There are some limitations in our study. The length of the observation period. The study should be repeated with a longer follow-up to confirm the findings and the longer term effects. The frequency of exercise was self-reported, so patients Clinical message
•• Stretching exercises of the neck and shoulder area can reduce pain, and improve neck function and quality of life of office workers.
•• Frequency of exercise ⩾3 times/week may correlate to the improvement of neck functions and quality of life.
•• The effect of stretching exercises could be detected as early as four weeks of treatment.