Diaphragmatic Breathing and Electroacupuncture for Chronic Neck Pain

Chronic non specific neck pain is a prevalent musculoskeletal disorder with significant impact on pain, forward head posture, and neck disability. Diaphragmatic breathing has been shown to improve relaxation and reduce musculoskeletal pain, while electroacupuncture has potential benefits in modulating pain pathways. However, the combined effect of these interventions in chronic neck pain remains unexplored. This randomized clinical trial aims to evaluate the effectiveness of diaphragmatic breathing and electroacupuncture, in addition to physiotherapy care, compared to simple, focused breathing, electroacupuncture, and physiotherapy care. The primary outcomes are the numeric pain rating scale (NPRS) and neck disability index (NDI), while secondary outcome include craniovertebral angle (CVA).

Inclusion Criteria: * Patients having a history of the previous 3 months of chronic neck pain * NPRS 4-7 * Patients having paradoxical breathing * CVA less than 49 degrees Exclusion Criteria: * Congenital abnormality of the cervical spine * Post-traumatic neck pain * Hemorrhagic diseases * Radiculopathy