Effect of Integrated Neuromuscular Inhibition Technique on Patients With Non-Specific Neck Pain

Non-specific mechanical neck pain (NSNP) is a common musculoskeletal condition that causes neck pain, reduced movement, and difficulty performing daily activities. Manual therapy techniques are frequently used to manage this condition; however, evidence regarding the combined use of Integrated Neuromuscular Inhibition Technique (INIT) and cervical mobilization remains limited. This randomized controlled trial aims to compare the effectiveness of INIT combined with cervical mobilization versus cervical mobilization with conventional physiotherapy in adults with non-specific mechanical neck pain. Forty-two participants aged 30-60 years will be allocated to one of two treatment groups. The experimental group will receive INIT, consisting of muscle energy technique, strain-counterstrain, and ischemic compression, in addition to cervical mobilization. The control group will receive cervical mobilization with conventional physiotherapy modalities. Both groups will receive five treatment sessions. The primary outcomes are pain intensity, neck-related disability, and cervical range of motion. Outcomes will be assessed before treatment and after completion of the intervention using the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS), Neck Disability Index (NDI), and cervical range of motion measurements. The findings of this study are expected to determine whether adding INIT to cervical mobilization provides greater improvements in pain, cervical mobility, and functional ability than conventional physiotherapy alone, thereby supporting evidence-based management of non-specific mechanical neck pain.

Inclusion Criteria: * Adults aged 30 to 60 years. * Clinical diagnosis of non-specific mechanical neck pain. * Neck pain duration of less than 6 months. * Painful cervical extension and rotation. * Negative Sharp-Purser test. * Negative vertebral artery insufficiency test. * No history of whiplash injury. * Able and willing to provide written informed consent and comply with the study protocol Exclusion Criteria: * Specific causes of neck pain (e.g., fracture, infection, tumor, inflammatory disease, or cervical myelopathy). * History of cervical spine surgery. * Positive Sharp-Purser test or vertebral artery insufficiency test. * History of whiplash injury. * Neurological disorders affecting the cervical spine or upper extremities. * Pregnancy. * Receipt of physiotherapy or manual therapy for neck pain within the previous 4 weeks. * Any medical condition that would prevent safe participation in the intervention or outcome assessment.