BACKGROUND: Chronic nonspecific neck pain is a common disorder that causes disability and reduced quality of life. Effective conservative treatment options are needed to manage this condition. OBJECTIVE: This randomized trial compared the efficacy of McKenzie exercises alone versus McKenzie plus cervical and scapulothoracic stabilization training for patients with chronic nonspecific neck pain. METHODS: A randomized controlled trial was conducted in an outpatient physical therapy clinic. 76 patients with chronic (> 3 months) neck pain were randomized to 6 weeks of either McKenzie exercises alone (n = 38) or McKenzie plus stabilization exercise (n = 38). The McKenzie protocol included posture correction, range of motion exercises, and lateral neck stretches. The stabilization program added targeted exercises for the neck and scapula. RESULTS: The combination of McKenzie plus stabilization exercises resulted in significantly greater reduction in current neck pain intensity compared to McKenzie alone at 6 weeks (mean difference -1.2 points on 0 to 10 scale, 95% CI -1.8 to -0.6; p < 0.001). Neck disability improved in both groups. Cervical range of motion also improved more with the addition of stabilization, except for extension. CONCLUSION: Adding specific cervical and scapulothoracic stabilization exercises to a standard McKenzie protocol led to clinically meaningful reductions in neck pain compared to McKenzie therapy alone in patients with chronic nonspecific neck pain. This combined approach can improve outcomes.

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