The aim of this study was to detect and compare the effect of a neuromuscular facilitation exercise (NFE) and traditional neck exercise therapy (TET) on treatment of patients with chronic non-specific neck pain (CNNP). Thirty-one patients (16 males and 15 females) with CNNP participated in this study. Patients were randomly assigned to three groups: group NFE (n= 11), group TET (n= 10) and a control group (n= 10). Ten therapeutic sessions were performed for treatment groups. Neck muscle strength was measured by an isometric neck muscle strength measurement device and neck pain was assessed by visual analogue scale (VAS). The strength of neck extensor and flexor muscles were improved up to 24.6% and 21.5% in NFE group and 13.8% and 11.1% in the TET group respectively. The mean percentage differences in pain were 78.1% in the NFE group and 31.3% in TET group. Only minor changes occurred in the control group (1.5%, 2.6% and 5.9%). NFE program used in this study appeared to be a more effective method than the other one to restore neck muscle strength and to reduce neck pain in patients with CNNP. The NFE program may be a useful method to reduce pain and disability in patients with non-specific neck pain.