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Tight neck muscles can be caused by a variety of factors, including muscle strain, spinal stenosis, allergies, inflammation, infection, or even a reaction to a digestive upset. While there may not be a direct causal link between neck pain and breathing pattern disorders (BPDs), the two may be related. For instance, when breathing becomes more difficult, the body compensates by recruiting the cervical accessory muscles, which can lead to altered breathing patterns. Additionally, respiratory mechanics play a crucial role in posture and spinal stabilization, and dysfunction in one area can lead to dysfunction in the other. While there is no definitive evidence that tight neck muscles cause wheezing, the relationship between neck pain and respiratory issues is complex and warrants further investigation.
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What You'll Learn
Neck pain and its link to breathing pattern disorders
Breathing with normal respiratory mechanics plays a significant role in maintaining posture and spinal stabilisation. The thoracic spine and the interconnected muscles are responsible for normal inspiration and expiration. When breathing becomes challenging, the body compensates by recruiting the Cervical Accessory Muscles, such as the scalenes and sternocleidomastoids. This altered breathing pattern can be an early indication of underlying issues, whether mechanical, physiological, or psychological in nature.
People with neck pain often exhibit respiratory weakness and are more likely to adopt a chest-dominant breathing pattern, which places additional strain on the neck accessory muscles. This can lead to reduced respiratory performance due to the involvement of the sternocleidomastoid, trapezius, and scaleni muscles in cervical movement and inspiration. Furthermore, forward head posture, a common musculoskeletal condition, can cause muscular imbalance and segmental instability, leading to alterations in the thoracic spine and decreased thoracic mobility. These changes restrict rib expansion, resulting in decreased lung volume and potential obstruction of breathing.
The presence of neck pain alongside BPD requires a holistic approach to management. Physiotherapy interventions may include making patients aware of their disordered breathing patterns and teaching them relaxation techniques for the jaw, upper chest, shoulders, and neck. Re-educating a patient's breathing pattern to utilise nose-abdominal/diaphragmatic breathing techniques can be beneficial. Additionally, therapeutic breathing exercises, such as diaphragmatic breathing and pursed lip breathing, can help increase lung capacity and improve overall respiratory health.
Treating neck pain and preventing further issues can be achieved through various methods. Massage therapy, chiropractic care, and physical therapy are all effective in reducing muscle tension, relieving soreness, and improving overall neck health. Consulting a healthcare professional is essential to determine the best course of treatment for an individual's specific needs.
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The role of the musculoskeletal system in breathing
While there is no direct causal link between neck pain and breathing pattern disorders (BPD), the two may be connected. Neck pain can cause breathing to become more difficult or altered, and the body compensates by recruiting the cervical accessory muscles. For example, the scalenes are always active during the inspiratory phase of breathing, and the sternocleidomastoids participate during strong inspiratory efforts.
Respiratory mechanics play a key role in posture and spinal stabilization. Dysfunction in one can lead to dysfunction in the other. During respiration, a stabilized cervical and thoracic spine are needed for other muscles to act, moving the ribs up or down. In the case of instability, the rib cage could present mechanical alterations leading to insufficient respiratory dysfunction, influencing all muscles involved such as the diaphragm, intercostals, or abdominals due to adapted contraction patterns based on the muscles' force-length curve. Thus, inspiration and expiration strength could be lessened in patients with neck pain.
Breathing pattern disorders can be complex and variable, with multi-systemic reactions from the body. Some symptoms include breathlessness, being unable to take a satisfying deep breath, tightness in the chest, 'air hunger', sighing, yawning, or coughing and throat clearing. Other physiological signs of BPD include atrophy and weakness in the muscles of respiration, hypertrophy of accessory muscles, 'barrel chest', or mouth-breathing.
Neck pain and stiffness can be caused by a variety of factors, including muscle strain, spinal stenosis, allergies, inflammation, infection, or a digestive upset such as heartburn or GERD. In some cases, neck pain can be caused by an underlying respiratory condition such as a cold, bronchitis, or asthma. Treatment for neck pain caused by coughing may include massage therapy, chiropractic care, physical therapy, or over-the-counter pain relievers.
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Coughing and its impact on neck strain
Coughing, especially when forceful or repeated, can cause neck strain. When you cough, your neck muscles contract forcefully to expel air from the lungs. This contraction can strain the neck muscles themselves, and may also compress nerves or exacerbate existing joint or spinal issues in the neck vertebrae. The result is pain and discomfort ranging from mild to severe.
The muscles involved are the sternocleidomastoid muscles on either side of the front of the neck, as well as the scalene muscles located in the lateral neck. Nerves, including the vagus nerve and cervical spinal nerves, also run through the neck region. Intense or repetitive coughing can overwork neck muscles like the sternocleidomastoids, leading to strain or spasms, especially in those with weaker neck muscles.
