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 Gormish Chiropractic & Rehabilitation 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

Researchers conducted 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 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.

|Additional research targeted forward head posture, a widespread problem in today's digital age. Results displayed that combining breathing exercises with rehabilitation efforts could help those suffering from long-term neck pain related to this postural issue. (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 care has established evidence for treating various neck conditions. For example, research has documented successful treatment of cervical disc herniation with radiculopathy via flexion distraction decompression manipulation. (3) (At Gormish Chiropractic & Rehabilitation we often call it Cox® Technic!) Breathing exercises don't 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 quite good to have realistic expectations—breathing exercises are one component of care, not a independent fix.

If you are interested in incorporating breathing exercises into your chiropractic treatment plan, we can talk about whether this approach makes sense for your specific condition and show you proper techniques during your next visit.

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