Effect of Muscle Energy Technique and Stabilization Exercise on Cervical Joint Position Sense in patients with chronic neck pain

Chronic neck pain is a complex condition characterized by discomfort that extends widely across the neck and shoulders, often accompanied by heightened sensitivity to pain even with a gentle touch.Individuals with this condition may struggle to accurately perceive the position of their neck joints, leading to difficulties in coordinating movements and maintaining proper posture. The sensory input from mechanoreceptors plays a crucial role in maintaining joint stability by providing feedback on changes in joint position. When there is abnormal sensory input from the cervical region, it can lead to a disruption in the perception of joint position, known as cervical joint position error (JPE).

Muscle Energy Technique (MET) stands as a method employed to tackle issues related to muscular tension, pain, and joint dysfunction, with the primary goal of augmenting the range of motion (ROM). This approach involves initiating muscle relaxation followed by stretching, thereby exerting an effect on both static and dynamic posture. The mechanism through which MET operates involves the activation of proprioceptive and interoceptive pathways.In a nutshell, Muscle Energy Technique (MET) is a therapeutic approach designed to alleviate muscular tension, pain, and joint dysfunction while simultaneously improving range of motion. By targeting proprioceptive pathways and actively engaging muscles, MET facilitates relaxation, stretching, and ultimately enhances joint motion and position sense.

The purpose of this research is to evaluate the effect of Muscle Energy Technique and Stabilization Exercise on joint position sense in chronic neck pain patients using digital inclinometer.