New Research Links Breathing Techniques and Neck Pain Reduction
If you're experiencing neck pain, you know how it can interfere with work, sleep, and the activities you enjoy. Chiropractic care at Shoreline Medical Services/ Hutter Chiropractic Office focuses on improving structural issues causing neck pain, and emerging research suggests 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 analyzed 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 completely understood, researchers believe these exercises may assist by reducing muscle tension and pushing better posture awareness.
Another study focused specifically on patients with forward head posture—a common issue in our screen-dominated society. This research showed that rehabilitation programs incorporating breathing interventions showed promise for handling chronic neck pain in this population. (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
Chiropractic care has established evidence for addressing various neck conditions. For example, research has documented successful treatment of cervical disc herniation with radiculopathy using flexion distraction decompression manipulation. (3) (At Shoreline Medical Services/ Hutter Chiropractic Office 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 puts forth 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 cure-all approach.
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.
CONTACT Shoreline Medical Services/ Hutter Chiropractic Office
