Participants allocated to Group A will receive Muscle Energy Technique (MET) using the Post-Isometric Relaxation (PIR) method targeting the cervical musculature. The intervention will be administered by a licensed physiotherapist and will include treatment of the upper trapezius, levator scapulae, sternocleidomastoid, deep neck flexors, deep neck extensors, and scalene muscles.

For each muscle, the therapist will position the muscle at its initial resistance barrier and instruct the participant to perform a gentle isometric contraction (approximately 20-30% of maximal effort) against therapist resistance for 5-10 seconds, followed by complete relaxation. The therapist will then move the muscle to the new barrier and maintain the stretch for 10-15 seconds. This sequence will be repeated 3-5 times for each muscle group.

The treatment protocol includes:

Upper Trapezius: Side-bending of the cervical spine away from the affected side following isometric contraction.

Levator Scapulae:

Moist Hot Pack for 10 mins,TENS for 10 mins,Manual therapy for 5 mins,MET + SMC exercercises for neck

Participants will receive Post-Isometric Relaxation (PIR) techniques targeting the upper trapezius, levator scapulae, sternocleidomastoid, deep neck flexors, deep neck extensors, and scalene muscles. Each technique involves a gentle isometric contraction (5-10 seconds) followed by relaxation and stretching to a new barrier, repeated 3-5 times. Both groups will receive hot pack therapy (10 minutes), manual therapy (5 minutes), and MET. The intervention group will additionally receive Sensory Motor Control (SMC) training. Participants will undergo a structured SMC program including oculomotor exercises, head-eye coordination training, figure-of-eight tracking, gaze stability, and gaze-shifting exercises. The program is designed to improve cervical proprioception, postural control, movement accuracy, and range of motion while reducing pain and functional disability in individuals with chronic mechanical neck pain. Sessions will be supervised and progressed according to patient tolerance.

The Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) will be used to assess the intensity of neck pain experienced by participants. The NPRS is a valid, reliable, and widely used self-reported measure of pain intensity. Participants will be asked to rate their current neck pain on an 11-point scale ranging from 0 to 10, where 0 indicates "no pain" and 10 indicates "the worst pain imaginable."

Participants will select the number that best represents their average pain intensity over the preceding 24 hours. NPRS scores will be recorded at baseline and after completion of the intervention period. A reduction in NPRS score will indicate improvement in pain symptoms. The scale has demonstrated excellent reliability and responsiveness in individuals with musculoskeletal disorders, including chronic mechanical neck pain.

Scoring:

0 = No pain 1-3 = Mild pain 4-6 = Moderate pain 7-10 = Severe pain

Interpretation:

Lower scores indicate lower pain intensity, while higher scores indicate greater pain intensi

The Neck Disability Index (NDI) will be used to assess self-reported disability and functional limitations associated with chronic mechanical neck pain. The NDI is one of the most widely used, valid, and reliable questionnaires for evaluating neck-related disability in both clinical practice and research.

The questionnaire consists of 10 items that assess the impact of neck pain on daily activities, including pain intensity, personal care, lifting, reading, headaches, concentration, work, driving, sleeping, and recreation. Each item is scored on a 6-point scale (0-5), with higher scores indicating greater disability. The total score ranges from 0 to 50 points and can also be expressed as a percentage by multiplying the total score by two.

Participants will complete the NDI at baseline and after the intervention period. Changes in NDI scores will be used to determine the effectiveness of the treatment in improving functional status and reducing disability related to neck pain.

Scori