Comparison of the Effectiveness of Motor Imagery Exercises and Suboccipital Myofascial Release Techniques in Nonspecific Chronic Neck Pain

The aim of this three-group randomized controlled study is to investigate the effectiveness of MI and SMR interventions on pain, proprioception, quality of life, disability, and ROM parameters in individuals aged 18-50 with NSCNP. The primary research questions it seeks to answer are as follows: Do MI exercises, when applied in addition to active exercise, lead to changes in pain, proprioception, and kinesiophobia in individuals with NSCNP? Does the suboccipital myofascial release technique, when applied in addition to active exercise, lead to changes in pain, proprioception, and kinesiophobia in individuals with NSCNP? Participants will be randomly assigned to one of three groups to compare the MI and SMR techniques.

Inclusion Criteria: * Having an MIQ-3 score that is at most two standard deviations above or below the mean, * Having a Dizziness Handicap Inventory score below 20, * Having a diagnosis of NSCNP Exclusion Criteria: * Wiplash, * Pregnancy, * Neoplasia, * Infectious or inflammatory disorders, * Specific neck pain resulting from traumatic events involving bone fractures or neck injuries, * Osteoarthritic changes, * Positive neurological signs or evidence of spinal compression, * Neck pain associated with vertigo, * Cervical surgeries, * Acute headache, * Headaches occurring prior to the onset of neck pain and headaches of non-cervical origin