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. At Old Mill Chiropractic, we address the mechanical causes of neck pain through chiropractic treatment, and new studies demonstrate that breathing exercises can serve as a valuable complement to hands-on care.
WHAT THE RESEARCH SHOWS
A 2025 systematic review and meta-analysis published in the Journal of Clinical Medicine analyzed the effectiveness of breathing exercises for neck pain management. The study found that breathing exercises can help reduce pain intensity and improve function in patients with neck pain. (1) While the mechanisms are not fully understood, researchers believe these exercises may help by reducing muscle tension and pushing better posture awareness.
|Additional research targeted forward head posture, a widespread problem in today's digital age. Results displayed that combining breathing exercises with rehabilitation efforts could help those suffering from long-term neck pain related to this postural issue. (2) When your head shifts forward from its natural alignment, it puts extra stress on the muscles, ligaments, and joints of the neck, and correcting your breathing mechanics may help reduce this burden.
INTEGRATING MULTIPLE TREATMENT APPROACHES
Research supports the utilization of chiropractic care for a range of neck-related conditions. For example, research has documented successful treatment of cervical disc herniation with radiculopathy using flexion distraction decompression manipulation. (3) (At Old Mill Chiropractic we often refer to it as Cox® Technic!) Breathing exercises do not replace 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 are a low-risk addition 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 singular answer.
To explore adding breathing exercises to your care at Old Mill Chiropractic, let's talk about how they might fit your individual needs and we'll demonstrate the proper form during an upcoming session.
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