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. While chiropractic care at Satterwhite Chiropractic addresses the structural issues of neck pain, recent research suggests that breathing exercises may offer additional benefits as part of a comprehensive treatment approach.

WHAT THE RESEARCH SHOWS

A 2025 study in the Journal of Clinical Medicine reviewed multiple clinical trials to assess whether breathing exercises effectively reduce neck pain. The study found that breathing exercises can help lower pain intensity and improve function in patients with neck pain. (1) While the mechanisms aren't completely understood, researchers believe these exercises may help by reducing muscle tension and promoting better posture awareness.

A separate study examined patients with forward head posture—increasingly prevalent due to smartphone and computer use. The findings implied that rehabilitation programs that incorporate breathing techniques may help reduce 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 decrease this burden.

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 via flexion distraction decompression manipulation. (3) (At Satterwhite Chiropractic we often call it Cox® Technic!) Breathing exercises do not 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 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 quite good 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 show you the correct methods at your next appointment.

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