New Research Links Breathing Techniques and Neck Pain Reduction

If you're experiencing neck pain, you know how it can interfere with work, sleep, and the activities you enjoy. While chiropractic care at Moriarty Chiropractic addresses the structural components of neck pain, new research suggests that breathing exercises may offer additional benefits as part of a comprehensive treatment approach.

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 lower pain intensity and boost function in patients with neck pain. (1) While the mechanisms are not completely understood, researchers believe these exercises may assist by decreasing muscle tension and pushing 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 include breathing techniques may help lower 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 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 Moriarty Chiropractic 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 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 cure-all approach.

If breathing exercises sound like something you'd like to try, we can assess whether they're appropriate for your particular situation and show you the correct methods at your next appointment.

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