EFFECT OF SUBOCCIPITAL PRESSURE RELEASE TECHNIQUE ON PAIN SENSTIVITY HYPERACTIVATION OF UPPER TRAPEZIUS AND SCALENE MUSCLES HEAD REPOSITIONING ACCURACY QUALITY OF SLEEP AND QUALITY OF LIFE IN PATIENT WITH CHRONIC NECK PAIN- A RANDOMIZED CONTROL TRIAL

Need for the Study

Chronic neck pain significantly affects daily activities and overall quality of life. Conventional treatments, such as medications and general physiotherapy, often offer only temporary relief. Manual therapy techniques like suboccipital pressure release have demonstrated potential benefits for pain relief and proprioceptive enhancement . However, more research is needed to determine their specific effects on pain, hyperactivation in the upper trapezius and scalene muscles, as well as their influence on cervical proprioception. This study aims to generate evidence-based findings that could enhance clinical treatment strategies.

Significant of the study

Chronic neck pain is a common musculoskeletal condition that leads to pain sensitivity, altered muscle activation, impaired proprioception, disturbed sleep and reduced quality of life. Hyperactivation of cervical and shoulder girdle muscles such as the upper trapezius and scalene muscles contributes to persistent pain and functional limitations. Impaired head repositioning accuracy reflects altered sensorimotor control, which further affects daily activities and postural stability.

Suboccipital pressure release technique is a manual therapy intervention widely used in physiotherapy practice to reduce myofascial tension and neuromuscular dysfunction in the cervical region. However, limited randomized controlled trials have evaluated its effects on multiple outcome domains including pain sensitivity, muscle hyperactivation, sensorimotor accuracy, sleep quality and quality of life in patients with chronic neck pain.

This randomized controlled trial aims to generate scientific evidence on the effectiveness of suboccipital pressure release technique by assessing both objective and subjective outcome measures. The findings of this study may support evidence based physiotherapy practice and help clinicians in selecting effective manual therapy interventions for the management of chronic neck pain. The results may also contribute to improved functional outcomes and overall quality of life in affected individuals.