Breathing exercises may help persistent low back pain, but evidence remains uncertain
A review of randomized trials found lower pain scores and better function, with low confidence in how reliable those benefits are.
Based on the published abstract. The full paper may contain additional methods, results and limitations.
The 30-second takeaway
Breathing exercises were associated with lower pain scores and better function in the reviewed trials of chronic nonspecific low back pain. The pooled results favored breathing exercises over interventions without them. However, evidence certainty was low to very low, leaving uncertainty about the size and reliability of the reported benefits.
Results varied substantially between studies, and several studies had a high risk of bias. The abstract does not describe whether benefits persisted after the programs ended.
What researchers found
Pain intensity
Breathing exercises versus interventions without them, across programs lasting 2 to 12 weeks; pooled pain scores favored breathing exercises.
What the review measured
Researchers assessed pain and disability separately, and both pooled results favored breathing exercises. These findings concern symptom and function scores; they do not identify which breathing technique would work best for a particular person.
Beyond pain and function
The review also reported favorable results for respiratory function, core muscle activity and beliefs about avoiding activity because of pain. These additional measurements broaden the findings, but they do not remove the review's uncertainty about benefits.
The original publication
Can breathing exercises effectively treat people with chronic non-specific low back pain? A systemic review with meta-analysis.
Chen AY, Lin IJ, Chen YT et al.
J Back Musculoskelet Rehabil · 2026
- PubMed ID
- 40965964
- Record checked
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