Background: Although numerous previously published studies have dealt with various therapeutic modalities for treatment of patients with Mechanical Neck Pain (MNP) and Forward Head Posture (FHP), its management still raises many controversies.

Objectives: To examine and compare between the effects of Suboccipital Release (SOR) technique and sub occipital Muscle Energy Technique (MET) on patients with MNP and FHP.

Subjects and Methods: Thirty-six patients with MNP and FHP aged from 20-40 years were randomly assigned into three groups: Group A (study): 12 patients received SOR and traditional physical therapy, Group B (study): 12 patients received MET and traditional physical therapy, and Group C (control): 12 patients received the traditional physical therapy treatment only (hot packs and Kendel exercises). Interventions were conducted three times a week for four weeks. Craniovertebral angle (CVA) using Photographic Posture Analysis Method (surgimap software), pain intensity using Numeric pain Rating Scale (NPRS), Cervical ROM using Smartphone Clinometer application, and neck functional ability using Neck Disability Index (NDI) were assessed for all participants before and after the treatment program.

Result: There was no significant difference between groups pre-treatment (p > 0.05). Comparison between groups post treatment revealed a significant improvement in NDI and NPRS in group B compared with that of group A and group C (p < 0.05), and a significant decrease in NDI and NPRS of group A compared with that of group C (p < 0.01). While there was no significant difference in ROM between groups, and no significant difference between group A and B regarding CVA post treatment (p > 0.05).