The impact of muscle energy technique and aromatherapy on pain, disability, and sleep quality in office workers with nonspecific neck pain: randomized controlled study

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to look at the effects of muscular energy technique method and aromatherapy on pain levels and neck disability in office workers with nonspecific neck pain. METHODS: This study involved 45 women diagnosed with nonspecific neck pain. Participants were randomized into three groups: aromatherapy (n=15), muscle energy technique (n=15), and control (n=15). Outcome measures included Visual Analog Scale for pain, Neck Disability Index, and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. All measurements were conducted before and after the study. RESULTS: Neck pain, disability, and sleep quality improved in both the aromatherapy and muscle energy technique groups (p<0.001), with no significant between-group difference. In addition, both aromatherapy and muscle energy technique were significantly better at improving neck pain and sleep quality, and reducing neck disability when compared to the control group (p<0.017). CONCLUSION: This study provides evidence that both aromatherapy and muscle energy technique are safe and practical treatments, which are efficacious in the reduction of pain, disability, and sleep quality in nonspecific neck pain.