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. At Cox Chiropractic Medicine Inc, we address the mechanical causes of neck pain through chiropractic treatment, and new studies show that breathing exercises can serve as a valuable complement to hands-on care.

WHAT THE RESEARCH SHOWS

A 2025 study in the Journal of Clinical Medicine assessed multiple clinical trials to assess whether breathing exercises effectively lower neck pain. 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 completely understood, researchers believe these exercises may help by reducing muscle tension and promoting better posture awareness.

|Additional research targeted forward head posture, an extensive problem in today's digital age. Results displayed that combining breathing exercises with rehabilitation efforts could help those suffering from long-term neck pain linked 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 via flexion distraction decompression manipulation. (3) (At Cox Chiropractic Medicine Inc 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 puts forth that adding breathing exercises to your care plan carries minimal risk. 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.

To explore adding breathing exercises to your care at Cox Chiropractic Medicine Inc, let's talk about how they might match your individual needs and we'll demonstrate the proper form during an upcoming session.

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