Impact of Indoor Air Quality and Breathing on Back and Neck Pain: A Systematic Review

Back pain and neck pain are important public health concerns and are among the most common and disabling conditions globally. However, the relationships among indoor air quality (IAQ), breathing parameters (pulmonary function, respiratory disorders), and back pain and neck pain have not been adequately assessed. The purpose of this study was to systematically review the literature about the impact of IAQ and breathing parameters on back pain and neck pain (PROSPERO ID: CRD42022380515). CINAHL, EMBASE, PEDRo, and PubMed databases were searched through January 19, 2023. Inclusion criteria for study eligibility were observational studies (except case reports) or randomized controlled trials (RCTs), published in peer-reviewed journals in the English language, human research, original research, examined the relationships between IAQ, or breathing parameters with back pain or neck pain. Review procedures were conducted and reported according to PRISMA recommendations. Empirical evidence statements were developed for observational studies, and grades of evidence statements were developed for RCTs. Sixty-seven eligible studies were found (54 observational studies and 13 RCTs) that enrolled 345,832 participants. None of the studies assessed the combined impact of IAQ and breathing parameters on back pain or neck pain. No level 1 studies were found, which precludes making strong statements about causality and strong recommendations about the efficacy of IAQ and breathing exercise interventions for reducing pain and disability related to back pain and neck pain. Evidence indicates that poor IAQ and respiratory disorders are related to an increased risk of back pain and neck pain. Conflicting evidence exists about the association between pulmonary function with back pain and neck pain. Evidence for breathing exercise interventions was mixed with numerous limitations. This review provides preliminary evidence on the relationships of IAQ and breathing parameters with back pain and neck pain, which can be used to guide future research and clinical implementation efforts. Assuming positive findings in subsequent research, a wide range of stakeholders involved with this complex human-building-environment interface can be equipped to address IAQ and breathing parameters, along with other established risk factors to help those suffering from back pain and neck pain.