musculoskeletal Condition in the General Population. The Prevalence of neck pain is 352 per 100,000 population and the incidence rate is 806.6. It Is Generally Higher in Females and Middle Age Group people. About two-thirds of people experience neck pain in middle age because of prolonged use of mobile and computer devices, without any physical activity. It is primarily caused by postural or mechanical basis.

Need of study

Previous studies have shown significant effect of PNF and Semispinalis cervicis training on mechanical neck pain. However, to the best of my knowledge there is no study available which shows that among these intervention which one provides better outcome. Therefore our need of the study is to identify the effect of PNF and semispinalis cervicis training on pain tolerance and functional disability in mechanical neck pain.

Aim of study

The aim of the study is to Compare the effect of PNF versus semispinalis cervicis training on pain and function in mechanical neck pain.

METHODOLOGY

In this study, Mechanical Neck Pain patients will be screened first and those fulfilling the inclusion criteria of our study will be selected. The written consent will be signed from the patient to ensure that they are willingly participating in the study. The consent shall be taken before commencement of the study. The participants will be explained about the study procedures. The patients will be randomly divided into two groups (A and B) of equal participants i.e. 25 Patients in each group using block randomization method. Then, the baseline assessments of pain and functional disability will be done.

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Protocol for Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation:

The patient was in sitting position and the therapist stands behind the patient. The movement is performed by the patient with the help of therapist on the neck pattern 

(a) Cranio-cervical extension with left rotation, (b) Cranio-cervical flexion with right rotation, (c) Cranio-cervical flexion with left rotation, (d) Cranio-cervical extension with a right rotation, these movements are combination of isotonic, dynamic reversal, and contract relaxation. Each pattern is performed for 10 repetitions with 10 min. Hold each stretch for 30 seconds, a 10-second push phase followed by 10-second relaxation phases. The treatment was given thrice a week for four weeks.

Protocol for Semispinalis Cervicis training:

The patients sitting on a stool without a backrest with a hip knee flexed 90 degrees and feet placed on the floor and the therapist stands on the side of the patient. The therapist placed the thumb and index finger on the posterior vertebral arch of C2.and pushed gently into flexion while the opposite hand stabilized the patient shoulder. Patient was asked to resist maximum voluntary contraction in the direction of extension without provocation of neck pain. The exercise was performed 10 minutes per set with 3 sets per day, hold resistance 10 sec, and 30 sec rest was allowed. Treatment to be performed for 10 min. The treatment was given thrice a week for four weeks.