Effects of the craniocervical flexion and isometric neck exercise compared in patients with chronic neck pain: A randomized controlled trial

50 patients with chronic, nonspecific neck pain were randomized to an 8-week exercise program of either craniocervical flexion exercises or isometric neck exercises. Patients were assessed at 4 and 8 weeks after enrollment for outcomes of pain on a visual analog scale (VAS), the Neck Disability Index (NDI), and cervical range of motion in flexion-extension, lateral flexion, and rotation. Results demonstrated significant within-group improvement after 4 and 8 weeks in both groups for all of the above measures. The group treated with craniocervical flexion exercises demonstrated significantly lower pain and disability scores at 4 and 8 weeks when compared to the group treated with isometric neck exercises.