New Research Links Breathing Techniques and Neck Pain Reduction

For those dealing with neck pain, you're familiar with how it limits your movement and disrupts everyday tasks. Chiropractic care at Amelia Chiropractic Clinic focuses on correcting 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

Researchers performed a comprehensive 2025 analysis in the Journal of Clinical Medicine to evaluate how breathing exercises impact neck pain outcomes. 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 fully understood, researchers believe these exercises may help by reducing muscle tension and promoting 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 integrating 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 counteract some of these effects.

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 via flexion distraction decompression manipulation. (3) (At Amelia Chiropractic Clinic we often refer to it as Cox® Technic!) Breathing exercises don't take the place of 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 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 important to have realistic expectations—breathing exercises are one component of care, not a independent fix.

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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