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Stream/Area:
-
Subject:
-
Paper ID:
IJSREM62832
Volume:
10 |
5 |
May 2026
Pages:
1-8
Publication Frequency:
Monthly (12 issues per year)
License:International Journal of Scientific Research in Engineering and Management follows the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 (CC BY 4.0) License, allowing free use and distribution with proper attribution.
Department of Physiotherapy
Teerthanker Mahaveer University, Moradabad, U.P., India
Department of Physiotherapy
Teerthanker Mahaveer University, Moradabad, U.P., India
Department of Physiotherapy
Teerthanker Mahaveer University, Moradabad, U.P., India
Neck pain is one of the most common musculoskeletal disorders worldwide and represents a major cause of disability affecting individuals across all age groups. The increasing prevalence of sedentary lifestyles, prolonged use of smartphones and computers, poor posture, occupational stress, and inadequate ergonomic practices has contributed significantly to the global burden of neck pain. Beyond physical discomfort, neck pain adversely affects psychological well-being, social participation, work productivity, and overall quality of life. Physiotherapy is widely recognized as a first-line conservative treatment approach for neck pain and focuses on evidence-based interventions aimed at pain reduction, restoration of mobility, improvement of functional capacity, and prevention of recurrence. This narrative review evaluates current evidence regarding physiotherapy management strategies for neck pain and discusses their clinical implications. Relevant literature was reviewed from databases including PubMed, Google Scholar, and the Cochrane Library. Evidence suggests that exercise therapy remains the cornerstone of physiotherapy management. Strengthening exercises targeting deep cervical flexor muscles, stretching of shortened musculature, and mobility exercises demonstrate substantial improvement in pain and functional outcomes. Manual therapy techniques such as joint mobilization, manipulation, and soft tissue release are also effective, especially when combined with exercise therapy. Electrotherapy modalities including transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), ultrasound, and interferential therapy (IFT) may provide temporary pain relief when used as adjunctive interventions. Postural correction and ergonomic modifications are essential in both treatment and prevention, particularly in individuals exposed to prolonged computer and smartphone use. Patient education and adherence to home exercise programs further contribute to successful long-term outcomes. Current evidence strongly supports a multimodal physiotherapy approach that integrates exercise therapy, manual therapy, ergonomic correction, and patient education. Early intervention and individualized rehabilitation strategies are crucial for reducing disability, improving quality of life, and preventing chronicity.
KEYWORDS
Neck pain is a highly prevalent musculoskeletal disorder that significantly affects physical function, work productivity, and quality of life. Physiotherapy remains an effective and evidence-based conservative treatment approach for managing neck pain. Current evidence strongly supports the use of multimodal physiotherapy interventions, including exercise therapy, manual therapy, ergonomic correction, postural retraining, and patient education. Exercise therapy, particularly deep cervical flexor strengthening and mobility exercises, forms the cornerstone of rehabilitation. Manual therapy provides additional benefits when combined with active exercise programs, while ergonomic interventions and posture correction help prevent recurrence. Early intervention, individualized rehabilitation programs, and active patient participation are key factors in achieving successful outcomes and reducing chronic disability associated with neck pain.
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Publication Date
5/8/2026
Peer Review Type
Double-Blind Peer Review
Review Rounds: 2
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