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. Chiropractic care at Johnson Chiropractic focuses on improving structural issues causing neck pain, and emerging research indicates that adding breathing exercises to your treatment plan may enhance your results.

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 are not completely understood, researchers believe these exercises may assist by decreasing muscle tension and pushing better posture awareness.

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

INTEGRATING MULTIPLE TREATMENT APPROACHES

Research supports the utilization of chiropractic care for a range of neck-related conditions. For example, research has reported successful treatment of cervical disc herniation with radiculopathy via flexion distraction decompression manipulation. (3) (At Johnson Chiropractic we often call it Cox® Technic!) Breathing exercises don't replace these manual therapy techniques but may add to their outcomes 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 done at home without special equipment. However, it's quite good to have realistic expectations—breathing exercises are one component of care, not a singular answer.

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

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