New Research Links Breathing Techniques and Neck Pain Reduction

If neck pain is affecting your daily life, you understand how it can affect your daily activities and overall quality of life. While chiropractic care at Chiropractic Solutions addresses the structural issues of neck pain, new research suggests that breathing exercises may offer additional benefits as part of a comprehensive treatment approach.

WHAT THE RESEARCH SHOWS

A 2025 systematic review and meta-analysis published in the Journal of Clinical Medicine examined the effectiveness of breathing exercises for neck pain management. The study found that breathing exercises can help lower pain intensity and boost function in patients with neck pain. (1) While the mechanisms aren't fully understood, researchers believe these exercises may help by decreasing muscle tension and pushing better posture awareness.

Another study focused particularly on patients with forward head posture—a common issue in our screen-dominated society. This research showed that rehabilitation programs integrating breathing interventions showed promise for handling chronic neck pain in this population. (2) Forward head posture places more strain on neck structures, and addressing breathing patterns may help counteract some of these effects.

INTEGRATING MULTIPLE TREATMENT APPROACHES

Chiropractic treatment has a published track record of effectively addressing different types of neck problems. For example, research has documented successful treatment of cervical disc herniation with radiculopathy using flexion distraction decompression manipulation. (3) (At Chiropractic Solutions we often call it Cox® Technic!) Breathing exercises don't take the place of these manual therapy techniques but may complement them by addressing muscle tension and movement patterns between visits.

WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOUR CARE

The evidence suggests that breathing exercises offer a safe complement to neck pain treatment. They're simple to learn and can be performed at home without special equipment. However, it's important to have realistic expectations—breathing exercises are one component of care, not a standalone solution.

If breathing exercises sound like something you'd like to try, we can assess whether they're appropriate for your particular situation and show you the correct methods at your next appointment.

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