New Research Links Breathing Techniques and Neck Pain Reduction
If you're experiencing neck pain, you're familiar with how it limits your movement and disrupts everyday tasks. At Hollstrom & Associates Inc, 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 lower 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 decreasing muscle tension and promoting better posture awareness.
A separate study looked at patients with forward head posture—increasingly prevalent due to smartphone and computer use. The findings suggested that rehabilitation programs that incorporate breathing techniques may help lower chronic neck pain in these individuals. (2) When your head shifts forward from its natural alignment, it creates 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
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 Hollstrom & Associates Inc we often call it 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 done 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 evaluate whether they're appropriate for your particular situation and show you the correct methods at your next appointment.
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