Comparative Efficacy of Mulligan’s SNAG Technique and Maitland Mobilisation on Pain and Cervical Range of Motion in College Students With Non-Specific Upper Cervical Neck Pain

Abstract

Background. Non-specific upper cervical neck pain is common among college students due to prolonged screen time, poor posture, and academic stress, impacting daily function and quality of life. Manual therapy techniques such as Mulligan’s Sustained Natural Apophyseal Glides (SNAG) and Maitland mobilisation are frequently used to alleviate symptoms and improve cervical range of motion (ROM). Aim. To evaluate and compare the effects of Mulligan’s SNAG technique and Maitland mobilisation on pain and cervical range of motion in college students with upper cervical neck pain. Methods. This experimental study involved 50 college students (aged 18–28 years) with non-specific upper cervical pain, randomly divided into two groups. Group A received Mulligan’s SNAG with moist heat, and Group B received Maitland mobilisation with moist heat. Interventions were administered on alternate days for three weeks (nine sessions). Pain and cervical ROM were assessed pre-and post-intervention using the Numerical Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) and a universal goniometer. Results. Intragroup analysis showed significant reductions in pain (Group A: mean NPRS score 6.40 to 3.16; Group B: mean NPRS 6.68 to 3.08; p < 0.001) and improvements in right and left cervical rotation ROM (p < 0.001). However, intergroup analysis showed no significant differences post intervention in pain or ROM (p > 0.05). Conclusion: Both Mulligan’s SNAG and Maitland mobilisation are equally effective in reducing pain and improving cervical ROM in college students with non-specific upper cervical pain.