Comparative Effectiveness of the McKenzie Method versus Muscle Energy Technique on Pain and Disability in Administrative Health Workers with Non-Specific Neck Pain: A Single-Blinded Randomized Experimental Study

Background Neck pain is highly prevalent among administrative health workers, owing to prolonged sedentary, screen-based work. The McKenzie Method and Muscle Energy Technique (MET) are widely used, yet direct comparisons in this population are scarce. Method In this single-blinded, randomized experimental study, 94 administrative health workers were screened, and 68 aged 30–50 years with non-specific neck pain were allocated, using sealed envelopes, to the McKenzie Method (n = 34) or MET (n = 34). Both groups received supervised sessions three times weekly for seven weeks. A blinded assessor measured pain with the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and disability with the Neck Disability Index (NDI) at baseline and at week seven. Results The groups were comparable at baseline. Both interventions produced significant improvements (p < 0.001). Mean VAS fell by 2.71 points with the McKenzie Method versus 1.06 with MET, and mean NDI fell by 9.79 versus 4.15 points. At week seven, the McKenzie group had lower VAS (median 4.0 versus 5.0; p < 0.001) and lower NDI (mean difference 6.88 points; 95% CI 4.87–8.90; p < 0.001). Conclusion Both approaches relieved pain and disability, but the McKenzie Method yielded substantially greater improvements and may be preferred for rehabilitating neck pain in this occupational group.