Publisher's Synopsis
Mechanical neck pain is generalized neck pain evoked by sustained neck movements, neck postures with 30%-50% of general population affected and middle aged population have high prevalence of this type of neck pain. It is insidious in origin and is usually multifactorial which includes the causes of neck strain, poor neck posture, depression, anxiety, occupational or sporting activities, increased usage of computers and mobile phones (Binder et al., 2007). Functional limitations caused by pain in the cervical region due to prolonged computer/mobile usage, poor neck posture, is associated with decreased activation of deep cervical muscles (longus colli, longus capitis, rhomboids) and increased activation of superficial cervical muscles (scalene, sternocleidomastoid muscles, levator scapulae etc) (Nikander et al., 2006). During prolong computer usage, increase in the neck flexion and thoracic flexion may enhance the risk of work related mechanical neck pain by surging the posture-stabilizing muscle tension and escalating the compressive pressure on the cervical spine and thoracic spine articulations which could be due to decrease in the muscle fibre length which accords to the extensor torque of both cervical and thoracic spine. (Ariëns et al., 2001). Among Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF) basic techniques and techniques of emphasis, hold relax is the most commonly used technique to improve pain, increase joint range of motion of various musculoskeletal condition. PNF technique stimulates exteroceptors as well as myoreceptors, triggers neurophysiological changes and also promotes motor-skill memory (Lee et al., 2013). Yogic practice as a science includes culture of mind, body and spirit. Ardhmatsyendrasana also called as Half Lord of the Fishes Pose or Seated Twist Pose which includes both stretching and strengthening of upper trunk muscles. Yoga has been found effective in cases with chronic low back pain (Posadzki et al., 2011, Sherman et al., 2011) and other chronic pain cases. Iyengar yoga was found to be more feasible for pain related conditions (Crow et al, . 2015).
