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Journal: International Journal of Medical Science and Advanced Clinical Research (IJMACR) Date: 2026/03, 9(2):Pages: 1–14, type of study: randomized controlled trial

Free full text   (https://www.ijmacr.com/issue/pagedata/2157/Effect-of-Strain-Counter-Strain-versus-Mckenzie-Exercise-on-Pain-and-Disability-in-Subjects-with-Mechanical-Neck-Pain-)

Keywords:

cervical spine [304]
McKenzie exercise [1]
neck pain [175]
randomized controlled trial [906]
strain and counterstrain [32]
strain counterstrain [31]

Abstract:

Background and Objectives: Mechanical Neck Pain (MNP) is a common musculoskeletal disorder characterized by pain in the cervical region, significantly impacting daily function and quality of life. Among various interventions, Strain Counter Strain (SCS) and McKenzie exercises are used to manage MNP, but there is limited evidence comparing their effectiveness. The objective of this study was to compare the effect of Strain Counter Strain versus McKenzie exercise on pain and disability in individuals with mechanical neck pain. Methods: Quasi Experimental Study Design. This study includes 74 subjects who have clinically diagnosed with Mechanical Neck Pain were randomly allocated into 2 groups. In group A (37) subjects were treated with Strain Counter Strain along with conventional therapy whereas Group B (n=37) received McKenzie exercises along with conventional therapy. Participants were treated for 3 sessions per week for 4 weeks. The outcome measures of this intervention were measured in terms of VAS for pain, Neck disability index (NDI) for disability. Results: The independent “t” test was used to compare the mean significant difference between pre and post test scores. Paired “t” test was used to assess the statistical significance difference between pre and post test score. Statistical Analysis of the data revealed that both groups showed significant improvement in parameters when compared within groups. Where as in between groups comparison Strain Counter Strain along with conventional therapy showed better improvement in reducing pain and disability compared to the McKenzie exercise with conventional therapy. Conclusion: After 4 weeks of intervention both Strain Counter Strain along with conventional therapy and McKenzie exercise along with conventional therapy showed significant improvement in reducing Pain and improving Disability in subjects with mechanical neck pain. However, Strain Counter Strain along with conventional therapy was found to be more effective when compared to McKenzie exercise along with conventional therapy. From the findings of the current study, Strain Counter Strain can be opted as treatment of choice for the management of subjects with Mechanical neck pain.

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