The way you cough, including the position of your head and the duration of coughing, can also strain neck and shoulder muscles. Poor posture during daily activities or prolonged resting in uncomfortable positions while ill can contribute to neck pain during coughing. Certain serious conditions can also sometimes cause neck pain when coughing, including meningitis, cervical spinal tumours or cancers, and multiple sclerosis.
If neck pain from coughing becomes severe or is accompanied by other concerning symptoms, it is important to consult a healthcare professional. Several respiratory conditions can lead to persistent coughing, which may contribute to neck pain. These include the common cold, bronchitis, sinusitis, and asthma.
There are a number of treatments available to alleviate neck strain caused by coughing. For mild to moderate neck pain from coughing, over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help alleviate discomfort and reduce inflammation. Applying heat or cold packs to the neck can also reduce pain and muscle tension. Massage therapy is another effective treatment for reducing muscle tension and relieving soreness associated with neck strain from coughing. Chiropractic care and physical therapy can also be beneficial for treating neck strain caused by coughing.
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Chiropractic care for neck pain
While there may not be a direct causal link between neck pain and wheezing, tight neck muscles can cause breathing difficulties. When breathing becomes more difficult, the body compensates by recruiting the cervical accessory muscles. This can result in symptoms such as breathlessness, coughing, throat clearing, and tightness in the chest.
Chiropractic care is a form of complementary medicine that uses a holistic approach to treat illness and pain. Chiropractic care for neck pain may include spinal adjustments, electrical stimulation, heat/ice therapy, and general wellness advice. Chiropractors are healthcare providers who focus on the musculoskeletal system and the body's ability to heal itself. They may use manual manipulation, massage, or other techniques to treat neck pain and help restore neck mobility.
One of the benefits of chiropractic care for neck pain is pain relief without medication. A 2012 study found that spinal manipulation therapy (SMT) was more effective than medication in relieving pain. Another benefit is that chiropractic treatment can improve neck mobility and range of motion. Chiropractors use spinal adjustments to realign the vertebrae in the neck, relieving pressure on nerves and reducing inflammation. These adjustments can improve mobility, alleviate muscle tension, and support overall neck health.
However, chiropractic care may not be suitable for all types of neck pain. People with neck pain caused by bone fractures, severe arthritis, infections, or severe osteoporosis should see a medical doctor for evaluation and treatment. A rare side effect of spinal manipulation is blood vessel damage or stroke. There is also a risk of worsening the injury or condition. It is important to consult with a healthcare provider to determine if chiropractic care is suitable for your specific condition and needs.
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Medical tests for neck tightness
While tightness in the neck muscles alone may not directly cause wheezing, it may be a symptom of an underlying condition that could be causing respiratory issues. A tight neck could be indicative of cervical spine issues, which can cause breathing pattern disorders.
Physical Examination
A physical examination of the neck typically includes a standardised approach along with a series of special tests to help diagnose the cause of neck pain. This involves inspection, palpation, active and passive range of motion, strength, and neurovascular tests.
Imaging Tests
- MRI: This test can identify problems such as a herniated disc or a pinched nerve, which could be causing pressure on the spinal cord and subsequent neck tightness.
- CT Scan: This test is used to examine the bone and spinal canal, which can reveal any structural issues that may be causing neck tightness.
- Myelogram: This test specifically looks at the spinal canal and nerve roots, which can help identify any nerve-related issues causing neck tightness.
Special Tests
- Lhermitte's Test: The patient is seated, and the examiner passively flexes the patient's neck and hip. A positive result is sharp pain down the spine or into a limb, indicating a potential lesion.
- Spurling's Test: Used to test for cervical radiculopathy, this test involves the examiner applying an axial load to the patient's head while they rotate their neck. A positive test is the reproduction of pain radiating into the upper extremity.
- Shoulder Abduction Relief Test: This test evaluates cervical radiculopathy by having the patient raise the affected limb above the head. A positive test is relief of symptoms, suggesting reduced traction forces on the nerve.
- Cervical Distraction Test: The patient lies on an examination table, and the physician applies a distracting force to the head. A positive test is the reduction or elimination of symptoms, indicating cervical radiculopathy or facet symptoms.
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Frequently asked questions
Tight neck muscles can be caused by muscle strain, spinal stenosis, allergies, inflammation, infection, or a digestive upset.
Tight neck muscles alone are unlikely to cause wheezing, but they may be a symptom of a breathing pattern disorder (BPD) or respiratory condition, which can cause wheezing.
Symptoms of BPD can be complex and variable, but breathlessness is one of the main symptoms. Other symptoms include coughing, throat clearing, and yawning.
Depending on the cause, you can relieve tight neck muscles by staying hydrated, taking non-prescription pain relievers, or seeking medical treatments such as massage therapy, chiropractic care, or physical therapy.
