Abstract: Chronic neck pain is a common chronic musculoskeletal disorder. Research on neck muscle fatigue contributed to the understanding the pathogenesis of chronic neck pain. The influences caused by the neck muscle fatigue, such as the change of cervical proprioception and balance, could easily lead to chronic injury. Changes in morphology and recruitment strategy of cervical muscle could decrease muscle endurance, which bring about further damage. Targeted therapy and training can relieve muscle fatigue, improve muscle function, and reduce the recurrence rate. Surface electromyography has unique advantages in the evaluation of cervical muscle fatigue. The assessment of muscle fatigue could provide for assistance to the treatment and curative effect of chronic neck pain.

Key words: chronic neck pain, muscle fatigue, endurance, review