New Research Links Breathing Techniques and Neck Pain Reduction
For those dealing with neck pain, you understand how it can affect your daily activities and overall quality of life. Chiropractic care at Yorkville Chiropractic and Wellness Centre 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 improve function in patients with neck pain. (1) While the mechanisms are not completely understood, researchers believe these exercises may help by decreasing muscle tension and promoting 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 benefit those suffering from long-term neck pain related to this postural issue. (2) Forward head posture places additional strain on neck structures, and addressing breathing patterns may help offset some of these effects.
INTEGRATING MULTIPLE TREATMENT APPROACHES
Chiropractic treatment has a documented 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 Yorkville Chiropractic and Wellness Centre we often call it Cox® Technic!) Breathing exercises do not 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 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.
If breathing exercises sound like something you'd like to try, we can evaluate whether they're appropriate for your particular situation and teach you the correct methods at your next appointment.
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