만성 목통증과 폐기능 및 호흡근 근력의 상관관계

Correlation Among Chronic Neck Pain, Pulmonary Function, and Respiratory Muscle Strength

Purpose: Chronic neck pain is associated with respiratory dysfunction, affecting pulmonary function and respiratory muscle strength. This study aimed to investigate the relationship among chronic neck pain, pulmonary function, and respiratory muscle strength in adults. Methods: Pulmonary function, including forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV₁), and FEV₁/FVC ratio, was assessed by spirometry. The respiratory muscle strength was measured based on the maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP) and maximal expiratory pressure (MEP). The relationship among chronic neck pain, pulmonary function, and respiratory muscle strength was examined by Pearson correlation analysis. Results: Chronic neck pain showed a significant negative correlation with FVC, FEV₁, and MEP, whereas MIP demonstrated a nonsignificant negative relationship. Conclusion: Chronic neck pain contributes to the reduction in pulmonary function and respiratory muscle strength, particularly MEP. These results indicate the need for pulmonary function assessment and interventions to improve the respiratory function of patients with chronic neck pain.