Respiratory Muscle Strength, Endurance, and Postural Control in Chronic Neck Pain With Disability

Neck pain is a common cause of disability worldwide, especially among middle-aged women in wealthy countries. It often occurs in episodes and can become chronic, affecting physical, psychological, emotional, and social aspects of life, which reduces quality of life for both patients and their families. Research has shown that neck pain is linked to problems with movement control, such as reduced neck mobility, increased activity in surface muscles, and poor body position awareness. These issues may lead to breathing problems because surface neck muscles are involved in inhalation. Studies have found that people with chronic neck pain have reduced lung function and altered breathing patterns compared to healthy individuals. However, no research has yet explored how respiratory endurance and balance control relate to neck pain severity. This study will assess respiratory muscle strength, endurance, and postural control in people with chronic neck pain. Participants will be divided into groups based on the severity of their neck disability, and their respiratory and balance measurements will be compared to healthy individuals. The goal is to understand whether worsening neck disability is associated with greater respiratory problems.