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.