The goal of this observational study is to determine whether relaxation exercises performed before cranio-cervical flexion can reduce superficial neck muscle activation (specifically sternocleidomastoid and upper trapezius) in individuals with neck pain.
The main questions it aims to answer are:
* Does performing relaxation exercises prior to cranio-cervical flexion reduce sternocleidomastoid (SCM) muscle activation? * Does it reduce upper trapezius muscle activation during the standing?
Researchers will compare the group performing relaxation exercises before cranio-cervical flexion to the group performing only cranio-cervical flexion to see if there is a measurable difference in superficial neck muscle activation.
Participants will:
* Perform cranio-cervical flexion exercises. * Perform relaxation exercises prior to the cranio-cervical flexion (intervention group only). * Undergo surface EMG measurements to assess muscle activity.
Knowledge of Turkish
Chronic (at least three months) neck pain
Neck pain level of 4 or higher on a numerical pain scale
Neck pain caused by a tumor, trauma, or rheumatic disease
History of surgery involving the head, neck, shoulder, or thoracic region
Root compression
Regular use of painkillers due to another illness